Feeling Comfortable Talking About Money
Why is talking about money such a sensitive topic?
- It can make a learner feel exposed or vulnerable because it reveals personal habits that need to change.
- It can make a learner feel like he/she doesn’t know enough about something that seems so fundamental.
- It can place the tutor in the uncomfortable role of “expert” on a complicated topic.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Let your learner be your guide as to how much they want to share about their personal finances.
- The Start Saving Now Workbook (click to download) provides a number of activities that encourage your learner to reflect on his/her finances and begin to make changes in a fun, non-intimidating manner.
- Working on financial literacy provides a fantastic opportunity to build on your learner’s strengths and develop his/her reading, writing, and math skills. The content will come directly from your student’s own life experience—the ideal source of instruction! Being able to contribute directly to the curriculum will encourage your learner’s enthusiasm.
- You will find that any skill your learner has, like knitting, construction, or cooking, involves a certain amount of planning, measurement, and understanding of the outcomes. These are transferable skills that can help your learner become a more effective money manager. Let your learner know this and find specific ways to integrate your learner’s skills into the activities.
- You don’t have to be a financial wizard to talk about finances with your learner. If you read the 10 Steps for Financial Well-Being, you will see that they are based on familiar common sense.
- The Next Steps for Getting Started are sequentially organized to help you feel more prepared for doing the activities and the Project Money website is organized into 5 basic content areas to help guide your work.
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