The following is a guest post by Rachel Cruze, who you may know also as Dave Ramsey’s daughter. An incredible speaker and author in her own right, Rachel has a new book coming out in October, “Love Your Life, Not Theirs“. If you’d like to submit a guest post on Money Q&A, please check out the site’s guest posting guidelines.
Some of the most difficult conversations you’ll ever have will probably involve money. For example, consider these statements:
“How much did you spend on that dress? You didn’t even tell me about it!”
“Retirement is only five years away, Dad. Do you think you’ll be ready?”
“Josh, I can’t keep loaning you money if you aren’t going to pay me back. Sorry, I know you’re my brother, but I can’t do it again.”
Ouch. Those are probably going to be difficult discussions, right? But even though they’re difficult, those money conversations are absolutely necessary.
The Importance of Talking About Money
In my upcoming book, “Love Your Life, Not Theirs“, I discuss the seven money habits you need to live the life you want. One of them is simply this: Talk about money, even when it’s hard.
What should you do when . . .
Your husband won’t stick to the budget? Talk about it.
Your parents aren’t prepared to live a comfortable retirement? Talk about it.
Your brother won’t stop asking you for money? Talk about it.
Yes, it won’t be easy. You may even have “words” or shed a few tears. But, ultimately, it’s one of the habits you have to practice to have a healthy relationship with money.
When you’re having a difficult discussion, remember that you can’t control the other person’s response. You shouldn’t be mean or insulting—just firm and reasonable. After that, the situation is out of your hands. If they get offended or their feelings get hurt, you shouldn’t feel guilty
Believe me, I understand there are a lot of questions about this topic and many “but what about this” situations to consider. That’s why I devoted two chapters in Love Your Life, Not Theirs to talking about money, even when it’s hard. And that’s why you should make it a habit.
About Rachel Cruze
Rachel Cruze is a seasoned communicator and presenter, helping Americans learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. She co-authored the #1 New York Times best-selling book “Smart Money Smart Kids” with her dad, Dave Ramsey. Her new book, Love Your Life, Not Theirs, hits bookstores on October 4th, 2016. You can follow Rachel on Twitter and Instagram at @RachelCruze and online at rachelcruze.com, youtube.com/rachelcruze or facebook.com/rachelramseycruze.
I am currently listening to the audio version of Love Your Life, Not Theirs and it is very good! I am now a Rachel Cruze fan 🙂