Growing up, many folks were taught that it’s not polite to discuss money at the dinner table.

But does it make sense that it was considered taboo to talk about personal finance? Mental, physical and financial are three of the pillars of holistic health, and for many Canadians, money is their largest stressor. The Federal Government recently shared the impacts of financial stress and almost 50% of the people surveyed said they had lost sleep over financial worries. The report also states in its findings that one in three Canadians say they are short of money at the end of the month. These numbers show just how deep financial stress can run and how it can significantly affect everyday life.

We want to shift the conversation about money from uncomfortable to empowering. This means that it’s not about prying or trying to get detailed information about your friend’s salary or your neighbour’s budget. Instead, you are learning different ways of thinking about money, understanding how others prioritize financial goals and feeling optimistic about your own financial choices. By talking more openly about financial terms, tools and products, we can all learn and build confidence around our finances. This starts with remembering that everyone’s financial journey is different, and every individual or family has their own priorities and goals.

If it’s a topic that makes you uncomfortable, keep in mind that money doesn’t always have to be a serious topic or require a deep discussion. You can try bringing it up casually in your day-to-day conversations. A great starting point is mentioning an article you’ve read or sharing a social media video that taught you something new. These small interactions are less personal but allow you to develop a comfort level with talking about finances. /p>Life milestones can also be a natural way to bring up money topics that you might not otherwise mention, as they are timely and relevant. If you’re looking for a new job, instead of asking a recently hired friend what they are paid, you can ask if they have any tips for negotiating their salary and benefits. If you’re considering purchasing a new home, you could ask your coworkers what factors they considered in selecting a banking institution or provider and if they are happy with the service they are receiving.

We want to encourage you to chat about money among friends, family and your financial advisor. To get you started, we’ve put together a list of 20 questions for a productive conversation about finance. These topics are meant to be about discovery, understanding why people have made specific financial decisions and how they determined that a product or service made the most sense for them.

1. When was the last time you had a helpful conversation about finances?

2. What is a money habit that’s made your life easier?

3. How do you usually decide what’s “worth” spending money on?

4. Do you have a saving or investing goal you’re working toward right now?

5. Do you prefer to pay with cash, debit or credit and why?

6. What helped you choose the credit card you use – rewards, low-interest, or something else?

7. How do you balance treating yourself and staying mindful of your budget?

8. How do you plan for unexpected expenses?

9. How do you break down your budget for everyday expenses – an app, mental math, or written down?

10. What is one thing you wish they taught about money in school?

11. What’s one money “myth” you think people should stop believing?

12. Have you ever had a moment where you realized your priorities around money changed?

13. Have you ever used a balance transfer or low-interest promo on a credit card – and was it worth it?

14. Do you know what a High Interest Savings Account is and do you have one?

15. Do you have an automatic savings payment set up or do you transfer funds manually when you’re able?

16. Have you ever tried a ‘no-spend’ challenge – did it work?

17. Have you found any books, podcasts, or tools to help you understand finances better?

18. Are you currently investing, and what helped you feel confident starting?

19. What’s one investing/savings/budgeting concept that clicked for you after you spoke to a financial advisor?

20. What is the most surprising thing you learned about money or financial planning?

These questions are focused on discovery and what people in your life have discovered works best for them. One of the most significant things taught in personal finance is that decisions are unique for each person, often reflecting individually lived experiences or how people’s parents prioritized finances, and there are no wrong answers to these questions.

If you have questions after reading this list or want to talk to a financial advisor about topics you discussed with a friend, read in a book or saw on TikTok, we can help. Connect with one of our Financial Advisors by booking an appointment online, calling 902.492.6500 or emailing info@cua.com.