Talking About Money is Scary
Discussing money can indeed be either daunting or uncomfortable, if not both for many people. For some reason there are loads of emotional and societal taboos surrounding it. For some it can stir up feelings of vulnerability, judgment, or fear of inadequacy, even if they’re financially in a good place. However, these discomforts are something we tackle here at Prosperity, as open conversations about money are essential for achieving our financial goals and changing the narrative around money.
The reluctance to talk about finances can stem from deeply ingrained beliefs or societal norms that view money as a private or sensitive matter. Yet, confronting these discomforts allows us to gain clarity, develop financial literacy, and work towards our goals. Whether it's saving for a dream vacation, planning for retirement, or managing debt, discussing money enables us to set realistic targets, seek guidance, and make informed decisions.
Embracing these conversations fosters transparency, understanding, and support among family members, partners, or friends (or financial coaches!). It empowers us to share experiences, learn from others' insights, and seek advice when navigating financial challenges. While uncomfortable at times, openly addressing money matters is an essential step towards achieving financial stability and realizing our aspirations.
Here at Prosperity, we’re here to help in many ways. We definitely want to shatter the taboo that money is supposed to be kept secret or private. We understand that sometimes disclosing financial information can cause friction (or worse) between friends or family, so we recommend leading gently and with compassion. No bragging please! It’s not about how big your paycheck is, it’s about what you do with it. Starting a conversation with friends about how your last car repair caused you stress can open the door to other conversations about times when money caused negative feelings- this is something that can ultimately strengthen relationships. Being comfortable asking someone you trust for advice, financial or otherwise, (is it a bad idea to buy new skis this year if I just invested in new climbing ropes 4 months ago?) can deepen relationships.
We understand that when folks come in for a Money Date, they may be sharing information with us that they’ve never shared with anyone before. That can cause a nervous reaction for sure! We hope that everyone we work with understands that we take your trust seriously, and want only to foster the warmest of environments when it comes to getting comfortable talking about money. It’s our hope that by the end of your first Money Date you leave feeling lighter knowing that you opened up and were candid about your very personal situation.
Ready to take the plunge? Schedule a Money Date today!