Break the cycle of financial anxiety through early education
Clare Stinton, Head of Workplace Saving Analysis, Hargreaves Lansdown
A conversation with one of JFF’s corporate partners: Clare Stinton, Head of Workplace Saving Analysis, Hargreaves Lansdown
Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Hargreaves London
As Head of Workplace Saving Analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown (HL), I steer our financial education strategy, using data-driven insights to create material that helps people make better financial decisions. Over the past decade, I’ve spent much of my career delivering financial education to adults across the UK on all things personal finance.
How is financial literacy relevant to your career and role at HL?
Over the last eleven years at HL, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of low financial literacy – from elderly clients confused by their late spouses’ investments, to employees unaware of how pensions help them keep more of what they earn.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard adults say, “why weren’t we taught this in school?” Financial education from an early age isn’t just helpful – its life changing.
What was your experience with financial education as a child?
Growing up, I was fortunate to learn about money at home in a way many others didn’t. My dad was a financial adviser, so I picked up a lot from dinner table conversations, or from the car phone when it was Dad’s turn to do the school run. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate how valuable this chit chat would become – not just for my career, but also for navigating my own finances.
Why do you think it’s important that every child receives quality financial education?
Financial worries are one of the biggest causes of stress today. The key to reducing that anxiety? Knowledge. Financial education isn’t about growing wealth for luxuries, it’s about understanding how to make smart choices to build financial independence and create a future of stability. Life is littered with money decisions, one or two poor choices can have a lasting impact, which is why early education can be a game changer.
How have you been involved with JFF this year? What stood out to you?
By the time a child turns seven, their financial habits are already largely formed, making early education at home just as important as what they learn in school. That’s why we teamed up with JFF for Talk Money Week, Sarah Wallace joined HL panellists to explore how everyday moments can teach children about money.
The event reached over 600 attendees and sparked 12 new school partnership enquiries for JFF. What struck me most, was learning that the average age of a first online purchase is just ten years old. If children are spending money online at such a young age, they need to understand it’s value early on – especially in today’s digital world where money is becoming increasingly invisible.
“By the time a child turns seven, their financial habits are already largely formed, making early education at home just as important as what they learn in school.”
Can you share any benefits you have seen for your team or workplace from engaging with JFF and financial education?
Money plays a role in almost every life decision we make, yet financial anxiety is a growing issue. Financial literacy should be a life skill, just like reading or writing. Educating children equips the next generation with the skills to navigate money confidently, and over time this should help close the investing and wealth gaps. By supporting financial education we’re not just helping individuals, we’re building a stronger, more financially secure society for the future.
The work JFF does in schools gives young people the tools to take control of their financial futures. With individuals now more responsible than ever for their own financial security, equipping the next generation with these skills has never been more essential.
You can read more about JFF’s partnership with Hargreaves Lansdown here.