Are you comfortable to discuss the F-word with friends?

Have you ever discussed the F-word with your friends or is talking about your finances one of those topics that you rather steer clear of as you do with religion and politics?

- 

Sanlam recently asked South Africans if they regularly drop the F(inances)-word with friends as part of its Dirtiest Word campaign that is focused on getting South Africans to talk about the one thing most of us avoid: the F-word, our finances.

The findings show that 47% of the respondents said their main discomfort around discussing finances with friends stems from a belief that money should be private. Another 23% said they avoid money talk because they do not want to show off, while 22% said they fear it could lead to requests for financial help.

However, author and personal finance expert Sam Beckbessinger says honest conversations can help us feel less "weird and broken" about money.

"Do not treat it like a competition. Be honest about your messy bits," Beckbessinger says.