The relationship factor: Talking money with family
Money touches every relationship.
Whether you’re merging finances with a partner, teaching your kids about budgeting, or supporting aging parents, money is woven into your relationships. Yet, it’s often the hardest thing to talk about.
At GreatDane Investment, we help women approach financial conversations with clarity, courage, and compassion because money isn’t just numbers. It’s values, priorities, and trust.
Why money conversations are so difficult:
Money is loaded with emotion. It can carry:
Guilt or shame about past decisions
Fear of being judged or misunderstood
Assumptions we inherited but never questioned
Avoiding these conversations doesn’t make the tension go away. It just lets it grow.
The power of open, respectful dialogue:
You don’t need to have all the answers to start the conversation. You just need a willingness to listen, share, and stay grounded in mutual respect.
A few examples:
With a partner: “How do we define financial success together?”
With kids: “What do you think money is for?”
With parents: “Is there anything you’d want me to know if something happened to you?”
3 ground rules for financial conversations that build trust:
Lead with curiosity, not control – ask questions before offering opinions
Be honest about your own money story – vulnerability invites connection
Focus on shared values, not just spreadsheets – money is a means, not the mission
Try this week:
Choose one relationship where a financial conversation would bring clarity. Start small. Say something like:
“I’ve been thinking a lot about how money plays into our life together, and I’d love to talk about it more openly.”
You don’t need a perfect plan – just an open heart.
