You're never too young to start talking about money

What did money feel like when you were growing up?

Was it safe, scarce, stressful, invisible?

Most of us weren’t taught about money directly.

We just picked things up from how our parents spent, how they talked (or didn’t talk) about bills, or what they stressed over.

When I look at the photo of me and Paru’s nephew, I catch myself wondering what kind of relationship he’ll have with money. Because the truth is, so much of how we feel about money starts early, whether we realise it or not.

In my own childhood, I saw a lot of decisions made quickly, without much thought about the long term. Sometimes that worked out. Sometimes it didn’t. And even now, I’ve caught myself falling into those same patterns, rushing into choices and figuring things out later.

Paru’s upbringing was the opposite. Her parents were incredibly frugal, which meant she grew up learning to be cautious and careful. She’s brilliant at saving, but sometimes takes it to the point where she causes herself stress just to avoid spending an extra few pounds.

Two different backgrounds.

Two different mindsets.

And both come with their own blind spots.

That’s why I think it’s so important we start talking about money sooner with each other, and with the next generation. Not to tell them exactly what to do, but to help them understand how this stuff really works in the real world.

If I could pass on a few lessons, they’d be these:

1. Money is fluid.

£20 can feel like everything when you’re broke, and like nothing when you’re celebrating.

There’s no fixed “value” of money, it’s emotional, situational, and personal. That’s not a weakness. It’s a reality we should talk about more.

2. Compound interest works both ways.

Saving early gives you more freedom later. But bad money habits, credit cards, lifestyle creep, short-term thinking all compound too.

Teaching kids to slow down and ask “will this still matter to me in a year?” is a skill that’ll serve them forever.

3. Money and relationships are intertwined.

Arguments with friends. Unequal dating dynamics. Silent resentment between couples.

Most of us learned about money in isolation, but it’s always been a social thing.

Being generous, fair, and open with your money can literally change the way you connect with people.

Money doesn’t have to be a source of tension. But it does need to be talked about.

Let’s stop waiting until we’re older or until something goes wrong to start those conversations.