It all adds up: clearer numbers equal better decisions

Important information: the value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest.

#NationalNumeracyDay on 21 May, is a timely reminder that numbers can be overwhelming - especially when they’re tied to big life decisions like saving, investing, or managing your money.

Right now, around half of UK adults have numeracy levels equivalent to a primary school child (age 11)¹. That’s not a reflection of intelligence. It’s a reflection of how financial information is often presented - full of jargon, complexity and unnecessary detail. 

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Poor numeracy can lead to poor financial choices

When people struggle with numbers, the consequences can stretch beyond feeling anxious about a spreadsheet. It can lead to making poor decisions. 

From picking a loan with hidden fees because you haven’t spotted the fine-print interest rate, to watching credit-card balances explode with interest you never calculated, to not being about to plan and stick to monthly budget… avoiding numbers won’t help. But financial education, and having those numbers presented in clearer ways, absolutely can.  

Committed to doing better by our customers 

That’s why we’ve partnered with Plain Numbers - to help us communicate more clearly, especially when it comes to the numbers that matter. From the way we explain fees, to how we show performance or talk about risks, we’re making small but meaningful changes that make a big difference to your experience.

Because when you understand the numbers, you can make choices with confidence - and that in turn will help you feel more in control of your financial future. You shouldn’t need a finance degree to manage your money. You just need information that’s fair, clear, and easy to act on.

And that’s exactly what we’re working towards - one number at a time.

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Sources:

¹ Based on the National Numeracy Trust’s 2024 survey of UK adults