164 | How We Talk About Money

Most financial conversations, even those with good intentions, are dead before they start.

They land in two predictable places...

Random numbers that mean nothing without more context - Nvidia doubled for me last year, I make $200,000, that car cost us $35,000, etc.

Or abstract nuggets of "wisdom" that mean one thing to the speaker and something totally different to the listener - buy low and sell high, pursue your passion, I remember those days when we had to tighten the belt, etc.

There's a better way, but it's not going to be as easy as this status quo.

We're going to start by pulling together a visual summary of your financial life over the past year - if we can get two or three years then we'll really have a story to share.

But we won't share it yet - there's still no context.

We'll set the stage by chatting through a handful of prompts...

What feels most uncomfortable to share?

What feels most comfortable to share?

Tell us how you got here.* What are the storylines of your financial life to date? Boosts received? Hurdles overcome? Big decisions faced? Big risks taken? Best spending (worst spending is intentionally omitted)?

Tell us where you long to go.* What do you hope your money is used to do? What are you preparing for with your money? What are you uncertain about with your money? Why are you building your financial wealth?

When have you felt the wealthiest? When have you felt the least wealthy?

Once everyone has shared these reflections, then - and only then - we'll reveal the numbers...

And the way you relate to money will begin to be changed forever.

*In the case of a relationship, it would be ideal for the less-tuned-into-the-finances person to share first.

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“Echo all of the above! I couldn’t fall asleep for a long time because I was reflecting on so much. Hearing your story - and the way in which you presented it - brought up a lot of thoughts/beliefs/emotions that I didn’t know I even had about our own financial journey. Thank you for your vulnerability and leadership and for this incredible safe space” Bekah Cooke

“Same here! Thank y’all so much and we talked about it from getting into the car until going to bed.” -SC Bolton

“Thanks again for sharing last night, Shores! It was powerful to hear your financial story. It has already sparked good conversation in the Satterwhite household! Grateful to be on this journey together.” - David Satterwhite

“Agreed! Thanks for everyone’s intent listening, thoughtful questions, and for most of all just holding us in love! Things have continued to stir within me from your questions and from just the act of sharing and I’m glad it’s led to thoughts and conversations for you all too- eager to continue journeying together!!” -Jessica Shore