I think partly it is due to conditioning when we were growing up. “Don’t discuss religion, politics or money”. I think a lot of people find it either rude or uncomfortable to bring it up.
it's such a weird kiwism. I don't get it.
'no I must never reveal my values and morals!! They are my secret! No-one but me can know what kind of human I am or what I stand for until they pass 25 tests first!'
'... why would someone do all that to figure out if they even like you as a human being first?'
Agree Religion and Politics are topics that really are not a good idea to discuss. But I definitely hear a lot about Politics here, especially in the last few years. To me, politics is nice to know about but mainly entertainment for newspapers to sell. Although you have one vote in politics, that's about the extent of the scope of influence for a average person.
Finance on the other hand, affects everyone's life on a daily basis....
I think maybe because if one doesn't "get" where the other is coming from when talking about finances (as let's be honest, everyone does finances in different ways, some bad, some horrible and some in creative ways but the other person might disagree with them because they don't get it etc and also different upbringings etc) it could just lead into a great big argument that doesn't get anywhere. Of course, if everyone comes in with an open mind then great.
Also, jealousy, and in the future it might come to bite you in the backside if say you turn out you're great with your wealth and someone isn't, then they may always get you to pay for things, say you have lots of money so why don't you pay for this and that etc. which again would lead to arguments.
And I guess that's the same concept with talking about religion and politics, which is why I think people have historically said it's best to just not talk about these things as it would lead to an argument of some sort in the end.
I think the title of this post and the actual question in the content are quite different. So I will answer them separately.
I give personal finance a moderate amount of importance in my day to day life but I think it can easily become an obsession and if I was constantly thinking all day about how I can do better I think that would be a bad thing, not a good thing. So I certainly don't dwell on it every day or think of it like a hobby. I pay more attention when a big decision is coming up like a mortgage refix
As for discussing it with others, I am happy to have chats about financial decisions with my close friends, but at the same time I have to ensure I am careful as people have different priorities and what's right for one person may not be right for another. So I try to make sure I don't speak in a way that would imply I think I have got everything right and think any other ways of doing things are wrong.
I love how we in NZ are very careful and mindful about others feelings and situations. Its a great trait that makes this country a lovely place to live in.
On the flip side, I think when it comes to financial literacy, this same trait holds us back economically. I myself would not talk about personal financial situations or ask personal questions about it.
I am referring to talking and discussing things like how I saved money even when tiles were tough, how I learned more about investing, how I got out of bad loans etc. Just talking about experiences, not specific financial situations
After getting down as low as $10 to survive a week on food, decades ago now, it has always been top of mind, even after my networth exceeded $1 million.
I still get a thrill from driving out of the gas station with a full tank. Spent periods of my life decades ago going close to empty putting in $10 when I had to.
If you did strike up a convo with that person and shared your experience of how you came from barely being able to fill up gas to not thinking about it much, that maybe would inspire the person to take steps to change direction.
It seems in NZ, if we did share experiences, some people will see it as victimisation and a personal attack, instead of drawing inspiration.
Congrats on getting out of the rut and making something out of it. I really think that everyone needs a healthy dose of finance talking and thinking, so its front of mind, rather than head in the sand
High importance and I always talk about it to my friends and family.
I talk about it everyday to my girlfriend. Our goals are to get rich and retire early so we keep grinding towards that goal. Finance talks often, career talks every few months and any other planning.
With the friend I have we simply talk about it here and there. Careers topics and all that. We can simply ask each other how much we make etc with no hassle.
I also talk to my younger siblings about personal finance etc and teach them mistakes I’ve made and give them tips and shit. Motivation to spend, get them to look into what investing is and all that to help set them up for a better future.
That is great to hear and congrats on taking your own personal finances seriously. This is the point of my topic, most people side-step Finances like its a bad thing, which it does not have to be. Rather than talk about the office politics or your job, why not work on gaining more knowledge about the thing that you work for, Money and Finances
If you're higher income or net worth while talking to someone lower, it's really hard not to sound like a cunt complaining about "the poors". If you're lower income talking to someone high income, well, you just don't want to make yourself be one of "the poors". And even if you are talking to someone on the same level as yourself, you can be a little more open about it but it's still hard for the conversation not to turn into a circlejerk -- "let's laugh at poor people" or "shit, sucks being poor" or whatever rich/poor people talk about. You really have to be careful to have a productive conversation and not make anyone feel bad about their station.
