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Say it over a drink
We've put financial conversation-starters on coasters in pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes across the UK, to help break the silence around money, debt, and financial difficulty. The most important conversation at the table is usually the one nobody starts.
25 ways to turn everyday moments into opportunities for honest conversations
Every coaster in the ‘Say It Over A Drink’ campaign features a different question to help spark honest conversations about money.
Whether you're dealing with debt, feeling the pressure of rising costs, or simply finding things tough financially, you don't have to keep it to yourself.
Some of the most important conversations happen over a drink. A pint with friends, a coffee catch-up, or a quiet dinner for two can be the perfect opportunity to open up and share what's really on your mind.
Debt doesn't have to be a taboo
Most of us are comfortable talking about almost everything except money.
Whether it's debt, financial struggles, or our bank balance, many people would rather avoid the conversation altogether. But opening up can be the first step towards feeling better and finding support.
Our recent survey of 300 Lowell customers revealed just how uncomfortable many people feel talking about money:
- 1 in 4 would rather talk about sex than debt with their family.
- 69% would rather have their search history revealed than their bank balance.
The findings highlight just how powerful the stigma around debt remains.
But there's reason to be optimistic. 93% of people believe debt should be discussed more openly, and 82% said simply talking about their debt made them feel better.
The message is clear: when we talk more openly about money and debt, we reduce the stigma, make it easier to seek support, and help more people realise they're not facing financial difficulties alone.
That's why we're encouraging more people to start talking.
Breaking the silence around debt
Rather than designing the coasters in-house, we partnered with five independent illustrators from cities across the UK and gave each of them the same challenge: turn a difficult conversation into something people would want to pick up and engage with.
The result is a collection of 25 unique coaster designs, each featuring a different conversation starter and the illustrator's own creative style.
Together, they transform everyday moments over a drink into opportunities for more open conversations about money, debt, and financial wellbeing.
Sam Peel
London
The designs purposely have incorporated elements of the Lowell colour palettes but are designed to feel independent.
Becky Mann
Leeds
Becky used overlapping colours from the Lowell palette to pose conversation starters around debt and financial wellbeing.
Ery Burns
Bristol
These designs contrast greatly with the other suites to her unique style, incorporating the Lowell colour palette whilst ensuring her individual and recognisable style remains throughout.
James Cluer
London
James uses digital art to pose questions around debt and financial wellbeing to promote open conversations around the topic.
Emily Birch
Birmingham
Emily uses characters to showcase feelings around debt and financial wellbeing to promote conversations that break the debt stigma.
The conversation doesn't have to end here
If money's been weighing on you, free, judgement-free support is available right now. Get in touch with Lowell for free advice on your debt.
If debt's been weighing on you, free, judgement-free support is available right now.
Visit our Support Hub to find free, independent debt advice services, including StepChange and Citizens Advice, where you can access impartial guidance and support.
If you're a Lowell customer and you're worried about your finances, please get in touch with us. We're here to listen, understand your situation, and help you explore the support options available to you.
Looking for more support?
- Read our Debt Support Guide to learn more about the help and support available.
- Visit our Debt Guidance Hub for practical resources, information and advice.
Methodology
Lowell UK surveyed 294 of their customers to understand attitudes toward debt, asking whether they would rather discuss money worries or engage in another ‘Taboo’ topic or activity. The survey ran in February 2026.
