How to get the money talk flowing

It’s a topic that Kiwis aren’t particularly comfortable talking about. Shocking fact, one in three of us rarely or never talk about our finances with others—. But changing this behaviour for the better could have a positive impact on your financial wellbeing—.

As the saying goes, there’s no time like the present. And there’s no place like home. Or a café, or when out for a walk, or maybe over a takeaway.

Where and when’s your call, but the more you commit to constructive chats about money – especially your savings goals – the less awkward and more productive they become. 

We’ve cut it down into bite-sized pieces to help you have more meaningful money conversations. 

Why? Because those who have a set goal tend to have greater financial wellbeing than those that don’t—.

Plus, talking about them helps keep you focussed and accountable. You can even name your account after what you’re saving towards, or add a picture. There’s nothing quite like the visual reminder of those tropical waters to make you question whether you really need to buy that air fryer. Yes, that old ‘needs versus wants’ chestnut. 

While we’re on the topic of savings, this could also be a good time to  take a look at how to set SMART goals.

How about you get comfy over a takeaway – that’s right, a good budget allows for occasional treats too. Then chew over allocating your income while you divvy up wontons, pizza, or whatever’s on tonight’s menu.

Talking about your budget in a relaxed environment is a great way to get your financial wellbeing rolling. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to do this, but if you're stuck on where to start, the 50-30-20 budget rule is a helpful hack.

It’s also important to prepare for rainy days. If you can afford it, a separate savings buffer – say $1,000 – could be a helpful safety net if, for example, you got landed with an unexpectedly high power bill. Thanking you, emergency fund. This might be a good time to have a chat about what you could afford to set aside. 

When planning your long-term financial goals, it’s a good idea to know how you’re doing right now. Answering a few quick questions with the ANZ Financial Wellbeing Calculator could help with that. Oh, and share the results too – that could be your next topic of conversation. Hang on, we’ve got you talking again, haven’t we? Nice.  

 

It’s always good to maintain an open dialogue with family and friends. Make some of your chats about finances and you could do wonders for your financial wellbeing too – especially if you make them a regular habit.