THE PROBLEM: “Talking About Money With Your Kids” (Can You Relate?)

Feeling Unqualified → Let’s face it, talking about money can be uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Who am I to give financial advice when I’ve made my own mistakes?” Or, you feel like you don’t know enough about today’s financial tools, sound familiar? You’re not alone, and here’s the good news: you don’t need to have all the answers. This book is here to give you the knowledge and confidence to tackle these conversations, no matter where you’re starting from.

It’s common to feel like you’re not “expert” enough to give financial advice, especially if you’ve had your own struggles. But guess what? Your experiences, good and bad, are incredibly valuable. By sharing what you’ve learned, you’re giving your kids a head start. And if there’s something you’re not sure about, why not learn together? Imagine saying, “Let’s figure this out as a team – I’ll look into it, and we can talk about it together.” You’re showing them that financial education is a lifelong process, and that’s a lesson in itself.

Financial Jargon → Ever felt like financial conversations are in a different language? It’s easy to feel lost with terms like “APR,” “index funds,” and “annuities”. But here’s the thing, you don’t need to know everything. Start small.

This book includes a Terms & Definitions section to help you get familiar with the basics. And here’s a fun idea: make it a family activity! Play vocabulary games or challenge your kids with questions like, “What do you think a Roth IRA is, and why might someone open one?” It’s a playful way to make learning about money less intimidating for everyone.

Taboo Topic → Did you grow up in a family where money was never a topic of discussion? That was the case for many of us, so it’s no wonder it feels awkward to bring it up with your children. But think about it, if you don’t talk about money, how will your kids ever learn? This book is here to make these conversations easier and feel more natural. By the time you’re finished, you’ll know not just what to talk about, but how and why. You’ll be ready to turn “taboo” into “teachable.”

Fear Of Conflict → The truth is money is an emotional topic. Fear, anxiety and making mistakes like overspending, avoiding saving, or simply not interested in earning money to buy things they want. It’s easy to feel like bringing any of these up could lead to an argument, so you avoid it altogether. But let’s be honest, dodging the conversation doesn’t solve the problem, it just kicks it down the road.

Instead, try to approach the topic with curiosity and support rather than criticism. Ask, “How do you feel about your financial situation right now?” or, “What’s been your biggest challenge when it comes to saving?” These questions open the door to productive conversations and show your kids you’re on their side.

You just need the tools and strategies to talk about money constructively. This book will provide you with tools and strategies to have those emotionally charged conversations and address tough issues, without creating unnecessary tension.