How your communication style can empower your financial future

Navigating the world of personal finance is often as much about effective communication as it is about understanding the technicalities. Whether you're conversing with a financial advisor, a spouse, or even yourself, how you communicate about money matters a great deal. 

How we discuss and perceive our financial circumstances can significantly affect our decision-making, emotional well-being, and overall financial health.

Understanding the role of communication in our financial lives begins with observing our personal communication styles. Broadly, these styles fall into four categories: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. Identifying your default style can be the first step towards enhancing your financial empowerment.

1. Passive Communication Style

Those with a passive communication style often avoid expressing their feelings or preferences, especially when they conflict with others. If you're a passive communicator when it comes to money, you might find yourself deferring to others on financial decisions, even when they significantly impact your life. This might make it difficult for you to assert control over your financial future and lead to feelings of powerlessness or resentment.

Harnessing the Passive Style for Financial Empowerment: Learn to voice your opinions, needs, and desires. Practice makes perfect, and even small steps can make a big difference. Start by expressing your thoughts on minor financial decisions before tackling larger ones. Additionally, educate yourself about finance. Knowledge can empower you to engage more actively in financial discussions and decisions.

2. Aggressive Communication Style

Aggressive communicators often express their thoughts and feelings in a way that disregards others' perspectives. In a financial context, this might mean imposing your financial decisions on others without their consent or input, leading to conflict and damaged relationships.

Harnessing the Aggressive Style for Financial Empowerment: Cultivate empathy and respect for others' financial perspectives and needs. When making decisions that impact others, seek their input and strive to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Additionally, practising active listening can help you understand other viewpoints and foster healthier financial discussions.

3. Passive-Aggressive Communication Style

Passive-aggressive communicators indirectly express their negative feelings or resentment, often leading to misunderstandings. In finance, this might manifest as secretive behaviours like hiding expenses, debts, or income, eroding trust and leading to financial and relationship problems.

Harnessing the Passive-Aggressive Style for Financial Empowerment: Emphasize honesty and transparency in your financial dealings. If you're unhappy with a financial situation, express your feelings directly and constructively. Developing emotional intelligence can help you manage your emotions better and communicate more effectively.

4. Assertive Communication Style

Assertive communicators express their feelings, thoughts, and needs respectfully and confidently, fostering understanding and cooperation. An assertive communication style in financial matters enables you to take control of your finances, make informed decisions, and build healthy financial relationships.

Harnessing the Assertive Style for Financial Empowerment: Maintain this balance of respect for your own and others' financial needs and perspectives. Continue to educate yourself on financial matters to support confident, informed decision-making. Regularly reassess your financial goals and communicate them clearly to those involved in your financial life.

Communication styles aren't fixed, and with self-awareness and effort, we can adapt our style to better suit our needs and situations. Remember, the goal isn't necessarily to become solely an assertive communicator but to incorporate the positive aspects of this style into your financial conversations.

By enhancing your financial communication skills, you can promote healthier relationships, make informed decisions, and ultimately empower yourself financially. After all, money isn't just about numbers—it's about the meaningful conversations we have around it.