We Need to Talk About Money

 

Recently, I’ve been having more conversations with friends and colleagues about money—and it’s made me realize how rarely we do this. For some reason, money is still considered taboo. We don’t talk about wages, savings, or struggles nearly as openly as we should. Yet when we break that silence, something powerful happens: we share, we learn, and we grow stronger together. The truth is, keeping quiet only benefits the systems that profit from our lack of knowledge.

When money is kept in the shadows, people are left in the dark about what’s common or fair. Employers often rely on this silence, using it to maintain the status quo. If workers don’t know what others are making, it becomes easier for organizations to pay people unevenly and to reap the benefits of secrecy. But when we speak up, we empower each other with knowledge that can lead to better opportunities, fair pay, and smarter financial decisions.

Think about it: in almost every other part of life, we freely exchange advice. If you’re into fitness, you swap workout tips. If you’re a cook, you share recipes. If you’re a teacher like me, you trade strategies about lesson planning, neurodiversity, and how to better support students. I’ve learned so much by talking with colleagues about teaching—but when it comes to money, we don’t treat it the same way. We miss out on the collective wisdom that could help all of us.

By opening up about money, we create a culture of transparency and support. Imagine the possibilities if we treated finances like any other skill or interest. We could compare notes on budgeting, share tricks for saving, or encourage each other toward bigger financial goals. These conversations don’t have to be intimidating or shame-filled. Instead, they can be empowering, practical, and even fun.

That’s why I want to stop following the old rule of silence. I want to start talking about money—honestly, openly, and without judgment. Whether it’s salary, saving strategies, or spending habits, the more we talk, the more we all benefit. Let’s treat money the same way we treat any other area of life where we want to grow: with curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn together. The conversation is long overdue, and it’s time we keep it going.