This week's Money Talking Points
1. How do we benefit from talking about money?
One of the most powerful things we can do for our financial well-being is to simply talk about money. Whether it’s with a partner, a friend, or even a podcast guest, every money talk opens the door to new ideas and perspectives. I’ve learned so much through the conversations I’ve had here on the podcast—Paul Merriman helped me rethink my investment strategy in episode 113, Dana Miranda encouraged me to ease up on rigid budgeting (ep. 107 and 156), and the CoastFI Couple totally reshaped how my wife and I think about financial independence (ep. 159). These aren’t just one-off moments—they’ve had real, lasting impacts on how I manage my money day to day.
When we talk about money, we also build confidence. We stop feeling like we’re navigating our finances alone. And honestly, one of the best parts of this podcast has been hearing how you all have taken ideas from these conversations and put them into practice. That’s the goal—learn from each other, challenge outdated beliefs, and improve our money lives together. So next time you’re hesitating to bring up finances in a conversation, remember: that one talk might just change everything.
2. What do we lose out on if we don’t talk about personal finances?
If we keep silent about money, we miss out—big time. Especially if you’re a young adult, not having these conversations early can set you up for some tough financial lessons down the road. Think about it—without talking things through, you might rush into buying a house or a car you don’t actually need, or spend impulsively because you don’t have clear financial goals guiding your decisions. Talking about money isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets—it’s about creating clarity, avoiding costly mistakes, and unlocking smarter choices.
And here’s the big one: investing. If you’re not having conversations about investing when you’re young, you’re missing the chance to harness compound interest, one of the most powerful tools in personal finance. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re already doing more than most people. Keep going. Start the talks. Stay curious. And don’t let silence be the reason you miss out on opportunities to build wealth and peace of mind.
3. How can you start a money talk?
Starting a money talk doesn’t have to be awkward or intimidating. That’s why I created the “7 Money Talking Points” — a simple guide to help you open up financial conversations in a way that’s approachable and meaningful. You can find it on the new website (just click “Free Resources” at the top), and I’ve recently updated it to match the show’s fresh new branding. Whether you’re asking “What will I do in an emergency?” or dreaming about “What do I want my retirement to look like?”, these talking points give you a great place to start.
Pick the one that resonates most with you and bring it up in your next conversation with a partner, a roommate, or a coworker. For my wife and me, we love talking about our big money goals—it’s fun, motivating, and it helps us stay aligned on what we’re working toward. Even if you’re single, dreaming with friends or journaling your goals can spark action. You don’t have to solve everything in one conversation—just get started. The more you talk about money, the easier (and more impactful) it gets.
This week's Money Buddy
Me! Skyler Fleming!
Skyler Fleming is a personal finance podcast host. He hosts Money Talk. A podcast dedicated to starting a conversation around money so we can all do better with money. Skyler is also a certified financial coach and a CFP® Student.
He found a love for money when he was young and working in a call center for a credit union. He saw a lot of people go through some really hard financial times. He quickly learned more about money than he was ever taught just by helping other people. This helped him find his passion for helping teach other people about money. So that led to him becoming the host of Money Talk. Where he spends time talking to experts and regular everyday people about how to manage and learn about finances.
Enjoy your week and get out there and have a money talk!