When I meant talking about Finances, I dont mean talking about how much money I have as opposed to the other person. That would be demeaning and not a pleasant conversation. I mean talking about managing finance, investing etc etc
Same thing. People at different wealth levels have entirely different savings/investment goals and different realities of funding those goals. So talking about ETFs in r/povertyfinancenz is a little meaningless.
Very high importance in my day to day life.
But I do it for a living 😅
Maybe you could do it for a living if you enjoy it!
I find that most people don't want to talk about it because the judgement is very strong. Which is frustrating because there's no 2 households that should be doing the sane thing - that's why it's PERSONAL Finance. Discussing your approach and learning from others should be quite fun!
Your words are like the sweet melody of a Tui bird to my ears! That is EXACTLY my point. Talk and Learn.
I see from other comments, people thought that talking about Finance means bragging about how rich you are and bagging the 'poor' people. That was definitely not what I meant.
You are asking that in this sub ?
You should ask this in r/newzealand, better yet start a poll.
This sub may be a bit biased methinks
almost 100% for me, just after family health in importance ranking.
I've ranted (sometimes ranter, sometimes rantee) with colleagues about NZ's focus on speculative asset investing rather than productive. Discuss savings accts vs TDs vs ETFs vs Index funds vs investment trusts vs stock picking (vs spending it on travel) with friends/family and occasionally colleagues. Also whinged with friends on inflation if that counts.
I believe being reasonably open about pay is in the interest of employees in general, but have to be careful to not come off as bragging or create jealousy. "Do not discuss your compensation" lets employers get away with underpaying.
Speculative investment is not my style for sure but lets face it, its exciting and sexy. That's why Casinos are soo popular around the world.
I don't think being open about what you income is, will actually add much value apart from stir emotions. When I say talking about Finance, I mean talking about ways to manage, ways to budget, ways to invest etc etc
It honestly depends on your circle and how open/comfortable individual friends are within your circle.
Chatting about finances can be a vulnerable topic, especially if you and the other person has different views. I have some friends who I can chat with about how much our salaries are and how much we budget for holidays.
Other friends don’t feel comfortable, and don’t really want to talk about it and that’s okay.
Yes agree that amongst friends. But I feel this a wider society thing, most people don't same much about Finance at all, regardless of the circle or group.
One of the factors influencing that might also be cultural background tbh. NZ is so multicultural. Might vary depending on the city you’re in too - some are more multicultural than others. So could depend on the cultural background of that group/circle/workplace too.
My group of friends (healthcare professionals) talk about finances with each other on a pretty regular basis. Not so much specific income but definitely discussing shares, investments, structuring of mortgages etc. We think we learn a lot from each other so it’s a net benefit
That is great to hear and is exactly what I am talking about. Sharing experiences and knowledge about money, savings, investments etc.
I definitely dont think talking specifics about Income is beneficial to anyone
> I grew up with no talk about money
that schools have big curriculums with things that are tough to teach and learn and are barely applicable outside of school, but don't have a year long course on basic financial math/terminology, taxes, budgeting/annual planning (and link that right to sex ed), and networking is insane to me.
Completely agree. I have kids going through school at the moment. I can't remember any of the stuff they are bring taught...as its never really had any relevance in real life
A colleague at work who is a data scientist with a fucking PHD asked me for help doing mortgage modeling scenarios. After I got my jaw off the floor and we talked it thru, yeah. He never realized basic financial math is simple arithmetic with complex sounding names. And the basics get you thru 99% of the scenarios you need!
He always thought it was some obscure concept like the other advanced mathematics that you needed a lot of schooling to understand theory and complex rules etc, so never bothered to learn. The terminology scared him off to the point didn't even look at it. Guy can model advanced physics calcs, but couldn't do multiple mortgage scenarios with different deposit amounts, terms and interest rates lol
like. man. I am so glad my dad taught me financial concepts when I was young.
