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 July, Kelvingrove Café will offer free pastel de natas to customers who stop by to take part in informal discussions about investing with Scottish financial influencer and TV presenter Chloe Carmichael, founder of Chloe’s Deal Club. The initiative aims to make investing feel more accessible and to build financial confidence through relaxed, everyday conversations.
New research commissioned by the government-backed Invest for the Future campaign suggests that while interest in investing is growing, many Scots remain hesitant to take the first step. Nearly two in five (41%) Scottish savers say they are curious to learn more about investing, yet barriers persist. Over seven in ten (73%) describe investing as “a big step”, while 32% admit they do not know where to begin.
A key issue appears to be a lack of open discussion. More than seven in ten (72%) respondents say they rarely or never talk about investing with others, highlighting a cultural gap the campaign is seeking to address. Encouragingly, two in five (37%) say they would feel more likely to invest after speaking with someone they know, pointing to the power of conversation in building confidence.
The Glasgow event is designed to create a welcoming space where people can ask questions, hear real-life experiences and discuss long-term financial goals in a familiar setting. By hosting the initiative in a popular local café, organisers hope to remove the formality often associated with financial advice and instead foster open, no-nonsense dialogue.
Chloe Carmichael 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.”
Backed by major UK financial institutions including Barclays, the Invest for the Future campaign aims to spark everyday conversations about investing and address common concerns. Fear of loss remains one of the biggest barriers for savers, but experts warn that leaving money in cash over the long term can also carry risks due to inflation.
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Barclays research shows that over the past 20 years, cash savings would have fallen in value by 40.5% after accounting for interest, inflation and fees. By contrast, an illustrative diversified UK investment portfolio would have grown by 21.6%. In real terms, £1,000 held in cash would now be worth £595, compared to £1,216 if 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.”
