I used to be absolutely terrible for butting into other people’s business and offering advice that no one asked me for. I’m sure I’m not the only in the world who has ever done this, but I’ve definitely made a conscious effort to change my ways in the past 5 years, and that started with me minding my own business when it comes to other people’s money.
As a personal finance blogger I can’t help but love it when the subject of money gets tossed into a conversation, but I know that I’m not a financial expert, I’m still in my mid-twenties figuring my sh** out, and I most certainly don’t have all the answers. But I do think that what I’ve been doing, such as working multiple jobs, paying off my student loan debt, and saving and investing as much money as I can muster, has made me a pretty good example for anyone looking to get on track with their finances.
I mean seriously, no exaggeration, I have never been this financially comfortable in my entire life and when I moved out on my own two years ago, I literally had a few hundred dollars to my name. I’m not saying that I’m a millionaire now, or really much of a thousandaire, but let’s just say I haven’t woken up in a puddle of sweat worried that I didn’t have enough cash to pay rent for a very long time (I feel like this sentence deserves the hashtag babysteps).
Any who, although I’ve been feeling pretty proud of my progress lately, I do realize that not everyone is in the same situation as me. I’m sure everyone has at least one friend who always complains of being broke. This may have been more like 20 friends back in university, but when you’re on the road to 30 like me, I can’t help but wonder why with my entry level salary and high cost of living, I’ve managed to get out of that “Sorry, I’m broke” cycle, but other people haven’t.
When I mentioned this to my BF, he told me that “Not everyone is good with money”. Now, I don’t completely agree with this. I think everyone is capable of being good with money. No one is born bad at handling their finances, it’s a choice. Of course, I do understand there are always special circumstances, but generally most people in the First World can figure out a way to get out of that vicious broke cycle if they really want to.
But here’s the thing, it’s not my place to tell anyone what to do with their money. I know what works for me, and I write this blog in case anyone is actively seeking out some personal finance advice, opinions, or just general ramblings. Otherwise, I think unless my opinion or advice is asked, I won’t butt into someone else’s money business. No one is going to stop being broke because I started getting all preachy on them.
If they want to better their financial life, then they will figure out a way to do so. Then again, offering your copy of The Wealthy Barber to a friend, or telling your co-workers about this awesome personal finance blog in a very subtle manner is totally acceptable in my books. Hmm, maybe I just need to be a bit sneakier and manipulative. Ok people, forget everything I just said, sneakiness and manipulation all the way!
When it comes to talking about money with people you know, do you hold your tongue, or do you throw caution to the wind and tell anyone who complains about being broke how to fix their shit?