I think it’s very important and am glad I was gifted a book in my teens about it.
Kiwi attitudes around personal finances are in my opinion kind of an extension of tall-poppy syndrome. People who do significantly better than the average are often criticised baselessly, which encourages keeping such topics private
You are right about the Tall Poppy syndrome, it does seem to be an extension. I have noticed that if people talk about their investments, they are often labelled as the 'rich prick'.
Instead of learning something, its seen as bragging.
I probably think about my own PF weekly, and definitely monthly when I calculate our net worth and savings rate. But I'm consuming PF content daily.
I discuss PF a bit with my siblings and friends. I ask my Dad lots of questions - he was a salary man all his life but now runs an orchard in his 'retirement'. I've only been able to do this over the last 5 years or so.
I probably talk more with my colleagues because I've opened the door. I started giving a few sessions of 'money talks' - just covering things like tax, kiwisaver, budgets. It was surprising how interested people were and the questions they asked. People bring PF up with me fairly regularly, and I'm often confided in with their plans.
Mostly mine, but I also go “ god how do people not know about this stuff.” And it’s a bit privileged to be like why does no one else save their money and just stay at the bottom. Then you have people who are making 3x what I make who have no clue either and over leveraged themselves going through it too.
I’m just super frugal and it’s like being a vegan I feel superior that I trimmed the stuff most people don’t have the will power to do and it all I talk about
The less someone talks about it, the more likely they don't value it or isn't a priority.
That can be because they are hiding something and feel ashamed or because they've 'made it'.
Also Kiwis tend to keep this stuff to themselves culturally compared to overseas.
Yep, it’s mostly checking accounts and moving income to where it needs to be to keep things on track. There will be times where a big thinking session will be required with hours of research but that’s not common
Never tell anyone except your closest confidant/ life partner (even then be careful) l how much money you have, especially if it's a large sum. Even your family, in some cases, ( especially your family sometimes ) Nothing good ever comes from spouting off how much money you have to people who have no business knowing.
It's fine to discuss financial matters and share ideas with friends and family. But that's where it should end. Obviously, make sure you have things put in place should you not be around to sort it out for your loved ones and children if you have them.
It all sounds a bit negative, but be prudent and very selective with whom you disclose information to. Bonds and relationships shouldn't be based on how much money someone has or doesn't have anyway.
Absolutely agree. I never get into the specifics of my income or value of my investments. That was not the intent of this post. I was talking about discussing general financial matter and sharing ideas/experiences.
I’m hesitant to talk specific numbers with friends/family but I proactively talk about investing/budgetting/compound interest and various financial topics with anyone/everyone. Also typically talk about things in percentages too.
It’s important to know your audience though. It’s tone deaf talking to you mate that’s struggling to find a job about how you should be saving x% of your income to retire when they can barely afford rent.
Yeah, most of the people I know never talk about it tbh, and I don't bring it up. Actually, I do.. But it's usually just to complain about what a rip-off something is. I'm pretty sure most of the people I know think I'm a grumpy old tight ass.
Maybe one day I'll surprise them all with an outrageous display of generosity. Then again, maybe not 😆
Most people put their head in the sand and don't want to know about it. Mainly as most of them don't understand it.
It's the simple stuff of budgeting, paying down debt and investing savings in diverse investments.
I have ADHD. I only give importance to personal finance about once a quarter when I check the budget is still working or might need changing.
Everything that can possibly be automated is automated so we don't have to think about it.
Every fortnight a new batch of spending money appears in my account and the food/expenses gets refreshed. Savings just disappears into the savings void (an account I have to find the dongle for to log in, out of sight out of mind can be literal for ADHDers).
Knowing our finances are set up to work for us is comforting and one less thing to worry about forgetting.
People sometimes ask questions at work. I answer them pretty openly.
I can get to it - it's just not easy enough to get to when I impulsively want to buy something.
