The Do’s and Don’ts of Complaining About Money

Laura Woods   Fri, September 10, 2021

You’re in a bit of a financial predicament, and you really want to talk to someone about it. The thing is, bringing up money woes is often considered taboo, so you’re not sure if doing so is appropriate. Carrie Glenn, founder of Etiquette at Hand based in California’s Monterey Peninsula, said there are really only three types of people it’s OK to talk to about financial issues. One of course includes your spouse or partner — most of the time.

“This is not the case if the woes are a direct result of his or her actions,” she said. “Then, it’s not polite to stick it in their face or make them feel bad.”

She said everyone makes financial mistakes and complaining about your partner’s missteps will negatively affect your relationship. If you can’t vent to your significant other, Glenn said it’s also acceptable to talk to a close friend or trusted family member — assuming their financial burdens aren’t worse than yours.

“If hearing your money problems will just remind them of their bad situation or highlight how much more you have than they do, it’s never a good idea to go there — even if they insist,” she said. “This is the time for you to be a good friend and find someone else to complain to.”

When in doubt, she said it’s always OK to complain about money to a paid professional — i.e., a psychiatrist, financial advisor or bookkeeper — especially when they’re in a position to help you.

“Having a financial professional in your corner gives you free rein to let it all out,” she said. “That’s what they are there for — as long as you’re not pointing the finger at them.”

Regardless of their own financial situation, Glenn said to remember that this topic tends to make people uncomfortable. Therefore, she encouraged opting to keep private financial issues to yourself, so you don’t cause the conversation to take an awkward turn.  “It is to be hoped that careful consideration outweighs the immediate gratification of complaining,” she said.

To continue reading, please go to the original article here:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/don-ts-complaining-money-150002161.html