Introducing: Me, Myself and Money
Monday, January 11th, 2010When was the last time you had an honest conversation about money? Can you remember? OK, if you can’t remember the last time you openly and honestly spoke about money with your partner, your parents, your children, your friends, then when was the last time you were honest with yourself about money? When was the last time you said, “Self, this is what your bank statement looks like, and this is where your money goes.” You can’t remember that either? Do you remember, but you don’t want to admit what your Self said to you about your money? Or, do you not want to admit that you address yourself as “Self?”
In school we all go through sex education. At a very awkward age, our parents give us “the talk.” We stay up late talking and giggling with our friends about it. There is information everywhere you look in college to protect you from making bad sexual choices. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is very important to educate our youth (and to continue that education throughout adulthood) about making healthy and positive sexual decisions. HOWEVER, HOW-EVER, why don’t we put this kind of effort into education our population about money? Why don’t we go through personal finance education in grade school? Why don’t our parents give us “the money talk”? Why are we afraid to talk to our friends about money? Why are there not posters and fliers blanketing college campuses about making healthy money decisions? Instead, there are tables setup outside of the dining halls tempting students to sign up for credit cards. If you ask me, that is the financial equivalent of handing out free condoms with giant holes poked in the ends.
It’s time to put an end to this whole talking about money is taboo business. It’s time to start honestly talking about money. It’s time to educate ourselves, each other and our children (please, please our children) about money. It’s time to introduce Me, Myself and Money.
Me, Myself and Money is a new section of Me, Myself and Mommy. I am going to chronicle every penny that Steve and I earn and spend. I’ll talk about our financial goals. I will talk about the thought process that goes behind our financial decisions. I will talk about our financial successes and our financial setbacks. I will talk about our good choices and the dumb ones. I will talk about how earning and spending money makes me feel. I will ask for your advice.
My hope is that by openly and truthfully talking to you about my finances and financial thought process, you will begin to openly talk about your money with your partner, children, parents and friends. Since we’re being open and honest here, I also hope that by sharing the intimate details of my finances, I will gain full control over my money instead of my money having control over me.
How are you holding up over there? Breathing OK?
I think this is going to be hot. I think talking about money can be just as sexy as talking about birthcontrol options.
I saw you blushing. Don’t hide it.
