A Secret I Told Men

New Canaan, CT Men's Club

What I Told Men in New Canaan About Their Wives and Money

While everyone knows there are two certainties in life: death and taxes.

There's a third topic most couples hate discussing even more.

Money.

Tuesday, I spoke to my dad's men's club 

(after my snowy run in Old Greenwich)

—a room full of retired guys who've spent decades building portfolios.

The topic? 

How to talk to your partner about the stock market and money.

I started with a question:

What is she actually afraid of?

For me, I used to be afraid of running out of money.

I had money in the bank. A husband with a good career. Three kids.

And I was paralyzed with anxiety.

Here's what didn't work:

• Avoiding the conversation

• Hoping everything would just be okay

• Obsessing over cutting expenses and "optimizing."

What finally worked?

I faced the fear. I shifted my focus to what I could control.

For me, that meant going out and getting new skills.

But the biggest shift?

I finally figured out what I wanted and built a plan.

I know it sounds boring. 

But a plan actually gives you clarity, direction, something to aim for, an ability to make decisions.

Without it, every market dip feels like a threat.

With a financial plan, you have a roadmap or a running map! 

I also gave these men a quick history lesson on stock market bubbles.

How to recognize them. How to prepare for corrections.

My goal wasn't to scare them, but to help them feel prepared and confident.

To my surprise, they loved it.

Not because they learned something new about markets.

But because they finally had something to share with their wives.

A way to give her the same confidence they have.

About the portfolio.

About retirement.

About the future.

Your partner doesn't need a lecture on benchmarks.

What she really needs is to know you have a plan—together.

What was so fun? 

I also made my father proud ;-) 

Thank you dad for organizing this event! 

Do you have a simple plan that gives you clarity?

Reach out if you don't!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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