Money Matters Between Friends, by Erin Burt

[joel123]

http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2006/st0601.htm

Guidance on how to have money-related discussions with friends.

[vette68]

I've run into alot of jealousy with friends. I have more of a blue-collar background. I didn't go to college, but I've been able to develop a successful small business and have more money than I ever thought I would. Many of the friends I grew up with have not been as successful and this has come between many of us. I don't think I should hold back on buying things I want or taking trips. I feel like I have earned these things. But my friends often times are jealous and sometimes I feel embarrassed by what I'm able to afford.

[tomato]

As one who is more financially secure than most of my friends, I found this Kiplinger article interesting and reassuring. I make every effort to be myself and would never flaunt our differences but occasionally friends do make snide remarks that hurt-"you have more money "or "you can afford more". One friend is very happy for me and encourages me to enjoy my good fortune. That I will do and feel no guilt.

[buckeye1]

This is an interesting line of conversation for me here. I've had some of these struggles as well. I've lost friends along the way. I feel primarily because of the different paths our professional careers have gone. I've also on occassion felt some of what the other members here have felt, embarrassment or guilt about my financial success. Sometimes I've downplayed how well things are going for me, knowing the friend I was speaking with was not having the same kind of success or was struggling.