Why Women Struggle to Talk About Money (And How to Change It)

Money. The thing we need to survive, the thing we’re told not to talk about, and the thing that - let’s be honest - many women still feel weird, guilty, or even ashamed discussing.

Why?

Because for generations, we’ve been conditioned to believe that talking about money is impolite. We’ve been taught to be grateful for what we get, to accept what we’re offered, and to not “rock the boat” by asking for more. Women have been earning for decades, yet many still hesitate to negotiate salaries, discuss finances openly, or feel completely independent in their financial decisions.

But let’s break this down: if money is power, then not talking about money is keeping women powerless. And we’re not here for that.

The Hidden Shame Around Money

Most women don’t even realize they’re carrying money shame because it shows up in sneaky, subtle ways:

• You feel guilty charging what you're worth in your business.

• You hesitate to ask for a raise - even though you’ve outperformed everyone in the office.

• You downplay your financial wins so others don’t feel uncomfortable.

• You avoid looking at your bank account because what if you’ve made a bad decision?

• You feel overwhelmed by investing, saving, or debt because no one ever taught you the rules.

  
  

Sound familiar? It’s not just you.

This is centuries of messaging telling women to be "good with money" but not powerful with money. We are expected to budget and coupon but not build wealth. We are taught to manage household finances but not demand financial equity in our careers.

The Fear of Earning More

Here’s something women don’t talk about enough: making more money can come with guilt.

If you grew up in a home where money was tight, you might feel like earning more means leaving your family behind. If you were raised to be “humble,” you might associate financial success with arrogance. And let’s be real - many women fear that out-earning their partner will create tension in their relationship.

But let’s shift the narrative: making more money doesn’t make you greedy, selfish, or unlovable. It makes you stable. It makes you free. It allows you to take care of yourself, your family, and your future.

So, let’s break some patterns.

How to Break Free From Money Shame

Enough with the shame. Here’s how to step into financial confidence:

1. Own Your Financial Wins (Out Loud)

Start celebrating your money wins - all of them. Got a raise? Share it with your friends. Landed a high-paying client? Tell someone who will cheer you on. Paid off debt? Say it proudly. The more we normalize women talking about money, the easier it becomes.

2. Learn the Game (Because It Is a Game)

Men have been talking about salaries, negotiating raises, and investing in their networks for years. Women? Not so much. It’s time to change that. Educate yourself on investing, wealth-building, and financial strategy. Find mentors, listen to podcasts, read books - equip yourself with knowledge. If you need resources, let me know!

3. Ask for More (Even If It Feels Uncomfortable)

Negotiation isn’t just for executives - it’s for you. If you’ve never negotiated your salary, start now. Studies show that women who negotiate make at least 7% more over their careers than those who don’t. And when you’re in business? Stop undercharging. Charge what you’re worth, and don’t flinch.

4. Shift Your Mindset from Scarcity to Abundance

Many women operate from a scarcity mindset: There’s not enough money. If I earn more, someone else gets less. I shouldn’t want too much. That’s false. Money isn’t a pie with limited slices - it’s an ever-expanding resource. When you make more, you create more opportunities for yourself and others.

5. Have the Hard Conversations

Talk to your partner about finances. Have a money conversation with your friends. Ask your boss for transparency on salaries. The more we talk about money, the less power it has over us.

Final Thought: You Deserve Financial Confidence

Money isn’t only about numbers - it’s about freedom. The ability to leave a toxic job. The security of knowing you can take care of yourself. The confidence to build the life you actually want.

So, let’s make it okay to talk about money. Let’s stop shrinking ourselves financially and start owning our worth.

Let’s Keep This Money Conversation Going Women

Have you ever struggled with money shame? What’s one financial lesson you wish you learned earlier? Drop your thoughts in the comments - We want to hear from you.