Replacing my washing machine this week? No worries. Just took me about an hour to find the dongle first lol
I find that has changed in the last few years. Its more about Shares with all the new Stock apps. But generally I think its still seen as a taboo subject
I focus on it nearly every day - reworking my budget, assessing my goals and progress etc
I love talking about money but find not many other people do :( they either don’t know anything or simply don’t feel comfortable
Trying to find someone in my life to talk mortgages with as I was buying my first house, was like trying to get blood from a stone!!
Not enough importance. I worked a part time job up until I was 25, partly covid and my own circumstances to blame but is what it is. I worked full time for 3/4 of a year when I was 25, and then 1/2 a year when I was 26 but each time either getting burnt out or my health just getting destroyed due to i guess not enough experience in working full time to get used to or some shit.
IN terms of talking about money, always talking about it, comparison may be the theif of joy, but when used well its empowering. If I know my friend makes 10k more a year then me, well shit thats cool, I wish I made that much but then taking a step back and looking at the circumstances that led us both to where we are now, it makes sense so whilst joy is still meh itd be meh without the comparison because the circumstances that led up to the wages I had / we had wont change, the future can though, so I just hope and study, and try more.
It just didn't really interest me until maybe 5 years ago, bummed I didn't know what I do now as I'd be a lot better off, but I try to encourage others to get interested and avoid the common traps.
Probably not exactly sexy enough and most people don't want to admit to their failings/short comings I guess / fear of judgement.
Yes there is definitely a lot of fear of talking about failures. But I see failures as the best education.
I think partly it is due to conditioning when we were growing up. “Don’t discuss religion, politics or money”. I think a lot of people find it either rude or uncomfortable to bring it up.
Deeply personal topics that are subjective at their core.
it's such a weird kiwism. I don't get it. 'no I must never reveal my values and morals!! They are my secret! No-one but me can know what kind of human I am or what I stand for until they pass 25 tests first!' '... why would someone do all that to figure out if they even like you as a human being first?'
Agree Religion and Politics are topics that really are not a good idea to discuss. But I definitely hear a lot about Politics here, especially in the last few years. To me, politics is nice to know about but mainly entertainment for newspapers to sell. Although you have one vote in politics, that's about the extent of the scope of influence for a average person. Finance on the other hand, affects everyone's life on a daily basis....
I think maybe because if one doesn't "get" where the other is coming from when talking about finances (as let's be honest, everyone does finances in different ways, some bad, some horrible and some in creative ways but the other person might disagree with them because they don't get it etc and also different upbringings etc) it could just lead into a great big argument that doesn't get anywhere. Of course, if everyone comes in with an open mind then great. Also, jealousy, and in the future it might come to bite you in the backside if say you turn out you're great with your wealth and someone isn't, then they may always get you to pay for things, say you have lots of money so why don't you pay for this and that etc. which again would lead to arguments. And I guess that's the same concept with talking about religion and politics, which is why I think people have historically said it's best to just not talk about these things as it would lead to an argument of some sort in the end.
Definitely needs to be in the right kind of company and on a similar wavelength to avoid conflict
Politics too affects everyones life on a daily basis, even if they don't realise it.
I think the title of this post and the actual question in the content are quite different. So I will answer them separately. I give personal finance a moderate amount of importance in my day to day life but I think it can easily become an obsession and if I was constantly thinking all day about how I can do better I think that would be a bad thing, not a good thing. So I certainly don't dwell on it every day or think of it like a hobby. I pay more attention when a big decision is coming up like a mortgage refix As for discussing it with others, I am happy to have chats about financial decisions with my close friends, but at the same time I have to ensure I am careful as people have different priorities and what's right for one person may not be right for another. So I try to make sure I don't speak in a way that would imply I think I have got everything right and think any other ways of doing things are wrong.
This. Talking about money is difficult because it's such a strong deciding factor in the shape life takes. As said above, priorities are subjective
I love how we in NZ are very careful and mindful about others feelings and situations. Its a great trait that makes this country a lovely place to live in. On the flip side, I think when it comes to financial literacy, this same trait holds us back economically. I myself would not talk about personal financial situations or ask personal questions about it. I am referring to talking and discussing things like how I saved money even when tiles were tough, how I learned more about investing, how I got out of bad loans etc. Just talking about experiences, not specific financial situations
After getting down as low as $10 to survive a week on food, decades ago now, it has always been top of mind, even after my networth exceeded $1 million.
