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There are many theories about money. Some save it. Others spend it. No one ever seems to think they have enough of it.
But why is it such a taboo topic for so many people?
Some people feel like even talking about money is wrong. They avoid money conversations. If you’re talking about ways to save, you’re bragging that you have too much. If you make mention that you need to transfer money or do something differently, you’re accused of complaining that you don’t have enough.
But what if money is just a regular, every day topic of conversation?
What if financial decisions are something you and your spouse talk about every day?
Does this mean you shouldn’t talk to your family and friends about money?
Personally, I would like to think not.
Andrew and I discuss our finances at least several times a week, sometimes even daily. We know how much is in the checking account. We know most – if not all – of the bills going on. We tell one another if we run to the grocery store for $10 in items.
It’s not that we don’t trust one another. It’s just that we talk about money. We have many money conversations, probably at least one small one a day.
I grew up that way. It’s natural to me. It’s not as natural for Andrew. Many money conversations at his house ended up as fights. I do remember a few of those taking place in my home growing up, but not too many. I’d rather just have open conversation from the get-go so we don’t have to fight later on.
Andrew and I were both teachers when we met. We were young, dumb, and broke. Between us we had nearly $70,000 in debt. I owned a house in a community I hadn’t lived in for two years, and we both had student loans and car payments.
We didn’t become debt free in less than four years by never talking about money and hiding our heads in the sand. We talked openly and honestly. We still do. Money conversations are a regular occurrence in our home.
So I’ll never quite understand why others don’t want us to talk about money. Yes, I realize it can make people uncomfortable. But I believe that stepping out of ones comfort zone causes growth. Plus we never share our exact numbers – except perhaps with our closest family and friends. Even then, I have never pushed someone to share their finances with us.
Sigh. Sometimes you just can’t win.
The point? Let people talk about what they want to talk about. If you don’t like the conversation, change the subject. If they continually bring the conversation back to a topic you don’t like – ask them not to bring it up anymore. If they continue to bring it up, spend less time with them. It’s not that hard. So quit making it so complicated.
But I challenge you to have these money conversations. When you start talking about your money more, you become more aware of your finances. When you’re more aware of your finances, you’re more likely to take care of your money. When you take care of your money, you stress about it less. Less stressing equals a happier life!
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