Talking about money is never easy. This is especially true for those struggling with an unending cycle of debt, those who are financially struggling, or those who do not know how to effectively budget their finances.

But money makes the world go ‘round and keeping the truth about your finances a shameful secret from a loved one, friend or employer only leads to more stress and anxiety. It also makes it more challenging to embrace debt-relief solutions that can lead to a better financial future.

With our Clarity-approved tips on how to openly and honestly talk about money, you'll be able to focus more on the solutions that can lead to financial freedom -- saving you from the embarrassment and stress of talking about money.

Don't focus on the cause

When it comes to talking about money, people living with debt tend to focus on the backstory or cause rather than the solution. But the trick is not to get caught up in the details of how you got into debt -- instead, talk about your current situation and how you want it to look different in the future.

For example, if you need to let your spouse know about your credit card debt, don't start the conversation dancing around the bush -- share the amount, explain your plan to pay it off, and ask for support.

 

The same is true for those who need to borrow money from a friend or family member to pay off a debt. Simply explain how much you need and the timeframe in which you plan to pay them back -- don't try to convince or manipulate them by talking about all the reasons why you got into debt or how you've been a victim.

The reason for putting the focus on the solution is that it's easy to get stuck in a cycle of blame and shame if you focus too much on the cause. By keeping the conversation solution-oriented, you can avoid the awkwardness of talking about money (or the embarrassment of how you got into the situation to begin with) and get back to focusing on the solution.

Be honest and forthcoming

With the average consumer debt in the USA being nearly $90,000 per household, you're certainly not alone in your challenge of "money talk" -- no matter how much you owe. Yet people struggling with money often want to downplay their financial woes, thinking that they have the worst situation in the world. That only makes it harder to come up with solutions.

If you're going to have a productive conversation about money, it's vital that you be honest and forthcoming. Even if your debt is overwhelming, don't hesitate to share the full story: After all, talking openly about your finances can help you get to the root of the problem and make it easier to devise a plan that works.

Honesty should apply to all aspects of your debt, from the amount to what you spend the money on, and even admitting when you make a mistake. Not only is it important to be honest with yourself to have an accurate understanding of where you stand financially, but it's also necessary for a potential debt settlement company to effectively negotiate with your creditors.

Be prepared to ask for help

Money talk can be intimidating, so it's important to go into the conversation with a clear idea of what you need and how you plan to get there. Money problems do not just disappear - they require dedication and persistent effort to make progress.

 

A great way to start is to ask for help and advice from your family, friends, or employer. You may be surprised by how willing they are to offer assistance if it means you can get back on track financially.

 

Finally, if you find yourself in a situation where debt relief services might be necessary, there are lots of resources available such as Clarity's debt settlement program. With help from trained professionals, you can get back on track and make a plan to start your financial journey anew.

Practice Conversation

It is often said that practice makes perfect, and that is especially true for conversations about money and finances. So don't be afraid to practice the conversation you want to have out loud in front of the mirror or with a trusted friend. It may feel awkward initially, but the more you do it, the more natural and comfortable the conversation will become.

This practice will also help you identify areas that may be less focused on solutions and more focused on blame. Additionally, it can help you get comfortable saying the numbers out loud and expressing your needs confidently and without fear.

Create visuals

Often, creating visuals can help bridge the gap between an abstract conversation and a tangible solution. This could be in the form of a budget spreadsheet, a chart showing projected payments or debt reduction over time, or even just writing out your plan on paper.

This gives you clarity about what you are dealing with and helps make it easier for someone else to understand and get behind your plan. Visuals can also take the emotion out of a money conversation and focus more on the facts.

Talk About Money Confidently

Talking about money can be an uncomfortable experience, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach and a solution-oriented mindset, it is possible to have productive conversations about your finances without feeling awkward or embarrassed.

 

Whether you just need someone to talk to about money or are ready to finally have the conversation that gets you out of the stress, fear, and confusion of debt, reach out to the Clarity team today and get the help you deserve. Knowledgeable and compassionate debt specialists can help you gain control of your finances and give you the tools to talk about money confidently.