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Talking Finances

October 29th, 2011 at 02:35 pm

It's the end of the month and around our city, that means spending is usually down at stores and restaurants. I think it is because so many folks receive checks the first of the month and it is running low by now.

We know some folks who would rather put their expenses on credit cards than admit their money is running low. I am not sure why they think it is taboo to just admit they don't have the money for something. I guess they view it as something to be ashamed of. I don't know why unless they spent recklessly to begin with.

I've been kind of studying some of the people we know and how they are playing the keeping up appearances game. They will never admit that they don't have the cash for something. Some even go so far as to hit a home equity line of credit to get money for things, and I'm not talking for home improvements either.

One friend admitted they couldn't afford something to me the other day and how she didn't want to tell the person that invited her to go shopping that. I told her it was no shame, but actually showed wisdom that she knew she couldn't afford it and with so many people having money issues, it wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

I guess I grew up differently. I remember in high school one of the teachers planned a trip to Europe during the summer for students and she asked if I wanted to go. I told her that although I would love to, it wasn't financially possible. She said she understood and nothing more was said. I wasn't ashamed of that and she didn't belittle me for that either. It was a fact of life and we went on.

With all the "open" conversations about everything from sex to diseases, why talking money is such a secret still astounds me.

Posted in Budgeting, Saving Money | 4 Comments »

4 Responses to “Talking Finances”

  1. dmontngrey Says:
    October 29th, 2011 at 05:43 pm 1319910229
    1319910229

    Wow, I think that's interesting that you can tell the end of the month by the lack of shopping. I would never notice that here myself. The beginning of the month is quite obvious, mostly at Walmart.


    I guess I am quite lucky that I have a friend I can discuss anything financial with! We live very different lives, but we were both math majors and can discuss all aspects of finance for hours on end. It's rather fun for us. Big Grin The good and the bad, we have no reason to judge each other. I feel I could tell her anything I want to.

  2. patientsaver Says:
    October 29th, 2011 at 05:56 pm 1319911007
    1319911007

    I love talking about personal finances. I have several friends with whom we discuss our and each other's finances in great detail. I enjoy trying to give advice and helping people make wise $ decisions.

  3. Jerry Says:
    November 1st, 2011 at 06:42 pm 1320172965
    1320172965

    We just had some friends invite us on a cruise that we cannot afford, and we simply said that it was out of our financial reach right now. If they are really our friends (and happily, they are) then it is a complete non-issue. I'd FAR rather have the insurance of staying within budget than put on airs somehow and screw myself financially. We are still in school, they are out of school and making their fortunes, and our financial realities are very different and lead to different activities at the moment.
    Jerry

  4. rob62521 Says:
    November 6th, 2011 at 08:53 pm 1320612811
    1320612811

    Jerry you are both smart and blessed! Smart because you know when to say no, and blessed that you have friends who get it.

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