Do You Have Someone You Can Talk to About Money?

November 3, 2026

Growing up, I don't remember people openly discussing how much money they made.

Now, I don't know if that was just my family or the community I grew up in, but we certainly talked about money.

We talked about how hard we worked, how expensive everything was getting, and what it took to put food on the table.

But our salaries?

Oh no! That was nobody's business. 😂

Growing up, I was also told, "The only secret you have is the one you don't tell anyone."

And let me tell you, we took privacy seriously!

Even today, among family and friends, I rarely hear people openly discuss how much they earn.

Which got me thinking.

Who do you talk to about money?

And I don't mean someone you complain to when the bills come in.

I mean someone you can talk to openly about your financial goals, your successes, your challenges, and even the things you want to enjoy.

When Your Financial Life Begins to Change

When you come from very little, your relationship with money can be complicated.

You spend years learning how to stretch a dollar, make sacrifices, and put your needs last.

Then one day, you realize you're in a different financial position.

Maybe you can afford to take that vacation.

Go out for brunch.

Buy something nice for yourself without putting it on a credit card.

But here's the interesting part.

Just because your financial circumstances have changed doesn't mean your mindset has caught up.

You may still feel guilty about spending money on yourself.

Or find yourself downplaying your financial success because you don't want others to feel uncomfortable or think you're bragging.

And sometimes, you just want someone who understands.

Sometimes You Just Want a Friend

Yes, we have our spouses or partners, and those relationships are important.

But there's something special about having a friend you can call and say:

"Girl, you want to grab brunch this weekend?"

Or:

"Let's plan a vacation!"

Someone who's in a similar season of life and has the financial flexibility to enjoy those experiences with you.

And it's not just about spending money.

It's about having someone you can sit across from and talk about what's going well and what's not.

Someone you can share your financial wins with without feeling like you're bragging.

Someone who understands the sacrifices it took to get where you are.

And someone who can challenge you to keep growing.

Sometimes you don't need financial advice. Sometimes you just want someone who understands your financial journey.

Why Is Talking About Money So Difficult?

I wonder how much of our discomfort comes from the fear of being judged.

If people know how much we earn, will they expect us to help them financially?

Will they think we're showing off?

Will they look at us differently if we admit we're struggling despite earning a good income?

Or maybe your attitude is simply, "It's my business, and nobody needs to know!" 😂

And that's perfectly fine too.

Not everyone needs to know how much money you make or what you have in the bank.

But I wonder if, in protecting our privacy, we're sometimes missing opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.

Because there's a difference between keeping your business private and having no one you trust enough to share it with.

Making Room for a New Season

As we grow, our relationships may need to grow too.

That doesn't mean abandoning the people who have been with us through difficult times.

And it certainly doesn't mean measuring someone's worth by how much money they make.

But I think it's okay to want friendships that reflect the season of life you're in.

Friendships where you can enjoy experiences together, have meaningful conversations, and encourage each other to grow.

Because building wealth isn't only about accumulating money.

It's also about creating a life you can enjoy.

And sometimes, part of that enjoyment is having people to share it with.

So I'll leave you with a question this week.

Do you have someone you can talk to openly about money, without fear of judgment, expectations, or comparison?

Keep your money Irie!

About the Author

Petra-Ann Brown is a financial educator, speaker, and founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC. Through workshops, coaching, storytelling, and her podcast Island Money 365, she helps individuals and families build financial confidence, reduce financial stress, and create lasting wealth.