The benefits of talking about money can't be ignored, and we should do more of it

Welcome to Personal Finance Insider, a bimonthly newsletter that connects you with the stories, strategies, and tips you need to be better with money.

Here's what: Let's talk about money

Chances are, if you're reading this, you want to learn about money. But when was the last time you talked about money with someone? Anyone besides the cashier at the grocery store in the last week? The last month? Six months?

Money can be a really uncomfortable, emotionally charged topic for a lot of people. Frankly, I'd bet you're in the minority if you don't feel this way. You might even be shifting in your seat right now at the thought of it. Dollars and cents underlie nearly every aspect of our lives, yet it can feel embarrassing to put it all out there with another person, even a family member or friend.

But as we wade through these twin crises — a once-in-a-generation pandemic and the devastating economic fallout — I challenge you to invite someone else under the hood of your finances (or at least let them take a ride in the passenger seat).

Tell your sister or friend or partner what you're struggling with or what you're working toward. It doesn't have to be a complex, lay-it-all-out-there conversation; you don't even have to divulge numbers. But with stimulus checks, tax policy, and unemployment benefits at the center of daily, national conversation, think about how you can bring these topics closer to home.

If you are ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of your finances, consider working with a fee-only financial planner who has both the expertise and care to help you navigate. Data show people who seek help from an advisor are more likely to report happiness, confidence, and stability in their financial and personal lives compared to those who go it alone.

One thing I've learned since talking about personal finance became my job: In order to be good with money you have to treat it as a tool, not a chore. We know how deeply personal and professional relationships influence our overall well-being, so why not leverage them to elevate our financial well-being, too?

We're here to listen, too. If you have personal-finance questions you'd like answered, send them to yourmoney@businessinsider.com. We'll respond to select questions in an upcoming column.

—Tanza Loudenback, Personal Finance Insider correspondent and certified financial planner

Expert tip of the week

"Get out and vote — and let your money continue to grow in your investments. Just know that whomever you choose will not likely themselves have a direct impact on market returns, at least over the long term."

—Charles Weeks, a CFP and the founding partner of Barrister, on the data-driven advice he gives clients who are worried about how the US presidential election will impact their investments.

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