The White Ensign Association (WEA) is encouraging serving personnel, veterans and families to start the conversation about money as part of Talk Money Week, a national campaign led by the government’s Money and Pensions Service to help people feel more confident talking about their finances.
Throughout the week the WEA will share practical messages and feedback from real cases, highlighting how positive outcomes are achieved when people take the first step and speak openly about their financial situation.
The work of the WEA is centred on providing trusted, independent guidance that helps members of the Naval community gain financial confidence through its five support services: Financial Wellbeing, Armed Forces Pensions, Armed Forces Compensation, Civilian Employment and Professional Services Advice. In 2024, the WEA helped more than 7,000 people to navigate a solid present and build a confident future.
Focused on promoting financial literacy and encouraging financial stability throughout a naval career, the WEA delivers a Financial Awareness Lecture to Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Phase 2 trainees. In 2024, Financial Wellbeing Manager Alfie Orton briefed more than 2,500 trainees across Royal Navy and Royal Marines training establishments. Debt clinics are also provided at RN bases to support individuals and Divisional Officers with signposting responsibilities. The WEA’s Financial Wellbeing service is kindly supported by Greenwich Hospital.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, said:
“Financial confidence is a cornerstone of personal resilience and professional readiness.
Through its partnership with the Royal Navy, the White Ensign Association offers trusted guidance that empowers our people to make informed financial decisions throughout their service.
Open conversations about money are vital – not only for building individual confidence, but also for supporting family stability and enhancing the overall wellbeing of our personnel.”
Commodore Stuart Wright RN, Chief Executive Officer of the White Ensign Association, said:
“We are delighted to support Talk Money Week and to work alongside the Royal Navy in promoting financial awareness across the Naval community.
“I echo First Sea Lord’s sentiments and it’s never too early to start talking about money. It helps individuals and their families feel more in control and better prepared for the future, and our expert team with first-hand understanding of the unique circumstances of Naval life provides the free and impartial support to make that possible.”
In 2024, Talk Money Week was supported by major banks, government departments, NHS Trusts and charities including Citizens Advice and Money and Mental Health. The 2025 theme, Start the Conversation, reflects the campaign’s ongoing mission to help everyone in the UK improve their financial wellbeing.
For more information about Talk Money Week, visit www.maps.org.uk/talk-money-week.
To learn more about the White Ensign Association and its free, independent guidance for the Naval community, visit www.whiteensign.co.uk.
