Written by: Tony Steuer, CLU, IPA, LA, CPFFE
Talk About Money Before Life Happens
Prior to going whitewater rafting, it was important to talk to the participants about what to expect. People often had anxiety about what to expect. Having a conversation helped them to feel more confident and ready for the adventure.
This would take the form of a safety talk where we’d cover what to expect on the river that day - the specific conditions, how to deal with something unexpected like falling out of the raft as well as to answer questions. The goal was to give people enough information to feel calmer and ready for the adventure.
With money, conversations about what we may face help us to feel more confident and prepared.
The Big Idea: Talking about money before decisions become urgent helps reduce anxiety, build confidence and get everyone on the same page.
Question to Ask Before Life Happens
What information could I share now so others are not left guessing later?
Featured Conversation: Talk About Money Now So You’re Ready When Life Happens
On this episode of Get Ready Before Life Happens, I spoke with Tricia Daniel , TEDx speaker and founder of the Starting Over Wealth Network about how early, open money conversations create confidence, reduce fear, and help families stay prepared through life’s changes. Tricia shares how to overcome shame, communicate with clarity, and build a plan that supports both you and the people you care about.
- Talking about money early helps build clarity, confidence, and preparedness
- Small, consistent conversations make money feel more approachable and less overwhelming
- Bringing money topics into the open helps release shame and build stronger connections
**Tony’s Take: **A simple conversation can change everything. When you talk about money early and often, you reduce fear, build clarity, and create a path forward for yourself and the people you care about (above).
More on Money Conversations Before Life Happens
**The Money Conversation Most Couples Never Have. **You share a bed, a mortgage, a life. Do you share the numbers? Nobody wants to talk about money. I do, and so should you, with the person you share your future with today. Jacqui Clarke (read)
How to Navigate Money Conversations With Your Partner. Why full financial transparency matters, what couples should understand before signing a prenup, and how to approach essential money conversations before marriage. Jill Schlesinger on Money Moves with Jill Schlesinger Podcast (YouTube)
Don't Wait for a Crisis: How to Talk with Aging Parents. Why families often delay difficult conversations with aging parents until a crisis leaves them with few choices. How adult children can approach these discussions with empathy instead of urgency, why connection creates better outcomes than control, how having conversations earlier can help families avoid unnecessary guilt, and practical ways families can preserve a loved one's voice while planning for future care. Tami Calais and Eric Blake, CFP® on the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast (watch or listen)
Tony’s Take: Money conversations are easier when they happen before life happens. Family financial meetings with spouses, aging parents and children help everyone get on the same page and come up with collective solutions.
This week’s action: Choose one family money conversation to schedule.
It could be with a spouse, partner, parent, adult child, or sibling. If you have aging parents, consider scheduling a time to talk with them and your siblings about their wishes, the plans they have made, and how they would like help if life changes.
Why it matters: Talking about an aging plan before a care event allows everyone to familiar with the plan, ask questions and avoid rushed decisions.The goal is to listen first, understand their wishes, and clarify roles.
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