Politics

How to discuss the topic that’s more taboo than sex, mental health and politics

Published

4 years ago

September 2, 2020

Ziga Plahutar

In an era of unprecedented openness and ease of communications, where even the most controversial subjects can find their time in the limelight, there’s one subject that remains perplexingly taboo: Money. So much so, in fact, that a recent study demonstrated that Americans were twice as likely to feel comfortable discussing subjects such as drug use, mental illness, or marital difficulties than have a conversation about their household income or debt.

This long-standing aversion to discussing money can cause us to miss out on essential conversations, information, and joint decision-making processes that can benefit our finances and reduce stress and worry regarding our finances. It can also engender unrealistic expectations about money; deprive us of support and advice from trusted friends and family; and cause us to avoid learning more about managing our finances.

Our physical and emotional health can also suffer, as demonstrated in studies that indicate those with financial worries used painkillers at a significantly higher frequency. If fear or embarrassment are causing you to avoid seeking financial advice, help, or support, it can reflect in your overall quality of life.

How to break the money taboo

Learning to talk about money is similar in some ways to discussing other contentious topics, such as politics or relationships. We expect that it can bring forth uncomfortable emotions and conflict, yet many of us have learned how to do so, anyhow. There are some learnings from other difficult subjects that we can apply to our money conversations:

Money concerns are universal. Unless your last name is Buffett, Gates, or Rockefeller, it’s likely you’ve experienced financial worry, and so have your neighbors and friends. In fact, over 77% of Americans report feeling anxious over their financial situation. Recognizing that most of us feel stress over our finances helps us understand that we’re not alone, and would probably find a sympathetic ear when discussing money.

Draw on comfort with other “taboo” subjects. Most of us have learned how to discuss other subjects that previously seemed taboo – such as sex, relationship problems, mental health, politics, and so on. Draw on the confidence you’ve gained from speaking candidly about other subjects you once found difficult. What did you do or say to gain confidence with those subjects? Can any of those learnings be applied to the way you talk about money?

Understand Your money emotions. What emotions are you currently experiencing about money? Is it shame over debt, fear of not knowing enough, or something else? Identifying these emotional triggers can help you see your problems more realistically and not catastrophize.

Talk to the right people. Your money conversations can take many shapes, depending on what you’re experiencing, feeling, and who’s involved in your finances. Identify who you feel comfortable with that can help you make sense of your problems. Sometimes, that’s a partner or family. At other times, that can be a professional, such as a financial planner.

Increase your confidence online. If you’re still not quite ready to make the leap and discuss finances with people in your life, then consider starting online. Popular discussion boards, such as Bogleheads, can provide you with an anonymous place to air your concerns and receive feedback.

Source: – CNBC

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Politics

New Brunswick election candidate profile: Green Party Leader David Coon

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

FREDERICTON – A look at David Coon, leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick:

Born: Oct. 28, 1956.

Early years: Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal, he spent about three decades as an environmental advocate.

Education: A trained biologist, he graduated with a bachelor of science from McGill University in Montreal in 1978.

Family: He and his wife Janice Harvey have two daughters, Caroline and Laura.

Before politics: Worked as an environmental educator, organizer, activist and manager for 33 years, mainly with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick.

Politics: Joined the Green Party of Canada in May 2006 and was elected leader of the New Brunswick Green Party in September 2012. Won a seat in the legislature in 2014 — a first for the province’s Greens.

Quote: “It was despicable. He’s clearly decided to take the low road in this campaign, to adopt some Trump-lite fearmongering.” — David Coon on Sept. 12, 2024, reacting to Blaine Higgs’s claim that the federal government had decided to send 4,600 asylum seekers to New Brunswick.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

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Politics

New Brunswick election profile: Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

FREDERICTON – A look at Blaine Higgs, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick.

Born: March 1, 1954.

Early years: The son of a customs officer, he grew up in Forest City, N.B., near the Canada-U.S. border.

Education: Graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1977.

Family: Married his high-school sweetheart, Marcia, and settled in Saint John, N.B., where they had four daughters: Lindsey, Laura, Sarah and Rachel.

Before politics: Hired by Irving Oil a week after he graduated from university and was eventually promoted to director of distribution. Worked for 33 years at the company.

Politics: Elected to the legislature in 2010 and later served as finance minister under former Progressive Conservative Premier David Alward. Elected Tory leader in 2016 and has been premier since 2018.

Quote: “I’ve always felt parents should play the main role in raising children. No one is denying gender diversity is real. But we need to figure out how to manage it.” — Blaine Higgs in a year-end interview in 2023, explaining changes to school policies about gender identity.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

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Politics

Climate, food security, Arctic among Canada’s intelligence priorities, Ottawa says

Published

5 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Anne Joseph

OTTAWA – The pressing issues of climate change and food security join more familiar ones like violent extremism and espionage on a new list of Canada’s intelligence priorities.

The federal government says publishing the list of priorities for the first time is an important step toward greater transparency.

The government revises the priorities every two years, based on recommendations from the national security adviser and the intelligence community.

Once the priorities are reviewed and approved by the federal cabinet, key ministers issue directives to federal agencies that produce intelligence.

Among the priorities are the security of global health, food, water and biodiversity, as well as the issues of climate change and global sustainability.

The new list also includes foreign interference and malign influence, cyberthreats, infrastructure security, Arctic sovereignty, border integrity and transnational organized crime.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

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