💬 Let’s Talk Money: How to Start the Conversation
It’s Talk Money Week, and Hanley is here to help you feel more confident about one of the most important - and often most avoided - topics: money.
Whether it’s chatting with a partner about shared expenses, asking a friend for budgeting tips, or checking in with family about financial plans, talking about money can feel awkward. But it doesn’t have to be.
Why Talking About Money Matters
Money affects every part of our lives, from our relationships to our mental wellbeing. Yet many of us avoid the topic because it feels uncomfortable, emotional, or even taboo.
Opening up about money can:
- Improve your relationships
- Boost your confidence in managing finances
- Help you make smarter decisions
- Reduce stress and anxiety
How to Prepare for a Money Conversation
You don’t need to overthink it, but a little preparation can go a long way:
- Pick the right time and place: Choose a quiet moment where you won’t be interrupted.
- Give a heads-up: Let the other person know you’d like to talk about money and what it’s about.
- Practise what you’ll say: Saying things out loud beforehand can help you feel more confident.
Starting the Conversation
Not every money chat needs to be formal. You can ease into it naturally:
- Mention a news story, TV show, or recent purchase to spark the topic.
- Talk about someone else’s experience to lead into your own.
- Use simple openers like:
- “There’s something I’d like to talk about that could help us work towards our goals.”
- “I need your help with something that just happened. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
Tips for a Positive Conversation
- Stay calm and focused: Emotions are normal, but try to keep the conversation constructive.
- Listen without interrupting: Let each person speak fully.
- Avoid blame: Use “I feel” or “I think” instead of “You…”
- Stick to the topic: Save unrelated issues for another time.
- Know where to get help: Have contacts ready for support services if needed.
Handling Negative Reactions
If things don’t go as planned:
- Ask why the other person sees things differently and listen with an open mind.
- Stay calm if blame arises and focus on solutions.
- Gently steer the conversation back if it goes off track.
Ending the Conversation Well
- Acknowledge the effort: Thank the other person for having the chat.
- Follow up: Take action on what you discussed.
- Write things down: Summarise key points to avoid confusion later.
Let’s make money talk feel normal, helpful, and empowering, together.
