FINANCIAL FRENEMIES

Can you (and your savings) survive these relationships? Yes, if you keep reading.

- BY NAOMI BARR

WE ALL HAVE them in our lives: people we care about who seem to be on a very different page from us when it comes to finances. Money is a heavy and hard subject, embedded into our sense of self-worth, security, autonomy, and power. Our feelings around it are based on myriad factors from our upbringing and experiences, so our perspectives and practices are not always aligned with our friends' and family members', leading to interactions that feel stressful or even undermining. We may sense that being around these people is bad for us and our bank balance, but it doesn't have to be that way! We asked experts to share some common financial negative influences and ways to improve our connection with them.

The Budget Vampire

WHO THEY ARE This is the pal who makes reservations at the $$$$ new restaurant or plans extravagant birthday trips you feel pressured to attend. They're not afraid to spend on pricey experiences, and they want you to join in. It's always a good time—until your credit card bill arrives.