Q&A with Benji Landau: How Mesila helps families achieve financial stability
Benji Landau joined Aron Coleman on The Nexus Podcast to discuss Mesila UK’s essential work in helping Jewish families manage their finances. With years of communal service experience, Benji shares how Mesila’s coaching empowers families to take control of their financial lives, turning challenges into opportunities for long-term stability.
Benji, what is Mesila UK, and what financial challenges do families typically face when they come to you?
Mesila UK provides comprehensive support to families facing a range of financial challenges.
We typically see three main categories. About 10% of families are just able to cover their monthly expenses but have no savings for future needs, putting them at risk for future financial strain. Another 20% are in low-income jobs, facing a significant monthly shortfall that makes it hard to cover basic needs.
However, most are families where both partners work and earn a decent income. Yet, they face a persistent lack of clarity in their finances, which often results in difficulty managing unexpected or even expected expenses.
What is the process for families who seek Mesila’s help?
The first step we take with families is to create a detailed “snapshot” of their finances. This involves recording all sources of income and every type of expenditure.
It’s surprising how many families think they have a handle on their spending, only to discover they’ve underestimated recurring and variable costs once they complete our workbooks. This comprehensive view is eye-opening and is the foundation for the coaching process.
Once we have clarity on their financial situation, we move to the next step: defining a vision for their financial future. This could include goals like saving for their children’s weddings, paying off debt, or creating a buffer for emergencies.
Finally, we develop a tailored, practical, and sustainable plan to help them bridge the gap between their current situation and financial aspirations. In many cases, we also explore ways to enhance their income, as reducing expenses alone is often insufficient.
Can you share an example of a family you’ve helped?
One story that stands out is a professional couple from Northwest London. Despite earning over £60,000 annually, they fell short by £600 each month and accumulated debt as a result.
With Mesila’s guidance, they learned how to track and manage their spending more effectively and explored income-boosting opportunities. Within a year, they eliminated their monthly deficit and started saving £1,000 every month.
You mentioned income enhancement. How does Mesila approach this?
Income enhancement is a core part of our work. While budgeting and expense tracking are important, one can only cut back so much.
That’s why we encourage clients to look at ways to increase their earnings, whether by negotiating a raise, finding a new job, or retraining for a higher-paying role.
For example, one of our clients tripled her income by simply moving to a different employer offering better pay. These strategic career moves can substantially impact a family’s finances.
Financial difficulties often come with emotional challenges. How does Mesila address this?
The emotional aspect of financial struggles is significant, particularly within marriages. Money is a sensitive topic that many couples avoid discussing, which only adds to the stress.
Our coaches are trained to facilitate these conversations non-judgmentally, creating a safe space for both partners to express their concerns and goals. This helps them align on financial decisions and strengthens their overall communication.
Clients often tell us that having an impartial third party mediate these discussions transformed their relationships and decision-making.
Do you think the stigma around financial struggles prevents people from seeking help?
Yes, the stigma is a major barrier. Many people feel that needing financial help is an admission of failure, especially if they have decent jobs and stable incomes. This shame prevents them from seeking support, and they often delay getting help until the situation becomes dire.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Is this normal?” Clients are usually surprised to learn that their struggles are common, even among high earners.
At Mesila, we’re working to break this stigma by normalising open conversations about finances. Our coaching and educational programs encourage people to reach out for help early before their problems escalate. Financial challenges can affect anyone, and seeking support is a proactive step toward stability, not a sign of failure.
Contact us confidentially today on 0333 344 1711 or email admin@mesilauk.org for a free consultation.
