Why Money Shouldn’t Be a Taboo Topic in Your Family

Money. It’s one of the most important tools we have in life, yet we treat it like Voldemort—“He Who Must Not Be Named.” Even schools, which spend endless hours teaching how to calculate the volume of a cone, barely touch on financial literacy. The result? Kids grow up knowing how to measure the hypothetical frosting on a cupcake but have no idea how to budget for groceries.

It’s time to break the spell. Talking about money with your family isn’t just about avoiding future mistakes; it’s about empowering everyone to understand, manage, and thrive with their finances. And yes, whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or have a net worth that rivals a tech mogul, it’s still essential to teach your kids the value of money. Let’s make it a normal, healthy part of family conversations (no wands required).

Why Talking About Money Matters

1. Money Lessons Start at Home

If you’re not teaching your kids about money, who will? The influencer hawking designer shoes on Instagram? The guy in the flashy car who forgot to mention it’s a rental? Kids are natural learners, and they’ll take cues from what they see around them; so make sure they’re learning from you.

Everyday moments, like explaining why you’re skipping that $7 latte to save for something bigger, can teach kids powerful financial lessons. Research shows that kids who grow up talking about money with their parents are more confident managing it later in life. So, start small, and watch their confidence grow.

2. From Survival to Stability

Not every family is planning their estate or discussing retirement accounts over dinner. For many, just making ends meet is the daily priority, and that’s okay. But striking a balance is key. Even families with wealth should engage their kids in financial conversations to teach responsibility and help them understand the value of what they have.

Explain how you budget for groceries, set aside money for emergencies, or prioritize charitable giving. These lessons teach kids that money, no matter how much or how little, is a resource that requires thought and care. You’re not just helping them surviveyou’re giving them the tools to build stability, one step at a time.

3. Financial Literacy Is a Superpower

In the world of adulthood, knowing how to handle money is the closest thing to having superpowers. Financial literacy helps kids avoid the traps of payday loans, sky-high credit card interest rates, and impulsive "buy now, cry later" decisions.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need to be Warren Buffett to teach them. A simple explanation of why you save first and spend second, or why credit cards aren’t "free money," is all it takes to give them a foundation. By passing along these lessons, you’re raising financial superheroes (cape optional).

4. Money Talk Reduces Financial Anxiety

Money stress isn’t just for adults. Even kids pick up on the tension when finances are tight. But avoiding the topic doesn’t make it better. It just makes it scarier, like Voldemort hiding in the shadows. The best way to tackle that fear? Say the name and shine a light on it.

Normalize money conversations by explaining how you budget for the holidays or handle unexpected expenses. Kids don’t need every detail, but they’ll benefit from seeing how you approach challenges with confidence. These talks turn money from a mystery into a tool they can use without fear.

How to Start Talking About Money

1. Keep It Age-Appropriate

You wouldn’t give a five-year-old the car keys, so don’t overwhelm them with the intricacies of mortgages just yet. Start with the basics: talk about earning, saving, and spending. As they grow, you can add more complex topics, like credit, investing, and why taxes feel like a yearly April Fool’s joke.

2. Use Everyday Examples

Money lessons are everywhere. Grocery shopping? Show them how to compare prices. Planning a trip? Explain how you budget for travel. These real-world examples are far more effective than a lecture, and they stick.

3. Share Your Wins and Losses

Be real about your financial journey. Share the time you saved up for something meaningful or the lesson you learned about credit card interest the hard way. Your openness shows them that mistakes happen, but they’re also opportunities to learn and grow.

Why It’s Worth It

1. Raising Financially Independent Adults

The goal isn’t to raise kids who live in your basement forever! It’s to give them the skills to stand on their own. Teaching them how to manage money now means fewer "Hey, can you Venmo me $20?" texts later.

2. Strengthening Family Bonds

Talking about money doesn’t just build financial skills; it builds trust and teamwork. When families set financial goals together, whether it’s saving for a vacation or tackling debt, it turns money into a shared responsibility rather than a source of stress.

Let’s Stop Whispering About Money

Money doesn’t have to be an awkward, mysterious topic. It’s just a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how well you use it. By making money conversations a regular part of your family life, you’re giving your kids the one thing schools never will: the skills and confidence to manage their finances like pros.

So, grab a snack, sit down with your family, and start the conversation. Who knows? It might just be the most empowering and memorable talk you’ve ever had.