Talking about our finances made us feel more in control: How opening up about money helped one couple plan for the future

Planning for the future can feel daunting when there are a range of factors beyond your control.

And when it comes to topics that lots of people already find awkward to discuss, like money, it can be tempting to simply put off having these conversations.

If this sounds familiar, its important to remind yourself that a good conversation about money may not only help you get your finances in a better shape for the future - it could also help you feel happier in the present too.

Thats certainly the case for Vicky, 45, and Ted, 43, who met with Skipton Building Society Savings Specialist Andy Messenger to discuss savings, retirement and legacy planning for their children.

Vicky and Ted are looking to put money aside for their daughter, Audrey - who is 11 and has Downs Syndrome - and eight-year-old son, Rex

The married couple, from Hove, found it reassuring to be able to run things through with someone and left feeling really positive about the options available to them.

Vicky, a content and community marketer for a local charity, admits to feeling pretty clueless about the pensions she has collected over the years.

She also wants help organising Junior ISAs for their daughter, Audrey - who is 11 and has Downs Syndrome - and eight-year-old son, Rex.

Id like to be better at putting money aside and knowing what my pension situation is, says Vicky. I would also like to hear about the best ways to provide for Audrey in particular.

As an associate director at an investment firm, Ted feels confident about personal finance.

But with so many decisions to be made, he wants to ensure he and Vicky are putting their savings in the right products and preparing correctly for retirement and their childrens future, especially concerning Audrey and her needs.

When he meets the couple, Andy is impressed by their determination to tackle these important issues at an early stage.

Its important not to avoid difficult conversations like legacy planning, he says. Things can seem a lot less intimidating when everyone has explained everything in a clear way.

During their discussion, Andy reiterates the importance of saving towards their retirement and future goals and doing this as early as possible, even if they only put aside small amounts to begin with.

They meet with Skipton Building Society Savings Specialist Andy Messenger to discuss retirement and legacy planning for their children

Andy explains how time can be a huge advantage when it comes to saving for children, with any money they put aside now potentially having plenty of years to grow

He explains how having more time can be a huge advantage when it comes to saving for children, with any money they put aside now potentially having plenty of years to grow.

Andy also says its a good idea to be thinking about legacy planning for their children, even if it can feel uncomfortable.

Ted found it useful to discuss his financial planning with Andy and left the meeting feeling reassured he was already making some sensible decisions.

He also thought it was beneficial to be reminded of the importance of keeping a pot of money in an easy access account where it is available immediately for emergencies, as well as some of the ways to make his savings work harder.

Meanwhile, Vicky found the chat more comfortable than she expected, and liked the way Andy offered genuine, thoughtful guidance rather than a sales pitch.

Skipton Building Society has what it calls a No Pressure Promise, which means they wont pressure anyone into taking their products or recommend anything that they dont think is right for them.

Vicky adds: It was nice to speak to someone who was as down to earth as Andy and to feel like weve done lots of things right.

With his help we can plan even better for our family’s future. I feel really positive about planning and motivated to put things in place.

Book a My Money Review with Skipton Building Society by visiting skipton.co.uk/my-money-review.

Skipton Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, under registration number 153706, for accepting deposits, advising on and arranging mortgages and providing Restricted financial advice. Principal Office, The Bailey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1DN.