The Best Time to Start a Financial Plan is Now
Talking about money
A Family Conversation Worth Having
by Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP® Owner, AAA Advisory LLC
As families gather around the table this Thanksgiving, the conversations will likely range from who’s bringing dessert to when the holiday lights are going up. But here’s a thought: will your family talk about money?
For many of us, money is still a taboo topic, something to be handled quietly behind closed doors. Growing up, we absorb social norms about what’s “appropriate” to share. Some families talk about money openly, using it as a teaching tool. Others avoid it altogether, often to “protect” kids or spare them from adult worries. But whether we talk about it or not, money is part of every family’s story, and learning to speak about it with honesty and confidence can make all the difference.
The Power of Talking About Money
Money touches nearly every aspect of daily life, what we eat, where we live, how we spend our time, and the opportunities we’re able to pursue. Yet, for something so central, many of us never received any real financial education. We learned by watching, guessing, or making mistakes.
Having open, age-appropriate conversations about money early on helps kids develop a positive relationship with it. They begin to see money not as a source of stress or confusion, but as a tool for creating choices and opportunities. Just like we teach kids about nutrition, kindness, or hard work, we can teach them about saving, giving, and spending wisely.
My Own Family’s Experience
Earlier this year, I was reminded how deeply important it is to have these conversations. My parents and I had been having open, honest discussions about their finances over the last few years. We reviewed their accounts, talked through what mattered most to them, and made sure they had a plan that gave them peace of mind.
When my dad passed away this year, those conversations became an incredible gift. Because my parents had a plan and everything was in order, money was the last thing we had to worry about. We didn’t have to scramble to find paperwork or wonder what to do next, we could simply take the time to grieve and support each other.
It made me think about how many families avoid these discussions, hoping to spare loved ones from worry. But in reality, keeping family members in the loop is one of the most caring and empowering things we can do. It turns uncertainty into clarity and allows everyone to feel prepared, supported, and connected.
Breaking Down the Money Taboo
Different families have different “money cultures.”
The Silent Approach: “We don’t talk about that.” Kids in these households may grow up without context about what things cost, how savings work, or how to handle debt responsibly. They might learn only after making expensive mistakes.
The Survival Mode Approach: Money conversations happen only when there’s a problem, an unexpected bill or tight month. The focus becomes scarcity and stress, rather than planning and goals.
The Empowered Approach: Families who treat money as a normal topic of discussion often raise kids who are more confident and capable with financial decisions. They understand the trade-offs between spending now and saving for later.
No matter what your family’s history is, it’s never too late to shift the tone. The goal isn’t to share every detail of your financial life, it’s to normalize the conversation, reduce shame, and make money a topic that brings your family closer, not further apart.
How to Start the Conversation
Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to share gratitude, stories, and traditions. What if part of that tradition included a conversation about money values?
You don’t need to bring out spreadsheets between the turkey and the pie. But you could talk about what you’re grateful for financially this year, perhaps the ability to help a child with college costs, the discipline to stay out of debt, or the teamwork it took to meet a savings goal.
If you’re talking to kids or grandkids, here are some simple, age-appropriate ways to begin:
Ages 5–10: Talk about choices. When you go to the store, explain that money is traded for things we need and want, and we can’t buy everything. Give them small opportunities to manage money, like choosing how to spend $5 at a fair or saving for something special.
Ages 11–14: Introduce saving and budgeting. Help them divide money into “save,” “spend,” and “give” jars or accounts. If they earn allowance or babysitting money, discuss what portion they might save for bigger goals.
Ages 15–18: Talk about real-life money decisions. Discuss credit cards, student loans, and how interest works. Encourage them to think about earning money through jobs or internships and what it means to live within their means.
College & Young Adults: This is the time to teach about planning ahead. Share how you approach taxes, insurance, or retirement contributions. Encourage questions and celebrate their financial wins, no matter how small.
A Foundation for the Future
So, as you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, consider sneaking in a conversation about money, what it means to your family, how you want to handle it, and what you hope future generations will learn from you.
Because when families talk about money, they’re really talking about care, trust, and legacy. And that’s something worth being thankful for.
Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP®, is the founder of AAA Advisory LLC, where she helps families bring Alignment, Action, and Accountability to their financial lives. She provides financial planning and tax guidance for busy professionals and families looking to feel confident and in control of their future.
