Why is it so hard to talk about money? Many people feel uncomfortable and find it hard talking about money, it can be a sensitive issue. It can cause stress on relationships; there are many cultural taboos around money and often moral judgment. Even a sense of status, self-worth and power. Yet we need money for a place to live, to eat and other basic needs. Money affects nearly every part of our lives, whether we like it or not.
Why is it so hard to talk about money?
Money has a way sometimes of making us compare ourselves to others. It shapes the choices we make, the opportunities we can access, and even how much freedom we feel daily. Yet for something so influential, many people spend very little time proactively deciding what role money should play in their lives. More than half the American population identify money as a significant cause of stress and not talking about money only makes the problem worse.
In my role as a business coach and consultant, I have noticed just how many people, both male and female, young and old, shy away from their finances, in their personal and in their business life.
Most people react to circumstances, income changes, market conditions, or social pressure. A problem that often occurs is that many people don’t actually save for the future or plan their finances appropriately. Many live from month to month and keep their fingers crossed that they don’t lose their job or have a major financial crisis. Vet bills, traveling to see aging parents, car break downs, medical bills, student loans. They soon add up.
When we first got married, we didn’t have two pennies to scratch together, we would share sandwiches and be very creative with cheap foods. We had very little furniture and used a cardboard box with a tablecloth over it as a table. We watched every penny and were mindful of what we would spend our money on.
It’s important to understand that our relationship with money can change, we can learn about saving money and making good choices. Do we really need those clothes? Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is a great example of a book to read and a starting place in understanding financial literacy.
Building Wealth with Intension
Even a small amount of money can build and compound over time to be significant later in life. Do you really need to buy that coffee today? Just $5 each week adds up over a year to be $260, it doesn’t seem very much, yet adds up over time. Money either works for us or against us.
Understand the simple budgeting rule
- 70% of after-tax money for essential needs
- 20% for savings and investments
- 10% for fun, charity and debts
The truth is that money itself is not the goal. What matters is what money enables us to do. When we understand that, wealth-building becomes less about stress and more about clarity, control, and choices. If unmanaged, money can create anxiety, limit options, and keeps us stuck. If managed intentionally, it becomes a tool that supports our values and lifestyle.
Money affects:
- Where and how we live
- Our ability to handle emergencies
- Our freedom to pursue education, travel, hobbies and passions
- Our ability for long-term security
How do we want our life to be?
The key question is not “How much money do we want?” but “How do we want our lifestyle to be in the future?” Once we answer this question, money becomes a means to an end rather than a constant source of pressure and anxiety.
Better Ways to Spend Time and Money
Time and money are deeply connected. Often, people trade time for money without thinking about whether the trade is worth it. Better spending decisions, both with time and money comes from an alignment with our priorities and core values. Some of my core values include freedom and flexibility which has helped in making choices. Financial awareness becomes a tool to enable freedom and flexibility.
Better habits for spending time:
- Learning skills that increase our earning potential
- Building relationships that support growth
- Taking care of our health
- Planning proactively and forecasting, rather than constantly reacting to what is sometimes insignificant.
Better habits for spending money:
- Investing in education and self-improvement
- Paying for tools or systems that optimize our time
- Building experiences that align with our values
- Creating long-term security rather than short-term status
Having Enough Money
Mindset can play an enormous role in whether we feel we have enough money. It’s the scarcity and abundance mentality. Having the belief that there is sufficient money, and confidence to manage finances. It involves a sense of gratitude and understanding that financial growth is possible. We may have heard stories of generosity, paying it forward anonymously or otherwise. A simple act of kindness like paying the auto bridge toll when possible, or the next person’s coffee or lunch. Wealth is not about luxury, it is about flexibility. Having money means we can
- Handle those unexpected expenses without panic
- Choose work based on meaning and not desperation
- Support causes or people that we resonate with and care about
True wealth is choice. It is the ability to design our life rather than constantly adapt to limitations. This mindset shifts the focus from earning more to “using money more effectively.”
6 Choices for Change
Change begins with decisions and often it’s the small ones that compound over time and make a difference. We don’t need a dramatic financial overhaul to get started. We just need consistency and intention.
It’s More Attainable Than We Think
- Tracking where money is spent
- Pay attention to not spending more than we have coming in
- Automate a small percentage to a separate savings account consistently
- Eliminate expenses that don’t add real value
- Learn about saving and investing
- Maximize tax advantages, services and grants
Each decision moves us either closer to or further from financial independence. Waiting for perfect conditions only delays progress.
There are many free and low-cost options to get started. Use the local library and internet to gain education. Some community centers offer free classes. Take advantage of what is available. Many people overestimate how much money they need to feel secure or fulfilled. In reality, wealth often comes from controlling expenses, investing consistently, and allowing time to do its work.
Wealth is not always about massive income. It is about:
- Living below our means
- Saving regularly
- Investing wisely
- Avoiding unnecessary debt
With discipline and patience, long-term financial security is achievable for far more people than commonly believed.
Decide to Build Prosperity
Building wealth and prosperity is a decision before it is a result. Decide that your future matters enough to plan for it and make that commitment. Learn to understand and accept delayed gratification. Have you heard of the Stanford experiment of the eat one cookie now or wait and eat two later. Deciding depends on the immediate need and tolerance to trade immediate gratification for greater gain in the future.
Only You Know Your Own Needs
Take control of finances. No financial plan works unless it fits your lifestyle. Advice is useful, but your needs, goals, and values are unique. Taking control of finances means understanding the situation and making informed choices.
- Know income and expenses
- Understand debts
- Set realistic financial goals
- Adjust the plan as life changes
- Know what might be wanted in the future
Financial control is empowering. It replaces uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Don’t Wait Before You Start Saving
One of the most common mistakes is waiting for the right time to save money. There will always be reasons to delay; low income, high expenses, uncertainty. But waiting costs us the most valuable asset we have, which is time. The best time to start saving was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
Even small, regular savings build momentum and habit. Saving is not about how much you start with; it is about consistency. Markets go up and down, but discipline wins over time. Saving and investing regularly allows us to take advantage of market fluctuations instead of fearing them. Understand dollar cost averaging.
Have Realistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and poor decision making. Wealth building is gradual, not glamorous, and not guaranteed. Money shapes our future whether we plan for it or not. The difference is whether we are in control or not. Building wealth is about intention, freedom, and choice. Decide what you want your life to look like. Use money as a tool to support that vision.