Let’s talk about money mindset conversation starters.
Feeling awkward yet?
All of us, to some degree, feel uncomfortable when the subject of finances comes up in conversation. We may not understand our discomfort at the time, but it’s an ick we can’t get past, and so often the conversation is over before it starts.
Why, almost universally, are financial conversations so taboo? The answer may lie in what experts have coined financially contingent self-worth, a psychological concept where a person bases their sense of self-esteem primarily on their financial success or net worth. This might not be true for everyone, but for many people, things like a big house, corner office with salary to match, or luxury watch and accessories become status symbols.
How do we reframe this dialogue? How do we normalize money conversations without making others feel inadequate, threatened, defensive, or uncomfortable?
Imagine how much more valuable it would be to open the door to these money conversations and use them as an opportunity to learn from one another.
The real value in our conversations about money comes from talking about what those dollars can accomplish — the opportunities they can create and the positive ways they can impact you, your community, and the world around you.
So let’s flip the script and start some money conversations with the aim of educating, inspiring, and opening us up to possibility.
8 Conversation Starters to Shift Your Money Mindset
1.Let’s talk about: Retirement Planning
Seek to understand someone’s retirement goals, not as a conversation around how much money is in their savings accounts, but rather what they are trying to accomplish in retirement and what they are doing now to help them make that future dream scenario a reality.
2.Let’s talk about: Raising Financially Savvy Kids
Wouldn’t it be nice as a parent to have open and honest money chats with friends in a similar season of life? How do they plan to talk about finances with their children as they continue to grow up? How do they approach developing and instilling a sense of confidence and understanding of how money works? How are they saving for their children’s college education?
3.Let’s talk about: Charitable Giving
Wouldn’t it be interesting to discuss how others are actively engaging in their communities through contributing their time or money to certain organizations?
4.Let’s talk about: Love and Money
Financial stress is one of the leading causes of divorce. Make time to daydream together as a couple and approach tackling financial goals as a united front. Whatever you’re jointly working towards, have frequent, open money conversations that create excitement and a team dynamic. Be sure to check your ego at the door and have grace for your partner’s possible sensitivities. Be a champion for each other AND for the future you’re building together.
5.Let’s talk about: Workplace Rewards
Imagine a scenario at work where the water cooler gossip revolves around demystifying your 401K plan or what to do with your stock options or grants, empowering each other to take advantage of these rockstar employee benefits.
6.Let’s talk about: Squad (Financial) Goals
Let’s prioritize sharing money struggles, budget tips, and credit card point strategies at girls’ (or guys’!) night out. Cultivate REAL connection by leading with vulnerability to help guide one another down a more positive financial path. Discussing money with those in a similar season of life allows us to talk openly about concerns or goals in a relatable manner with the understanding that we aren’t alone in our circumstances and experiences.
7.Let’s talk about: Money and the Dinner Table
Imagine a warm and cozy family dinner table conversation about wealth and money where everyone feels seen, heard, and like an integral part of the larger family financial puzzle. To set family goals, expectations, or priorities for your shared future, discuss the idea of legacy, and what that means for the road you’re paving as a family unit now and for future generations.
8.Let’s talk about: Professional Advisors
Wouldn’t it be helpful to share information about the professional advisors you work with that you value, appreciate, and respect, so that your loved ones can be taken care of in this same way?
Break Free from Limiting Money Beliefs
Start dropping these conversation starters into more planned and impromptu get-togethers. And remember, it’s not “all about the Benjamins!” It’s about the opportunities your wealth can create, the life you can build, and the financial choices available to you. Let’s lean on one another, normalize money talks, and help each other navigate this wildly important area of our lives.
Feeling shy? I’m on a mission to empower people just like you with the knowledge, strategies, and support you need to engage in these and other important financial conversations. Read more about ways to work with me and take the next step in your wealth journey, hand in hand with those who mean the most to you.
