STUCK | How to Talk to Your Family About Money

With so much changing in the world right now from threats to the economy to a changing job landscape, I wanted to learn how to talk to your family about the uncertainty. In this episode, we explore how to have difficult conversations about money with family members, partners, and children.

Full episode here on Youtube:

Key Topics

• Having difficult money conversations with partners

• Setting and maintaining financial boundaries

• Managing money with kids and dependents

• Understanding your personal money story

• Dealing with guilt and shame around financial changes

• Building effective money systems

Aja Evans is the author of Feel Good Finance which helps you peels away the layers of niceties that hinder our ability to get real and talk about money.

Key Takeaways

• Communication is crucial but needs to be handled thoughtfully - set the stage for important conversations rather than springing them on people

• Use "I feel" statements and center emotions when discussing financial changes

• Your money beliefs are shaped by your earliest experiences - understanding this helps navigate current challenges

• Setting boundaries isn't just about saying "no" to others - it's also about setting limits with yourself

• Be age-appropriate when discussing money with children

• Focus on experiences and long-term investing for kids rather than material goods

Practical Tips

1. For Money Conversations:

   • Choose the right time and setting

   • Lead with emotions and personal experience

   • Give partners grace to process information

   • Use "I feel" statements

   • Avoid springing sensitive conversations without warning

2. For Building Money Systems:

   • Start by understanding your feelings about money

   • Know what's coming in and going out monthly

   • Set up automated payments where possible

   • Check finances at least monthly (weekly preferred)

   • Use high-yield savings accounts for emergency funds

3. For Setting Boundaries:

   • Communicate changes in financial situation clearly

   • Offer alternative ways to show love/support beyond money

   • Remember that people's reactions belong to them

   • Be prepared for initial negative responses

   • Focus on quality time over financial support

One of the recommended resources to help you improve your relationship with money.

Recommended Resources

Books mentioned:

• "Finance for the People" by Paco de Leon

• "Get Good with Money" by Tiffany Aliche

• "Money Out Loud" by Berna Anat

• "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi

• "The Simple Path to Wealth" by J.L. Collins

• "Feel Good Finance" by Aja Evans

Apps mentioned:

• Monarch Money (budgeting app)

• Copilot (financial tracking)

About Our Guest

Aja Evans is the President of the Financial Therapy Association and author of "Feel Good Finance." As a financial therapist, she helps people understand their relationship with money and develop healthier financial habits. Her work focuses on the intersection of money, relationships, and personal growth.

Connect with Aja

• Instagram: @AJAetherapy

• LinkedIn: Aja Evans LMHC

• Website: ajaevanscounseling.com

• Book: "Feel Good Finance" (available at independent bookstores via Bookshop.org)

Get in Touch

Have a question about navigating money conversations with family? Email us at stuck@213studios.com or send us a voice note.

Subscribe to Stuck on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by Rob Curtis, Jamal Stockton, and Jimena de la Tijera