I have been thinking more about the new “money conversations” that are becoming part of our national conversation.
The recent past has opened us up to exploring more deeply our relationship with money. There is this sense that things are really “different” now, and that feeling is leading us to talk about the role of money and its meaning. In the past, money was something we didn’t talk about. Traditionally it was the “breadwinner’s” job to shelter the rest of the family from conversations about money. That is changing.
Now it is really becoming a national conversation. People are openly asking questions that used to be the territory of new-age hippies. Questions like:
- Who and what can I trust?
- What role does money play in my happiness?
These are deep questions.
One of the reasons that people don’t plan for their financial future is that a good financial planner requires us to think about these things. Having the conversation will lead to intense discussions about trade offs, including what will I give up NOW for something in the future and trying to balance living today (however we define it) with our desire for freedom and the deep human need for security. Each of us have a different and unique answer to that balance. Balance for me might be very uncomfortable to you.
But this conversation is at the heart of the financial planning process.
Engaging in this conversation forces you to think about things that you may have never considered consciously, but ultimately it leads to a much clearer and healthier relationship with money.
What are the questions that you are asking yourself about money?
Lots to think about, but this is the way forward. Focusing on the past won’t help. Focusing on now will.
