Healthy Finances Start with Money Talk

Money Isn’t Dirty: Why We Need to Normalize Talking About It for Financial Wellbeing

Introduction: Let’s Talk About It—Money Isn’t a Taboo

For far too long, money has been treated as a taboo topic—something you shouldn’t talk about at the dinner table, in social circles, or even in your own home. Many of us grew up hearing phrases like “it’s rude to talk about money” or “don’t ask people how much they earn.” But here's the truth: avoiding conversations about money only makes it harder to build a healthy relationship with it.

Money is not dirty. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it works best when we understand how to use it wisely. If we want to grow, thrive, and break cycles of financial stress—especially in today’s economic climate—we need to get comfortable talking about money.

Why Money Conversations Are Still Taboo

Let’s start by asking: why is it still so hard to talk about money?

1. Cultural and social conditioning: In many cultures, including in parts of South Africa, money is tied to shame, pride, or status. Talking about it may be seen as boastful or embarrassing.
2. Fear of judgment: People fear being judged for earning too little, spending too much, or being in debt.
3. Lack of financial literacy: Sometimes people don’t talk about money because they simply don’t understand it and don’t want to expose what they don’t know.

But here’s the kicker: staying silent doesn’t protect you—it holds you back.

What Happens When We Don’t Talk About Money

Avoiding money conversations leads to:

• Financial misinformation: People rely on hearsay instead of facts.
• Emotional stress: Money anxiety builds up when you feel isolated or unsure.
• Poor financial decisions: Without shared knowledge, people repeat mistakes others have already learned from.
• Broken relationships: Money misunderstandings are one of the leading causes of tension between couples, friends, and even family members.

Let’s Normalize Talking About Money — Here’s How

1. Start at Home
   Talk to your partner, children, or siblings about money. Discuss budgeting, saving, and even debt openly. Kids who grow up in homes where money is talked about are more likely to become financially responsible adults.
2. Ask Questions Without Shame
   It’s okay to ask, “How do you budget?” or “Do you recommend a savings app?” Not knowing something is not a weakness—it’s the first step toward learning.
3. Share Your Financial Wins and Losses
   Celebrate when you pay off debt or reach a savings goal, but also be open about mistakes. You never know who might benefit from your journey.
4. Join or Create Safe Spaces
   Whether it’s a Facebook group, WhatsApp community, or a savings club (“stokvel”), being part of a group that discusses finances can be both empowering and educational.
5. Talk to Professionals
   Normalize seeing financial advisors the same way we see doctors or therapists. It’s not just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to do better with money.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town where the cost of living keeps rising, and across South Africa where income inequality persists, talking about money is not just helpful—it’s necessary. People need real, practical conversations that are relevant to their everyday realities.

By breaking the silence, we:

• Empower each other with knowledge
• Reduce financial stigma
• Encourage smart, informed money habits
• Build wealth across communities

Money Isn’t Dirty—It’s a Mirror

Your relationship with money often reflects your beliefs, your fears, and your past. The more you talk about it, the more you can improve that relationship. It’s time we clean up the shame, ditch the secrecy, and start treating money like the tool it is.

You deserve to be financially informed, confident, and in control—and it all starts with one conversation.

Money isn’t a taboo—it's a tool. Learn why we need to normalize talking about money to build better financial habits, reduce stress, and grow wealth in our communities.