“Don't criticize”. The label expert advises how to talk about money
That is why Business Insider talked to an expert on the label, Mariah Grumet Humbert, about the biggest mistakes that people make, raising this sensitive topic. She exchanged five of them. Here's what she said.
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When you criticize someone for spending money on a hobby, it may look as if you disregard things that make this person joy.
Because everyone in life values something different, Grimene Humbert He emphasizes that it is worth remembering that what one person seems trivial to another may have a deep meaning.
Regardless of whether it is a personal collection of items or a costly hobby, if someone spends your money, it is not a matter of others.
Question about the cost of a lot of purchase
Another common mistake is the question of how much someone has spent on something – whether a wedding, a new home, a car or a luxurious vacation. It is better to avoid such questions because they may sound evaluative.
– The basic principle of the label says that we do not ask how much someone spent on something, even when it comes to a family member Grumet Humbert said in an interview with BI.
Instead of asking how much someone has paid for the subject or experience, he advises to approach with authentic interest and kindness.
A better approach would be to say something like: “this vacation looked amazing. I hope you had a great time.”
See also: Saving in Polish for resistant. The expert says that many make a simple mistake at the beginning
Conversation about the details of the salary
Generally, he is considered a tactless question of someone as he earns.
– The conversation about the salary is appropriate only if you fight for equal salary in the workplace or have a private conversation with your team or HR department Grumet Humbert said.
Avoiding conversations about salaries in everyday, free situations helps to keep mutual respect, avoid comparisons and unnecessary tensions.
No clear communication when sharing costs
In situations when it comes to joint expenses – like buying a group gift or going to a restaurant together – A common mistake is the lack of prior determination how the costs will be divided.
For example, buying a gift and asking everyone to add, without a prior conversation about the budget or payment method, may surprise others.
The same applies to joint meals in the restaurant. That is why it is important to determine at the beginning whether the bill will be divided evenly or whether everyone will pay for themselves.
According to Grumet Humbert, both options are fine, if everyone knows what the rules are from the beginning and there are no understatements.
Conversation about money in the wrong place
Sometimes financial conversations with family and friends are necessary, but according to Grumet Humbert, moving them at the wrong time can lead to shame or conflict.
For example It is best to avoid discussing financial problems during a large meeting, when there is a risk of exposing someone's private matters before others.
It is important to set a specific time and meet someone in private, expressing your fears in a calm, invaluable way.
Focusing on finding a solution, instead of blaming, also helps maintain a constructive and supporting conversation.
The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition
