Your Money: Meaningful conversations around the holidays

Conversations that Matter: How to Talk About Money This Holiday Season

As the holiday season arrives, many families find themselves surrounded by loved ones without the usual stress of deadlines or schedules. It's an ideal opportunity for meaningful conversations about money, intentions, and the legacy you want to leave behind.

Avoid turning your festive gathering into a financial seminar by framing these discussions around values rather than numbers. Start by exploring what traditions matter most to you, how your wealth can benefit your family or community, and the stories you'd like to pass down to future generations. By connecting on an emotional level, you'll create a foundation for more practical conversations later.

Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere created by the holidays to start these discussions over dessert or during casual conversation. Simply express that there's something on your mind you'd love to share, or that you're thinking about long-term plans and want your loved ones' input. The goal is not to assign responsibilities or review documents but to create a sense of transparency and confidence.

Sharing the reasoning behind your financial decisions can help avoid misunderstandings down the line. This isn't just about assigning assets; it's about building relationships based on trust and understanding.

To keep the momentum going, commit to taking a small, manageable next step after these conversations. This could be reviewing beneficiaries, meeting with an adviser, or simply agreeing to talk again next year. By doing so, you'll create a sense of progression and ensure that your discussions lead to positive outcomes.

By shifting the focus from "difficult financial talk" to "preserving what matters most," you can deepen your connections with your loved ones rather than disrupting them. The holiday season offers the perfect backdrop for these conversations, and by embracing this opportunity, you'll be building a stronger foundation for your relationships and your financial future.

Remember, the opinions voiced in this article are for general information only, and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. For personalized guidance, consult with a qualified financial advisor like Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb at Wealth Enhancement Group.

omg i feel like we dont really have this kinda convo at school idk about the money part tho but having meaningful conversations w/ fam during holidays sounds super chill u can def start by talkin abt ur values & what ur family's traditions r like 2day n next yr i think its great that we shd be buildin relationships based on trust & understanding

I'm gonna say it... maybe we shouldn't be making such a big deal about having 'the talk' about money this holiday season? I mean, can't we just enjoy the festivities without bringing up bills and financial plans? It's like, let's not stress our loved ones out with all that financial drama, right? We should be focusing on what truly matters: sharing stories, making memories, and having quality time together. Let's keep things light and fun, and worry about the finances later... or maybe just leave it for the New Year when we're all back to our regular routine

think its kinda cool that we have time to chill w/ family & friends during holidays but also gotta discuss the super important stuff like money i mean, its not all about the $$$, its about what matters most 2 u & ur loved ones maybe start w/ a convo about traditions & how u wanna pass on ur legacy 2 future genz

you know what's wild, have you ever noticed how certain desserts just taste better during the holidays? like i'm talking about those gingerbread cookies or eggnog cheesecakes... they're always so much more delicious when everyone's in a festive mood and you can't help but think about all the good foodie memories you've made with family.

I remember when we were kids, my grandma would always say that money wasn't everything. She'd tell us stories about how she grew up during the war and had to make do with what little they had. But now, it feels like everyone's all about the benjamins . It's weird, because back in my day... we didn't even think about money during holidays . We just enjoyed each other's company and made memories that last a lifetime . I wish people would focus on what really matters – family, friends, and community . This whole "talking about money" thing can be super awkward , but if we shift the conversation to values and traditions, it might just make things more meaningful .

I think it's really cool that people are starting to realize how important it is to have open conversations about money during the holidays. It's not just about dividing up gifts or arguing over who got what (although, let's be real, those things can still happen too ). But seriously, taking the time to talk about your values and intentions when it comes to your finances can really help you build stronger relationships with your loved ones.

And I love the idea of framing these conversations around stories and traditions rather than just numbers. It's so easy to get caught up in the practical side of things, but if we take a step back and think about what's truly important, we might be surprised at how much more meaningful our discussions can be .

For me, having open conversations about money is all about building trust and creating a sense of security for everyone involved. It's not just about assigning assets or making big decisions – it's about feeling like you're on the same page with your loved ones, and that you're working together towards a common goal .

I'm so down for some chill convo about money during the holidays ! It's a great time to relax and actually talk about what matters - not just our bank accounts . I think framing it around values is a genius idea, like talking about the kind of family traditions we want to keep going or how we can support each other long-term. And omg, who doesn't love dessert conversations? It's all about creating that sense of transparency and trust, so our loved ones feel confident in our decisions. I'm all about making a plan after these chats, like reviewing benefits or meeting with an adviser, to keep the momentum going . Let's get real - money talks are way more important than just assigning assets .

I think it's really cool that people are talking about having meaningful conversations about money during the holidays . It's so easy to get caught up in the stress of gift-giving and spending, but taking some time to talk about what's really important can make a huge difference in your relationships with loved ones. And I love the idea of focusing on values rather than just numbers – it makes sense that you'd want to have those kinds of conversations over dessert or during a casual chat . By being more open and honest, we can build trust and understanding with each other, which is really valuable for building strong relationships . And yeah, taking small steps after these conversations is a great way to keep the momentum going – it doesn't have to be anything major, just something to show that you're thinking about your financial future .

I think it's super important to have these conversations about money with our loved ones, especially during the holidays when everyone's together . It can be scary to talk about finances, but framing it around values and traditions makes all the difference . Sharing your reasoning behind financial decisions can also help avoid misunderstandings in the future . And yeah, taking that next small step can make a big difference . Let's get our financial futures sorted out so we can spend more time enjoying the holidays with the people we love

"The biggest risk is not taking any risk..."
It's all about being open and honest with your loved ones about your financial plans and goals. Having those conversations can be really uncomfortable, but it's worth it in the long run to build trust and strengthen your relationships.

fam is more than just about gifts & decorations, it's also about sharing our values, intentions & legacy think of it as a way to show love & care for each other beyond the holiday cheer maybe we can even make a pact to be more open & honest with our loved ones when it comes to money? just imagine having those "difficult" conversations in a relaxed setting, over dessert or while sipping hot cocoa ️ it's not about assigning responsibilities or reviewing docs, but about building trust & understanding let's focus on preserving what really matters – our relationships!

I remember when we used to have family gatherings where everyone would just chat about whatever's on their mind, no agenda needed. Nowadays it feels like we gotta make a plan ahead of time for those "important" conversations... like money stuff . Can't we just be spontaneous and talk about our feelings? I mean, I'm all for being prepared, but sometimes you just gotta wing it and see where the conversation takes you, you know?

And what's with this new idea of framing discussions around "values" instead of numbers? Back in my day, we didn't need some fancy phrase to talk about money. We just talked about how much we loved each other and wanted to take care of our families .

I guess it's all good that people are finally starting to think about this stuff, but can we please not make it so formal? A casual convo over dessert is fine by me . Let's just be real and open with each other, you know?

The holiday season is all about sharing laughs, love & memories with family & friends . But let's be real, who doesn't think about money during the holidays? I mean, it's easy to get caught up in the spirit of giving & receiving gifts. But seriously, having those hard conversations about money can be super tough.

I've seen it happen where families get all stressed about inheritance & whatnot, and then nobody talks about it for years afterwards . Or worse, they end up arguing over something silly because they didn't communicate properly. That's when I say, let's start those conversations around values, traditions, & what matters most to you .

It's all about creating a sense of transparency & trust with your loved ones. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts & feelings, and listen to theirs too . And yeah, maybe assign some responsibilities or review documents later, but for now, just focus on building those relationships .