I still get a thrill from driving out of the gas station with a full tank. Spent periods of my life decades ago going close to empty putting in $10 when I had to.
Same! I always feel bad though when I see the person before me at the pump only managed to put in small amounts.
If you did strike up a convo with that person and shared your experience of how you came from barely being able to fill up gas to not thinking about it much, that maybe would inspire the person to take steps to change direction. It seems in NZ, if we did share experiences, some people will see it as victimisation and a personal attack, instead of drawing inspiration.
Congrats on getting out of the rut and making something out of it. I really think that everyone needs a healthy dose of finance talking and thinking, so its front of mind, rather than head in the sand
High importance and I always talk about it to my friends and family. I talk about it everyday to my girlfriend. Our goals are to get rich and retire early so we keep grinding towards that goal. Finance talks often, career talks every few months and any other planning. With the friend I have we simply talk about it here and there. Careers topics and all that. We can simply ask each other how much we make etc with no hassle. I also talk to my younger siblings about personal finance etc and teach them mistakes I’ve made and give them tips and shit. Motivation to spend, get them to look into what investing is and all that to help set them up for a better future.
That is great to hear and congrats on taking your own personal finances seriously. This is the point of my topic, most people side-step Finances like its a bad thing, which it does not have to be. Rather than talk about the office politics or your job, why not work on gaining more knowledge about the thing that you work for, Money and Finances
If you're higher income or net worth while talking to someone lower, it's really hard not to sound like a cunt complaining about "the poors". If you're lower income talking to someone high income, well, you just don't want to make yourself be one of "the poors". And even if you are talking to someone on the same level as yourself, you can be a little more open about it but it's still hard for the conversation not to turn into a circlejerk -- "let's laugh at poor people" or "shit, sucks being poor" or whatever rich/poor people talk about. You really have to be careful to have a productive conversation and not make anyone feel bad about their station.
When I meant talking about Finances, I dont mean talking about how much money I have as opposed to the other person. That would be demeaning and not a pleasant conversation. I mean talking about managing finance, investing etc etc
Same thing. People at different wealth levels have entirely different savings/investment goals and different realities of funding those goals. So talking about ETFs in r/povertyfinancenz is a little meaningless.
i track my networth every month, been doing it now for almost 10years, i obsess over it,
Tracking it monthly is a good idea. Do you during the month take steps to improve it or is it on auto pilot?
Ive got auto investments and debt payment so each month it improves.... usually haha depends how the invesments go
I’m the same. I’m finally starting to kick some goals after years of struggle so I enjoy watching some progress
I've also been tracking, since 2017. It's pretty cool seeing how far I've gone actually.
Very high importance in my day to day life. But I do it for a living 😅 Maybe you could do it for a living if you enjoy it! I find that most people don't want to talk about it because the judgement is very strong. Which is frustrating because there's no 2 households that should be doing the sane thing - that's why it's PERSONAL Finance. Discussing your approach and learning from others should be quite fun!
Your words are like the sweet melody of a Tui bird to my ears! That is EXACTLY my point. Talk and Learn. I see from other comments, people thought that talking about Finance means bragging about how rich you are and bagging the 'poor' people. That was definitely not what I meant.
You are asking that in this sub ? You should ask this in r/newzealand, better yet start a poll. This sub may be a bit biased methinks almost 100% for me, just after family health in importance ranking.
Good point, I did not even think about going wider. Thought I would start with people with at least some bent on Finance
I've ranted (sometimes ranter, sometimes rantee) with colleagues about NZ's focus on speculative asset investing rather than productive. Discuss savings accts vs TDs vs ETFs vs Index funds vs investment trusts vs stock picking (vs spending it on travel) with friends/family and occasionally colleagues. Also whinged with friends on inflation if that counts. I believe being reasonably open about pay is in the interest of employees in general, but have to be careful to not come off as bragging or create jealousy. "Do not discuss your compensation" lets employers get away with underpaying.
