Talking about with has long been considered taboo. Many people shy away from discussing their , savings, or financial struggles, fearing awkwardness or judgment. But with rising and an increasing push for in the workplace, is it time to break the silence?

Money plays a huge role in our daily lives. We dedicate hours each week to earn it, yet discussing what we make or how we manage it with others often feels uncomfortable. But why? The reality is that money is more than just numbers; it’s deeply personal, shaped by upbringing, experiences, and cultural norms. Opening up about finances can be empowering and even beneficial.

Money expert Anna Brading, author of , believes that talking about finances with friends doesn’t have to be awkward or overly personal.

If discussing salaries directly feels too daunting, she suggests starting with broader topics like saving goals, investment strategies, or the best finance . “These conversations can be just as valuable and help you share ideas, not just numbers,” Brading tells The .

READ MORE:

One way to make these conversations feel more natural is to focus on common financial goals rather than specific figures. You could ask your friends about their approach to saving for big expenses, such as a holiday, buying a home, or even planning for retirement. Sharing tips and discussing different strategies can help you all make better financial decisions without the pressure of disclosing exact numbers.

Brading also points out that money isn’t just about figures; it’s deeply emotional and personal. “The way we handle and think about money is shaped by our upbringing, experiences, and biggest influences,” she says.

A great way to open up a conversation about finances in a respectful manner is by asking about someone’s ‘money story’, what they learned about money growing up, their biggest financial lesson, or a financial decision they’re proud of. This approach shifts the conversation from a potentially sensitive topic to one of shared experiences and learning.

Beyond personal growth, salary transparency can also be a tool for financial fairness. Conversations about wages can help uncover pay gaps and empower individuals to advocate for themselves at work. If you discover that a colleague in a similar role earns more, you can use that knowledge to negotiate better pay.

Of course, it’s important to approach these discussions with sensitivity. Not everyone feels comfortable sharing financial details, and personal circumstances vary widely.

The key is to create a space where everyone feels safe to share or not share without pressure or judgment. If someone seems hesitant or uncomfortable, it’s best to move the conversation in a different direction rather than push for details they may not want to disclose.

Ultimately, talking about money doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable or taboo topic. By normalising financial discussions in a respectful and open-minded way, we can help each other make better financial decisions, advocate for fair pay, and even remove some of the stress that money can bring.

So, next time you’re catching up with friends, why not try shifting the conversation? You might just learn something valuable.