She Strengthens

Breaking the Silence: The Power of Financial Conversations with Friends

When I embarked on a journey to take control of my finances, I realized that talking to my peers about money was a crucial step. While I was open with my parents, I wanted to learn from others’ experiences and mistakes, and find out if I was truly alone in my financial struggles.

The Importance of a Personal Connection

I found an online community that was willing to share their financial lives, but I also sought out friends to talk to. My boyfriend and I were planning to move in together, and we had to learn to be open and honest about our financial situations. This conversation came naturally, as we were already invested in each other’s lives.

Breaking Down Barriers with Friends

However, talking to my friends about finances was a different story. We had always been close, discussing every aspect of our lives, but money was a taboo topic. I realized that it was worth trying to discuss these things, and I took the plunge by asking one of my closest friends, Meghan, about her savings.

Starting the Conversation

Asking a forward question like that was nerve-wracking, but it opened up a conversation that was long overdue. We started discussing our financial goals, struggles, and successes, and it felt like any other conversation we had. We laughed about our awkward financial conversations with banks and shared our dread of looking at our bank statements after a late night out.

The Relief of Financial Camaraderie

I felt a wave of relief after that conversation. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my financial struggles, and that my friends were going through similar challenges. Having someone to talk to about my finances, without any stake in my financial life, was incredibly liberating.

The Benefits of Financial Friendships

Being able to talk to a friend about my finances has been helpful beyond words. I can process my thoughts and feelings by talking them through, and being able to do so with a friend helps me gain a clear understanding of what I need or want to do. Meghan and I can talk about our goals, mishaps, and successes openly and without judgment, and it has helped us form strong financial goals.

Celebrating Differences

We don’t compare our savings or salaries in a negative way, and we don’t see one as more successful than the other. We celebrate our differences and recognize that our financial goals are unique to each of us. Having a close friend to go through the financial journey with makes it much easier and more enjoyable.

Taking the Leap

Talking to friends about finances can be scary, but it’s a crucial step in taking control of your financial life. To make the conversation feel more natural, start by being honest and open, and avoid being boastful or competitive. By building trust and celebrating each other’s differences, you can create a strong foundation for financial conversations with your friends.