Money Charity see sharp decline in men seeking financial advise in Bucks
While the cause for this trend is unknown, shame has been to blame in the past
The start of this year has seen a sharp drop in men seeking financial advice and support from a money charity in Buckinghamshire.
Citizens Advice Bucks, which helps provide financial advise, from tips to avoid debt to targeted advice concerning bills or benefits, has rarely seen such a trend.
Whilst it is generally less common for men to seek support from their service, the charity is concerned this could affect men entering debt spirals and finding themselves in a more precarious position than ever before.
Interim Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Bucks, Craig Glynn, said: "Not to feed into stereotypes too much, but it is kind of typical that men often are not the ones to reach out for support."
"Whether that comes to their health or in this case advice issues, and I think we've seen that drop by a further 3% this year, so if you are a man out there who is struggling with your finances or you have a man in your life who is important to you, give them a nudge and maybe that's the motivation they need."
Whilst the trend is worrying to the charity, who want to support those in need, there are larger concerns when it comes to the suspected reasons behind this change.
Amongst those are 'shame', which is often reported by men as being a reason for keeping their financial struggles to themselves, as well as riskier money moves more commonly undertaken by men.
Mr Glynn said: "There's long stereotypes that exist for reasons, we were brought up to think of asking for help in certain ways."
"There are a bunch of slightly riskier behaviours that are typical amongst men that are less typical in female populations."
"There are quite significant trends, particularly the men for example are more likely to engage in gambling, they are more likely to seek the support from a loan shark - I'm using the word 'support' very loosely there."
With these riskier behaviours come other concerns such as addiction, criminal activity, and further and quicker debt spirals.
The charity wants to encourage anyone struggling to seek advice online, in person, or over the phone before it's too late.
"Do reach out for help, there's people all over the county who are ready to do so, and you're not going to tell them anything shocking, they just want to get to the practical solutions with you", added Mr Glynn.