Financial basics shouldn’t feel awkward to talk about, especially when these financial basics impact your daily decisions, relationships and peace of mind. These 7 topics are worth bringing up at the dinner table and they might just change your financial future.
Money powers our lives, yet we treat it like a dirty word at the dinner table.
That silence? It’s not helping anyone. It’s keeping families stressed, confused and stuck in cycles of poor money decisions.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This guide walks through 7 key financial basics worth discussing, not just in budget apps or spreadsheets, but in real conversations with partners, kids and friends.
Because the more we talk about money, the more confident and informed we become.
Financial Basics with 7 Key Topics That Could Change Your Future
1. Budgeting: Not Boring, Just Smart
“How do you split your monthly budget between bills, fun and savings?”
Talking about budgeting, one of the most essential financial basics opens the door to smarter decisions and fewer financial surprises.
Whether you’re living with roommates or raising a family, creating a monthly “money night” to review spending can build trust and reduce stress.
Recommended Resources:
Fidelity Bank — Effective Budgeting 101: A Beginner’s Guide
YNAB (You Need A Budget) Blog — Financial Intimacy: The Budget Meeting
Recommended Book:
You Need a Budget: by Jesse Mecham is a simple, powerful guide to finally feeling in control of your money. Instead of rules that restrict you, it teaches you how to give every dollar a job, plan for future expenses, adjust when life changes and stretch your income so you’re not living paycheck to paycheck. It’s a practical, guilt-free system that helps you reduce stress and build the life you truly want on your terms.
“Available on Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover and Audible — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
“Forget future money, use today’s money to write your future.” Highlighted by 1,411 Kindle readers
Popular Budgeting Apps:
1. You Need A Budget (YNAB)
A zero‑based budgeting tool that encourages active money planning, and highly recommended for disciplined budgeting.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
2. Monarch
Offers robust net‑worth tracking, budgeting tools and secure sharing with financial advisors.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
3. PocketGuard
Features include “In My Pocket” safe‑to‑spend calculations, bill reminders, subscription management, net‑worth features and debt‑payoff planning.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
4. Goodbudget
This classic envelope budgeting system lets you hand out “envelopes” for spending categories. Learn more about the “Envelope System”.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
Quick Comparison:
2. Debt: Don’t Suffer in Silence
“What’s the best or worst debt decision you’ve made?”
Debt is nearly universal but secrecy around it makes it harder to manage.
From student loans to “buy now, pay later” traps, sharing real experiences turns anxiety into insight.
Conversations about interest rates and repayment plans can help everyone feel less alone.
Recommended Resources:
Federal Trade Commission — How to Get Out of Debt
Better Money Habits (Bank of America) — How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Faster
Recommended Book:
Get the Hell Out of Debt: by Erin Skye Kelly is a refreshingly honest, no-fluff guide to breaking free from consumer debt. Based on her own journey, Erin offers a practical 3-phase method focused on mindset shifts, not just numbers. It’s clear, personal and empowering perfect for anyone ready to ditch debt for good and build lasting financial freedom.
“Available on Kindle, Paperback and Audible — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
Popular Debt Management Apps:
1. Debt Payoff Planner
Supports debt avalanche/snowball strategies, calculates a debt‑free date, customizable extra payments, visual progress tracker. Learn more about the “avalanche/snowball strategies”.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
2. Qapital
Automated rule‑based savings (e.g. round‑ups, “if‑this‑then‑that” triggers) to fund debt goals.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
3. Bright Money
Smart payment automation, bill negotiation, budgeting and credit tracking with AI‑based insights.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
4. Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)
Track subscriptions, negotiate bills, free funds redirected toward debt.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
Quick Comparison:
3. Emergency Funds: Your Financial First Aid Kit
“What’s your plan for handling a surprise $500 expense?”
Most people don’t have a financial safety net.
By normalizing conversations around emergency funds, you can create a shared sense of motivation and accountability.
Celebrate saving just like any other life win.
Recommended Resources:
Vanguard — Emergency Fund: Why You Need One
Morgan Stanley — 5 Steps to Creating an Emergency Fund
MarketWatch — Experts Now Recommend a 12-Month Emergency Fund
Recommended Book:
Financial First Aid: by Alyssa Davies is a simple, supportive guide to help you handle money emergencies like job loss, medical bills or surprise expenses without panic. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or just want to be prepared, it offers real advice, helpful scripts and practical steps to stay financially steady when life gets messy.
“Available on Kindle and Paperback — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
Popular Funding Apps:
1. Emergency Savings Calculator
Estimating how long your current savings will last based on monthly expenses.
Android (only): Google Play
2. Acorns
Micro-investing app that rounds up purchases and deposits spare change into investment or savings accounts. Includes educational content.
iOS: Download from the Acorns website
Android: Google Play
3. Qapital
Gamified savings app using “rules” like round‑ups or activity‑based triggers (e.g., steps walked) to transfer money into savings.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
4. Oportun
An automatic “Set & Save” app that quietly transfers small amounts into savings goals. FDIC-insured and ideal for hands-off saving.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
5. SaverLife
A nonprofit platform that offers gamified savings challenges, rewards and educational tools to help users build consistent saving habits.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
Quick Comparison:
4. Investing: It’s for Everyone, Even in Crypto
“What’s one investment you wish you started earlier?”
When it comes to financial basics, investing is one of the most powerful tools you can start with and it’s more accessible than ever.
Traditional investments like index stocks, funds, ETFs or even real estate remain go-to strategies for building long-term wealth.
