Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Welcome back to JUST STRAIGHT TALK. I’m your host, R-E SAMPLE. Today we’re touching on a tough topic — talking to your family about money. It’s one of those things that many of us avoid, delay, or dance around. Whether it’s about your will, your savings, funeral plans, or even day-to-day finances, having open and honest conversations with the people closest to you can bring more peace than you might expect.
Too often, families are left guessing when the time comes to make decisions. They don’t know where things are, who gets what, or what your wishes really are. That kind of uncertainty causes pain, stress, and even division. But with Jehovah’s guidance, we can face these conversations with courage, grace, and wisdom.
Jehovah, our loving father, thank you for being the source of wisdom, provision, and peace. Give us the courage to speak truth in love. Help us open our hearts and our mouths to prepare our families with clarity. Remove fear and replace it with understanding. Show us how to have conversations that build unity, not confusion. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Money is personal. It’s emotional. And in many homes, it’s been a taboo subject. Some of us were raised believing you never talk about money — not what you have, what you earn, or what you plan to do with it. But when you’re in your senior years, avoiding the money talk does more harm than good.
Let’s start here: You don’t have to tell your children or relatives every detail of your finances. But you should talk to them about your wishes. Who will make decisions if you can’t? Do you have a will? Who’s listed on your accounts? Is there someone you trust to act on your behalf — like a power of attorney or health care proxy? These things don’t just organize your finances — they protect your peace.
Pick a time when things are calm. Don’t wait until you’re sick or overwhelmed. Call a family meeting or speak to each child one-on-one. Let them know this isn’t about money today — it’s about peace tomorrow. Say something like, “I just want to make sure there’s no confusion later on, and that everyone understands my wishes.”
Make a list — not just of accounts and assets, but of the people and responsibilities involved. Where’s the will located? Who’s your lawyer or financial advisor, if you have one? Do you want to be buried or cremated? Have you prepaid for services? These aren’t easy questions, but they are necessary ones.
Now, what if your family avoids the subject? Or worse — what if they get uncomfortable or even upset? Stay calm. Reassure them that this conversation is about love and preparation, not distrust or drama. Tell them, “This is so you won’t have to guess when the time comes.” If you sense tension, bring in a neutral party — maybe a pastor, counselor, or trusted friend. Sometimes having a third person present helps ease the emotional charge.
One of the hardest parts of this conversation is dividing personal items — things like jewelry, photos, or keepsakes. These may not have much dollar value, but they have emotional value. Talk about them openly. Ask your loved ones what matters to them. You might be surprised. Writing down who gets what, even if it’s informal, can save a lot of heartache later.
This is also a great time to teach your values. Explain why you managed money a certain way. Talk about how you saved, how you gave, how you lived with faith. That legacy is more powerful than any bank account. Also, be honest if there’s debt. Some seniors hide it out of shame, but your family deserves to know the real picture. Let them know your plans, and let them offer support or suggestions. Remember, proverbs says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Don’t forget the spiritual side. Remind your family that Jehovah is the ultimate provider. Let them see how your trust in him guided your decisions. Share a scripture or a prayer during your conversation. Let them feel your faith as well as your financial clarity.
And finally, update things regularly. Life changes, so make sure your documents reflect your current wishes. Keep things organized in a folder or binder. Label it clearly and tell someone you trust where it is. This doesn’t have to be a one-time talk. Keep the lines of communication open. Let your family know you trust them enough to be honest. That’s love in action.
Talking about money with family is hard, but necessary. It takes courage, but it brings peace. Don’t leave your loved ones guessing or scrambling. Let your words today be a gift for their tomorrow. Planning ahead is not about control — it’s about care. It’s about saying, “I love you enough to think ahead.” And that love will echo long after you’re gone.
Jehovah is not a GOD of confusion, but of order. And when we bring our finances into the light, we reflect his peace, his wisdom, and his love. I’m R-E SAMPLE with JUST STRAIGHT TALK. Thank you for spending this time with me. Let’s not avoid the hard conversations — let’s have them with grace. Talk to your family. Speak with love. And trust Jehovah to guide every word. I’ll see you next time.
Remember – TRUTH DON’T CHANGE. JUST STRAIGHT TALK