Money, Minds, and the Jam Jar Fix

Ever felt that knot in your stomach when the phone rings or another brown envelope lands on the mat? We go straight at that feeling with the Money and Me team from Mind in Salford, unpacking how money stress and mental health lock into a vicious cycle—and how small, steady changes can unlock control and calm. From the first brave step of opening bills together to six weeks of guided sessions, we map the journey from avoidance to action in a way that’s humane, practical, and surprisingly hopeful.

We start with the realities our community knows too well: “tap-and-forget” spending that hides in bank statements, micro-subscriptions that quietly multiply, and takeaways ordered when energy or mood is low. The team shares simple tools that punch above their weight—three-month spend analysis to surface patterns, weekly meal plans that shrink food waste, and jam-jar budgeting with cash or digital pots (including locked essentials). We talk needs versus wants without judgement, and we wrestle with the hardest parts: saying no to kids, protecting dignity, and keeping some colour in life when budgets are tight.

What makes the difference is how support shows up: in trusted hubs, face to face, with a pace that respects mental health. Group sessions reduce stigma; one-to-one work builds tailored habits. We hear the wins—members feeling better, regaining control, and even turning a “wants” pot into a buffer that prevents the next crisis. Along the way, we call out the bigger picture: too many people working hard, still forced into impossible choices. Community doesn’t fix policy, but it does restore agency—28 families engaged in one visit when help met them where they are.

If you found this useful, subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who might need a gentle nudge toward support. Got thoughts, questions, or a story to add? Email podcast@breadandbutterthing.org and come have a brew with us.