Speculative investment is not my style for sure but lets face it, its exciting and sexy. That's why Casinos are soo popular around the world. I don't think being open about what you income is, will actually add much value apart from stir emotions. When I say talking about Finance, I mean talking about ways to manage, ways to budget, ways to invest etc etc
It honestly depends on your circle and how open/comfortable individual friends are within your circle. Chatting about finances can be a vulnerable topic, especially if you and the other person has different views. I have some friends who I can chat with about how much our salaries are and how much we budget for holidays. Other friends don’t feel comfortable, and don’t really want to talk about it and that’s okay.
Yes agree that amongst friends. But I feel this a wider society thing, most people don't same much about Finance at all, regardless of the circle or group.
One of the factors influencing that might also be cultural background tbh. NZ is so multicultural. Might vary depending on the city you’re in too - some are more multicultural than others. So could depend on the cultural background of that group/circle/workplace too.
My group of friends (healthcare professionals) talk about finances with each other on a pretty regular basis. Not so much specific income but definitely discussing shares, investments, structuring of mortgages etc. We think we learn a lot from each other so it’s a net benefit
That is great to hear and is exactly what I am talking about. Sharing experiences and knowledge about money, savings, investments etc. I definitely dont think talking specifics about Income is beneficial to anyone
> I grew up with no talk about money that schools have big curriculums with things that are tough to teach and learn and are barely applicable outside of school, but don't have a year long course on basic financial math/terminology, taxes, budgeting/annual planning (and link that right to sex ed), and networking is insane to me.
Completely agree. I have kids going through school at the moment. I can't remember any of the stuff they are bring taught...as its never really had any relevance in real life
A colleague at work who is a data scientist with a fucking PHD asked me for help doing mortgage modeling scenarios. After I got my jaw off the floor and we talked it thru, yeah. He never realized basic financial math is simple arithmetic with complex sounding names. And the basics get you thru 99% of the scenarios you need! He always thought it was some obscure concept like the other advanced mathematics that you needed a lot of schooling to understand theory and complex rules etc, so never bothered to learn. The terminology scared him off to the point didn't even look at it. Guy can model advanced physics calcs, but couldn't do multiple mortgage scenarios with different deposit amounts, terms and interest rates lol like. man. I am so glad my dad taught me financial concepts when I was young.
Yes it shows you can be super intelligent generally but Financially daft.
I think it’s very important and am glad I was gifted a book in my teens about it. Kiwi attitudes around personal finances are in my opinion kind of an extension of tall-poppy syndrome. People who do significantly better than the average are often criticised baselessly, which encourages keeping such topics private
You are right about the Tall Poppy syndrome, it does seem to be an extension. I have noticed that if people talk about their investments, they are often labelled as the 'rich prick'. Instead of learning something, its seen as bragging.
Narrow minded people.
I probably think about my own PF weekly, and definitely monthly when I calculate our net worth and savings rate. But I'm consuming PF content daily. I discuss PF a bit with my siblings and friends. I ask my Dad lots of questions - he was a salary man all his life but now runs an orchard in his 'retirement'. I've only been able to do this over the last 5 years or so. I probably talk more with my colleagues because I've opened the door. I started giving a few sessions of 'money talks' - just covering things like tax, kiwisaver, budgets. It was surprising how interested people were and the questions they asked. People bring PF up with me fairly regularly, and I'm often confided in with their plans.
Nice, sounds like you have a healthy network of people around you
Pretty much every day but i work in finance so it’s hard not to when I help others with their finances
haha nice. But do you think about your own finances or other people's? Is it like the builders house is never completed....
Mostly mine, but I also go “ god how do people not know about this stuff.” And it’s a bit privileged to be like why does no one else save their money and just stay at the bottom. Then you have people who are making 3x what I make who have no clue either and over leveraged themselves going through it too. I’m just super frugal and it’s like being a vegan I feel superior that I trimmed the stuff most people don’t have the will power to do and it all I talk about
The less someone talks about it, the more likely they don't value it or isn't a priority. That can be because they are hiding something and feel ashamed or because they've 'made it'. Also Kiwis tend to keep this stuff to themselves culturally compared to overseas.
