For most people, directly discussing financial matters and having a conversation about money is awkward. It doesn’t seem to matter whether business people and professionals have heaps of expertise and experience or are newbies on the job. What is your relationship with money?

Money is our currency that represents value. I give you something you need, in terms of a product or service, and you pay for it. For the most part, the amount is pre-set. You can pay the agreed amount or not.

Are you able to set limits and stand firm on your prices, or do you find yourself vacillating? Does money keep coming up as a major objection when you are asking for the sale? The plot thickens when someone asks for a discount, you know it’s time to ask for a raise or raise your prices.

Why is raising the topic of money so difficult?

What is your relationship with money?

Because each of us has a relationship with money. That relationship was set when we were young. As adults, each time we discuss or even think about discussing financial matters, we trigger feelings related to our value and self-worth. Why do you think that so many marital arguments are over money?

The questions below can be really helpful in examining your relationship with money.

What did your parents teach you about money?

Was money even discussed in your home?

Who controlled the money in your family?

What is your first memory related to money? Was it affirming or not?

Are you a saver or a spender? How is this related to your childhood?

If you find yourself saying any version of, “money isn’t important,” where might you have learned this? It might even be an opposite reaction to earlier experiences.

Money is loaded. I would love to hear some of your money stories, by leaving a comment below.