Have you ever wanted to talk about money with a friend or partner, then decided against it? It can be uncomfortable to share how much you earn, how much you’ve saved or how much you owe. 
You might feel ashamed of your credit card balance or feel awkward that you seem to earn more than your friends. 
But should you reconsider your approach to talking about money? Can sharing more sometimes be a good thing?
Sharing With Your Partner or Spouse 
In a serious relationship, it’s wise to discuss your attitudes toward saving and spending and to reveal your assets and liabilities. Openness and honesty about money are important because your individual financial behaviors can strongly affect your partner and your future together.
Transparency With Your Friends
You may not want to reveal your exact salary to your friends, but it’s probably smart to share enough information to prevent finances from hurting your relationship. No one wants to go broke trying to keep up with their higher-earning, higher-spending friends. 
Tip: When making plans, offer different cost options: “Would you like to go out for cocktails, cook at my place, grab a coffee or go for a walk?”
Being Open with Your Financial Advisor
If there’s one person you should consider sharing every aspect of your finances with, it’s a trusted financial advisor. Professionals who are required to provide unbiased advice in your best interest can help you the most when they know all the details, and of course we’ll keep things confidential.
Have questions? Reach out whenever you need a review of your finances or help with a financial decision.

Has anyone ever made an unfair assumption about your money habits? Was that assumption based on how old you are? 
People often look for patterns and trends when it comes to spending and saving, but in reality, your financial approach probably isn’t based on age or decade alone.
What do you think? Do these common beliefs hold true, or are they just myths? 
1. “The silent generation is stingy.” Born in the 20s, 30s and 40s, this generation grew up with financial stress caused by the Great Depression, wartime rations and career limitations for women. One effect of this group’s resulting prudence, however? Widespread homeownership.  
2. “Baby boomers pinch pennies.” Thanks perhaps to their parents, 55% of boomers described themselves as frugal in a 2019 survey, compared to 40% of Gen Xers and 33% of millennials. But can you call them too frugal as they approach retirement with long life expectancies and rising health care costs?
3. “Gen Xers are big spenders.” Even if they are, many are overcoming it. Gen Xers are beginning to reach their peak earning years and tend to have high 401(k) participation rates, potentially putting them in a better place than ever.
4. “Millennials are entitled.” That’s also debatable. Maybe they’ve just learned from their generation’s financial challenges, such as graduating during the Great Recession and dealing with student loan debt, by saving for emergencies and being financially cautious.
5. “Gen Zers are unfocused.” The youngest generation, born in the mid-1990s and beyond, grew up with fast internet, fast devices and on-demand content. They value their time and money and are wise not to waste it when options abound. 
The Takeaway
When it comes down to it, responsibility unites us. Every generation worries about meeting basic needs, providing for loved ones and saving for the future. 
Need some help organizing and understanding your finances? Reach out for clarity and assistance anytime.