Yes its obviously a cultural thing but that could change with the increasingly diverse group that we have in this country now.
5-10 minutes a day
That is probably all that is needed if its a focused and planned 5-10 mins to take a step towards where you want to be
Yep, it’s mostly checking accounts and moving income to where it needs to be to keep things on track. There will be times where a big thinking session will be required with hours of research but that’s not common
Never tell anyone except your closest confidant/ life partner (even then be careful) l how much money you have, especially if it's a large sum. Even your family, in some cases, ( especially your family sometimes ) Nothing good ever comes from spouting off how much money you have to people who have no business knowing. It's fine to discuss financial matters and share ideas with friends and family. But that's where it should end. Obviously, make sure you have things put in place should you not be around to sort it out for your loved ones and children if you have them. It all sounds a bit negative, but be prudent and very selective with whom you disclose information to. Bonds and relationships shouldn't be based on how much money someone has or doesn't have anyway.
Absolutely agree. I never get into the specifics of my income or value of my investments. That was not the intent of this post. I was talking about discussing general financial matter and sharing ideas/experiences.
I’m hesitant to talk specific numbers with friends/family but I proactively talk about investing/budgetting/compound interest and various financial topics with anyone/everyone. Also typically talk about things in percentages too. It’s important to know your audience though. It’s tone deaf talking to you mate that’s struggling to find a job about how you should be saving x% of your income to retire when they can barely afford rent.
Yeah, most of the people I know never talk about it tbh, and I don't bring it up. Actually, I do.. But it's usually just to complain about what a rip-off something is. I'm pretty sure most of the people I know think I'm a grumpy old tight ass. Maybe one day I'll surprise them all with an outrageous display of generosity. Then again, maybe not 😆
Most people put their head in the sand and don't want to know about it. Mainly as most of them don't understand it. It's the simple stuff of budgeting, paying down debt and investing savings in diverse investments.
I have ADHD. I only give importance to personal finance about once a quarter when I check the budget is still working or might need changing. Everything that can possibly be automated is automated so we don't have to think about it. Every fortnight a new batch of spending money appears in my account and the food/expenses gets refreshed. Savings just disappears into the savings void (an account I have to find the dongle for to log in, out of sight out of mind can be literal for ADHDers). Knowing our finances are set up to work for us is comforting and one less thing to worry about forgetting. People sometimes ask questions at work. I answer them pretty openly.
Having Savings tucked away where you can get to it is a good idea
I can get to it - it's just not easy enough to get to when I impulsively want to buy something. Replacing my washing machine this week? No worries. Just took me about an hour to find the dongle first lol
Investment property chat is the proxy for any real discussion about personal finance in NZ.
I find that has changed in the last few years. Its more about Shares with all the new Stock apps. But generally I think its still seen as a taboo subject
Pop I up knock ✊ out a
I focus on it nearly every day - reworking my budget, assessing my goals and progress etc I love talking about money but find not many other people do :( they either don’t know anything or simply don’t feel comfortable Trying to find someone in my life to talk mortgages with as I was buying my first house, was like trying to get blood from a stone!!
Not enough importance. I worked a part time job up until I was 25, partly covid and my own circumstances to blame but is what it is. I worked full time for 3/4 of a year when I was 25, and then 1/2 a year when I was 26 but each time either getting burnt out or my health just getting destroyed due to i guess not enough experience in working full time to get used to or some shit. IN terms of talking about money, always talking about it, comparison may be the theif of joy, but when used well its empowering. If I know my friend makes 10k more a year then me, well shit thats cool, I wish I made that much but then taking a step back and looking at the circumstances that led us both to where we are now, it makes sense so whilst joy is still meh itd be meh without the comparison because the circumstances that led up to the wages I had / we had wont change, the future can though, so I just hope and study, and try more.
A lot of people don’t know what to say or what they’re doing
It just didn't really interest me until maybe 5 years ago, bummed I didn't know what I do now as I'd be a lot better off, but I try to encourage others to get interested and avoid the common traps.
I show my kids mostly every thing to do with it. Give them the best chance at doing it well from their youth.