We’ve made a lot of progress as a society when it comes to discussing “taboo” topics. But there’s still one topic that is kept hush-hush despite being as pervasive as oxygen – I’m talking about money. Money is such a complex topic to discuss among friends, family, and coworkers that most people never set their priorities right or explore the information that is openly available to them because of the lack of conversation around it.
This leads to problems. Arguments about money are the second leading cause of divorce in America, because couples rarely figure out how to communicate about such a sensitive topic. And it’s not restricted just to marriage:
Maybe you went out for dinner with a group of friends, and for the seventh consecutive time, you paid the bill even though you don’t drink. How do you bring up the topic without losing your friends?
You’re considering moving in with your boyfriend or girlfriend, but you haven’t discussed how you’re going to split the rent, the power bill, or gas. It all seems fine now, but the tension is heavy in your mind.
You’re starting a business with a good friend, but you don’t know if you’re on the same page. How would you have the conversation about sharing profits, distributing responsibilities, and what your priorities for the business would be?
You want to ask your boss for a raise. How do you improve your chances?
Your partner wants to buy a house, while you are contemplating quitting your job and moving to a new location, or taking a break for a bit. How do you have that conversation with them?
Your child is about to start college, but you don’t know how to talk to them about student debt, investing, and thinking about money over the next four years.
There’s no playbook for all these situations, though money is the one thing we all have in common. It’s alright if you don’t have the answers, but one thing that had a tremendous impact on my life in the last decade is learning how to have these conversations about money. It was my secret edge, and it got better with time. I want to help you learn how you can think about these situations yourselves.
If you have a money problem that you want to discuss with someone in your life or find yourself getting into the same financial messes with people you know, send me your questions by visiting the link below. You can choose to remain completely anonymous when I answer the questions in the newsletter.
This is not financial advice, but rather a third-person opinion on how to think about money.
I look forward to answering your questions. Ask away!
Real Estate Webinar
Since there’s been a lot of interest around the articles focused on real estate and the course on how to buy a home, I have been working on a Real Estate Webinar exclusively for readers of this newsletter. I will be drawing upon all the research I do to keep on top of the market, and my years of experience as a real estate agent. The Webinar will tentatively be on Tuesday, 30th May at 7 pm PST (10 pm ET).
I will first be presenting my research and thoughts, and then the session will be open to questions. The webinar is completely free and open to all but will be limited to 30 slots. Founder-tier subscribers will get first preference, followed by premium subscribers, and finally free subscribers. If you want to book your slot, click on the link below and fill in your details:
Looking forward to seeing you in the session! – Graham Stephan
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. This information is intended to supplement your knowledge in the field of investing and personal finance. Please do your own research carefully.
Hi Graham,
I missed the Real Estate Webinar and was wondering if there is a link to replay it?
Thanks,
Susan