Pastel de natter: scottish cafe serves up money chats with a free treat

• Two in five (41%) savers in Scotland want to learn more about investing, yet seven in 10 rarely talk about it
• Nearly two in five (37%) say speaking to someone they know about investing would make them feel more confident about getting started
• On Thursday 2^nd July, Kelvingrove Café, a Glasgow institution has partnered with Scottish financial influencer and TV presenter, Chloe Carmichael (Chloe’s Deal Club) to encourage more open conversations about money and investing

People across Scotland are being encouraged to start talking more openly about investing, as the nationwide Invest for the Future campaign brings its conversation-led initiative to Glasgow.

On Thursday 2^nd July, Kelvingrove Café, a popular fixture in Glasgow, will be giving away free pastel de natas to customers¹ who stop by to take part in an informal conversation about investing with Scottish financial influencer and TV presenter, Chloe Carmichael who founded the successful Instagram page, Chloe’s Deal Club.

The partnership is designed start making investing feel more accessible and encourage greater financial confidence among people across Scotland.

People across Scotland are curious about investing, but rarely talk about it amongst themselves

New research² reveals nearly two in five (41%) Scottish savers are curious to learn more about investing, suggesting they are looking to make more of their money.

The study, which was commissioned by the government supported, Invest for the Future campaign, also reveals the barriers currently holding locals back.

Over seven in 10 (73%) say it feels like “a big step”, and many don’t know where to start (32%).

Part of the reason for that may be because it is so rarely talked about openly in everyday life - over seven in 10 (72%) say they rarely or never discuss it.

The research highlights a clear opportunity to normalise investing and build confidence by making conversations about it more visible and accessible.

In fact, two in five (37%) Scottish savers say they would feel more likely to invest after a conversation with someone they know.

The partnership with Kelvingrove Café in Glasgow aims to encourage relaxed, no-nonsense conversations about investing

Kelvingrove Café will encourage customers to come in for relaxed conversation all about investing and money, and exchange for taking part, they will receive a sweet treat to kick start the weekend. The ambition is to create a space where people can ask questions, hear real-life experiences and talk more openly about long-term financial goals in a comfortable, everyday setting, where relaxed interactions happen daily.

Chloe Carmichael (Chloe’s Deal Club) said: "Investing can often feel intimidating, especially when so many people don't talk about it openly. Yet the research shows that savers across Scotland are curious to learn more. And this starts with conversation.

“That's why I'm excited to be partnering with Invest for the Future – the aim of which is to make investing more accessible through conversations. You don't need to be an expert to start investing, and you certainly don't need all the answers. Sometimes all it takes is the confidence that comes from asking questions!”

The Invest for the Future campaign is backed by major UK financial firms including Barclays It aims to spark everyday conversations about investing, and address some of the concerns that people may have. 

For example, while fear of loss is one of the biggest barriers stopping savers in the region from taking the next step, leaving too much money sitting in cash over the long term can also carry risks, as its value can be eroded by inflation.  

Looking back over the last 20 years, research from Barclays shows that after taking account of interest earned, inflation and investment fees cash would have reduced in value by 40.5% while an illustrative diversified investment portfolio of UK assets would have gone up 21.6%.3 In real terms that means £1,000 in cash savings would now be worth £595 compared to £1,216 invested 

Gordon Scott, Head of Private Bank & Wealth Management, North & Midlands at Barclays said:

“For too long, investing has been seen as something for a certain type of person. The ‘Invest for the Future’ campaign is about changing that perception by bringing investing conversations into everyday life.

Kelvingrove Café is a much-loved part of the Glasgow community and a place where people naturally connect and share experiences. By taking the conversation beyond traditional financial settings and into familiar community spaces, Barclays wants to help more people feel confident to engage with investing, explore their options and take that first step towards building their financial future.”