|
Hey Taylor
- Any tips for how I can talk about money more comfortably? I find
myself not hanging out with friends because I'm trying to cut back
on spending, but I hate the idea of my finances hurting relationships.
Is there a way to broach the subject? - Anne Marie
Hey Anne Marie - Yes! There are many ways to open up this
conversation, and it's a shame so many people feel like money is
an untouchable topic. I promise you'll feel better if you talk about
your finances with friends. Let's look at a few ways you can get
started.
Be as honest as possible. The very thing that's keeping you from
opening up, the idea that people will know you don't have a lot
of money, might be exactly what you need to bring up. Almost everyone
has their form of financial struggle, making this a universal issue
that really won't alienate you in ways you think it might. When
you tell people you're trying to spend less and improve your financial
situation, they'll probably be sympathetic and might even offer
helpful advice. I know it's uncomfortable feeling like the person
who doesn't have a lot of money to spend, but people have varying
incomes. That's just life, and it's not as big a deal as we make
it out to be.
Talk in terms of goals. If you feel uncomfortable because you don't
want to spend much, you can find a way to put a positive spin on
the conversation. Instead of focusing on not having enough money,
talk to people about your savings and retirement goals. When you
approach frugality from a place of responsibility, there's no reason
to feel ashamed. If you seem excited about the money you're saving
and the path you're on, friends and family won't question it. More
likely, they'll be happy for you.
Ask questions. Sometimes the best way to kick off a difficult conversation
is to let another person do the talking. Without being too heavy-handed
or invasive, ask your friends if they budget, what their financial
goals are, if they have an advisor they like working with, etc.
If they feel comfortable with the conversation, it will be easy
to discuss your personal situation and get on the same page. Best
of all, you and your friends can learn from each other. If more
people spoke freely about money, people would probably have fewer
financial woes.
I won't lie and say it's easy to start this conversation, but at
some point it's best to just have to rip the band-aid off and start
talking about it. Come at the conversation from a positive place
and you'll definitely feel better after the talk. Good luck, Anne
Marie!
|
HOME
