How to Navigate Uncomfortable Money Questions During The Holidays

by Gus Gonzalez
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Updated on December 12, 2023

The holidays are a time of connecting with those you love most. It’s a chance to catch up with loved ones you haven’t seen in a while, and in most cases, you’ll make unforgettable memories.

But sometimes, awkward money questions from well-meaning relatives and friends might quickly turn things ugly.

Whether it’s your aunt criticizing your career path or a cousin comparing salaries, talking about anything money-related is taboo in most cases.

It doesn’t need to be this way, though. In this post, I’ll explain some simple strategies to maneuver these situations with class and keep the holiday spirit alive!

Not Discussing Your Finances Is The Way To Go

First, you don’t need to put your financial health on blast.

Money is a personal topic, and no one’s forcing you to open up about your financial situation. There are also millions of things to talk about that don’t have to do with someone’s job position, salary, or any other money-related topic that’s personal to you.

So don’t feel bad about establishing the boundaries you need to. This is especially true during holiday gatherings where some people might want to pry more than what’s called for.

Remember, while they’re your family, you have the right to keep some things private and steer clear of these conversations when they come up!

How To Manage Awkward Moments Money Comes Up

It might still come up even when you try to avoid the topic. Here’s how to handle it gracefully:

1. Prepare Yourself For The Inevitable

In most cases, there’s no avoiding holiday dinners. And even if you try to keep things light, we all have a family member or two who won’t hesitate to ask about your finances.

Do yourself a favor and prepare a quick response in advance. Even if it’s a simple “I’m okay, thanks for asking,” you’ll already have something planned out for situations like these. Having these ready will help you navigate the conversation without feeling caught off guard.

2. Redirect The Topic

Learning how to redirect a topic can be a lifesaver.

For example, say someone asks about your salary this year. Instead of getting defensive, change the topic to something similar, like a show you’re watching, news, or anything else that could get you out of hot water.

This tactic diverts attention away from your finances and onto a different, safer topic of conversation.

3. Ask A Question

People love to talk about their lives, so use that to your advantage by flipping the question back to them.

If someone asks how much you have in your bank account, try giving a vague answer by asking them the same question to see how they respond.

This shifts the focus away from you and onto the other person, subtly giving them a hint that you’re uncomfortable sharing details.

4. Share As Much As You’re Comfortable With

If you’re okay with it, go ahead and share some details! You might talk about general financial goals or experiences without getting into specific numbers.

As long as you’re comfortable with it, sharing a part of your story gives a glimpse into your financial journey without revealing too much.

5. Don’t Take It Personally

Understand that often, most people have good intentions.

Their curiosity stems from their own concerns or experiences with money. In other cases, it’s their way of showing they care about you and want to see you’re doing well!

Keeping this perspective can help you respond calmly and avoid feeling attacked or defensive.

The Bottom Line

Uncomfortable questions about your money situation don’t need to stress you out. Remember, you control how much you share about your finances.

So arm yourself with these strategies, and you’ll be ready to tackle any conversations revolving around your finances confidently.

Who knows, they might even give you valuable insights and shared experiences with which you and your loved ones can connect. Happy holidays!

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