They’re reliable, easy to automate and great for passive growth over time.
Meanwhile, crypto investing has moved from fringe to mainstream.
Beginners can now explore basic crypto assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum through trusted apps and exchanges.
While crypto is more volatile, learning the fundamentals like wallets, security and market trends can help you navigate it responsibly as a small part of your portfolio.
Traditional Investment Platforms
Vanguard – Index Funds & ETFs
Fidelity Investments – Mutual Funds, ETFs
Charles Schwab – Beginner-friendly stock investing
Morningstar – Investment research and fund analysis
Real Estate Investment Platforms
Fundrise – Start investing in real estate with as little as $10
Roofstock – Buy rental properties remotely
Crypto Investment Tools
Recommended Book:
The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing: is a beginner-friendly, no nonsense book that teaches smart, long-term investing using the principles of John C. Bogle. It promotes low-cost index funds, avoiding Wall Street hype and building wealth through simplicity, discipline and DIY strategies.
“Available on Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover and Audible — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
Great On Kindle: A high quality digital reading experience.
“Only consider investing in no-load funds with annual expense ratios of 0.5 percent or less, the cheaper the better.”
Highlighted by 2,244 Kindle readers
5. Inflation: The Hidden Budget Buster
“Noticed how prices are sneaking up lately?”
From your grocery bill to gas prices, inflation touches every part of life.
Talking about it helps people prepare, plan and pivot rather than panic.
Recommended Resources:
HawaiiUSA FCU — How to Survive Inflation: 5 Tips
Prosper — 8 Small Ways to Stretch Your Budget During Inflation
Heritage Foundation — The Real Story Behind Inflation
Equifax — How to Prepare For Inflation
Recommended Book:
Inflation: What It Is, Why It’s Bad, and How to Fix It by Steve Forbes, Nathan Lewis and Elizabeth Ames is a beginner-friendly book that explains why prices are rising, what’s causing it and how everyday people can protect their money. It breaks down complex economic ideas like money printing and inflation myths into simple, real-life examples and practical advice. If you want to understand inflation without getting lost in jargon, this is a great place to start.
“Available on Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover and Audible — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
Great On Kindle: A high quality digital reading experience.
“You can only save as much as you earn . . . but you can always earn more.” Highlighted by 1,047 Kindle readers
Inflation Tracking Apps
1. Inflation Calculator by Dylan Burton
A robust historical calculator with CPI data from 1800–2025 and support for 22 currencies.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
2. Flipp
Aggregates weekly deals from 2,000+ stores. Clip coupons and compare local sale prices. Great for spotting bargains and inflation hikes.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
3. Basket
Compares grocery prices across local and national stores. Ideal for evaluating which shops offer the best prices on your regular items.
iOS: App Store
Android: Google Play
Quick Comparison:
6. Financial Mindset: What’s Your Money Script?
“What money beliefs did you grow up with?”
Many of us carry hidden beliefs about money, often learned in childhood.
Exploring those stories with people you trust can help reframe harmful patterns and replace them with healthier habits.
Recommended Resources:
The Financial Therapy Association – Blends mental health and financial planning to reshape money behavior.
Investopedia – Financial Education Center
The Balance – Personal Finance Topics
Bogleheads Wiki – Community-driven investment philosophy focused on low-cost, long-term strategies.
Recommended Book:
Rich AF: by Vivian Tu is a bold, no-BS guide to mastering your money mindset, building wealth and making smart financial moves. Whether you’re just starting out or playing catch-up. Think of it as financial mentorship from your Rich BFF.
“Available on Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover and Audible — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
Great On Kindle: A high quality digital reading experience.
“You can only save as much as you earn . . . but you can always earn more.”
Highlighted by 1,047 Kindle readers
7. Generational Wealth: It’s Not Just for the Rich
“What do you want to leave behind financially?”
Whether it’s life insurance, a simple will or a 529 college fund, these conversations shape the future.
They’re not just about wealth. They’re about security, values and legacy.
Recommended Resources:
Investopedia – Generational Wealth: Overview and Examples
NerdWallet – How to Build Generational Wealth
Royalty Exchange – The Biggest Myths About Generational Wealth, Debunked
Recommended Book:
Generational Wealth: Beginner’s Business & Investing Guide by LaFoy Orlando Thomas III, Esq. is a powerful all-in-one guide for anyone looking to build wealth through business and investing. Now in its third edition, it covers everything from real estate and stocks to entrepreneurship and business law—all in a clear, beginner-friendly format. Packed with practical insights, it’s a must-read for aspiring investors, entrepreneurs, and even seasoned professionals.
“Available on Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover and Audible — choose the format that fits your lifestyle.”
Great On Kindle: A high quality digital reading experience.
Final Thoughts: Serve Financial Truth at the Dinner Table
Talking about money doesn’t have to be awkward, intimidating or reserved for “serious” moments.
When conversations about finances are grounded in openness and curiosity, they become tools for growth and even bonding.
Whether it’s over dinner, during a car ride or while planning your week, financial discussions can spark awareness and confidence.
Start simple. Ask a small question. Share a personal money win or mistake. Normalize the topic.
The more we talk about money, the less power it has to confuse or divide us, and the more empowered we become to manage it wisely.
That’s not just good conversation. That’s the foundation of financial freedom.
What’s Next?
If this “Financial Basics for Dinner Talk: Break the Money Taboo” got you thinking, why not share it with someone who still uses Web2 chats? Or drop a comment. We’d love to hear what you think.
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