Talking about money: IELTS Task 2 essay #11, band 9.0

There is an ongoing trend of people talking about money more frequently than in the past. This development is largely driven by rising living costs and increasing financial pressure. In my view, it is a negative trend because it contributes to stress-related problems and may encourage dishonest behaviour.

One major reason is the increasing cost of living in many urban areas. Housing, transportation, education, and healthcare have become significantly more expensive, forcing people to pay closer attention to their finances. Many individuals now feel pressure to earn higher incomes simply to maintain a reasonable standard of living. In major cities such as London, rapidly rising housing costs have made financial concerns a central part of everyday conversations.

Stress and mental health problems are one important consequence of this trend. Constant concern about earning and saving money can create significant psychological pressure, particularly among people with demanding jobs and financial responsibilities. Many workers take on longer hours or additional employment in an attempt to improve their financial situation, leaving less time for rest and recovery. In Japan, for example, long working hours and intense financial pressure have been linked to high levels of stress and mental health difficulties among employees.

Another negative consequence is the potential increase in dishonest or illegal behaviour. Individuals who face severe financial difficulties may become more willing to engage in activities that they would normally avoid. Financial pressure can encourage fraud, theft, and other forms of crime, particularly when people believe they have limited opportunities to improve their circumstances legally. This can be seen in Mexico, where financial hardship is often associated with higher levels of criminal activity.

In conclusion, people are increasingly talking about money because living costs and financial pressures continue to rise. Although financial awareness is important, this trend is largely negative because it contributes to stress and may encourage criminal behaviour in some situations.