104: How to talk to your loved ones about money with Financial Therapist, Aja Evans

Episode OverviewIn this episode, we explore how to have difficult conversations about money with family members, partners, and children. With expert guidance from financial therapist Aja Evans, we discuss setting boundaries, managing expectations, and dealing with the emotional baggage that comes with money talks.Key TopicsHaving difficult money conversations with partnersSetting and maintaining financial boundariesManaging money with kids and dependentsUnderstanding your personal money storyDealing with guilt and shame around financial changesBuilding effective money systemsKey TakeawaysCommunication is crucial but needs to be handled thoughtfully - set the stage for important conversations rather than springing them on peopleUse "I feel" statements and center emotions when discussing financial changesYour money beliefs are shaped by your earliest experiences - understanding this helps navigate current challengesSetting boundaries isn't just about saying "no" to others - it's also about setting limits with yourselfBe age-appropriate when discussing money with childrenFocus on experiences and long-term investing for kids rather than material goodsPractical TipsFor Money Conversations: Choose the right time and settingLead with emotions and personal experienceGive partners grace to process informationUse "I feel" statementsAvoid springing sensitive conversations without warningFor Building Money Systems: Start by understanding your feelings about moneyKnow what's coming in and going out monthlySet up automated payments where possibleCheck finances at least monthly (weekly preferred)Use high-yield savings accounts for emergency fundsFor Setting Boundaries: Communicate changes in financial situation clearlyOffer alternative ways to show love/support beyond moneyRemember that people's reactions belong to themBe prepared for initial negative responsesFocus on quality time over financial supportRecommended ResourcesBooks mentioned:"Finance for the People" by Paco de Leon"Get Good with Money" by Tiffany Aliche"Money Out Loud" by Berna Anat"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi"The Simple Path to Wealth" by J.L. Collins"Feel Good Finance" by Aja EvansApps mentioned:Monarch Money (budgeting app)Copilot (financial tracking)About Our GuestAja Evans is the President of the Financial Therapy Association and author of "Feel Good Finance." As a financial therapist, she helps people understand their relationship with money and develop healthier financial habits. Her work focuses on the intersection of money, relationships, and personal growth.Connect with AjaInstagram: @AJAetherapyLinkedIn: Aja Evans LMHCWebsite: ajaevanscounseling.comBook: "Feel Good Finance" (available at independent bookstores via Bookshop.org)Get in TouchHave a question about navigating money conversations with family? Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note.Subscribe to Stuck on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Produced by Rob Curtis, Jamal Stockton, and Ximena de la TijeraSubscribe to our Substack at www.stuckpodcast.comYou can watch each episode on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@areyoustuckThis show was produced by Rob Curtis, Jamal Stockton and Ximena de la Tijera