Some people are happy to chat about finances, investments, and budgets like it’s just another Tuesday. Others? Not so much.
It might be a mix of discomfort and avoidance, or just a deep-seated belief that money talk is rude. Either way, some people will do anything to dodge the conversation. Funny enough, when they do, they tend to fall back on the same familiar phrases. If someone you know shies away from conversations about money, you’ve probably heard them say a few of these.
1. “I don’t even want to look at my bank account right now.”
This is usually said with a nervous laugh right after a big weekend, an expensive trip, or one too many impulsive purchases. It’s their way of admitting they probably spent too much—but without actually facing the damage. Deep down, they know avoiding it won’t make the numbers change, but it’s easier than dealing with the reality of seeing a lower balance than they’d like.
2. “As long as the bills are paid, that’s all that matters.”
For some, this is a way of saying they don’t need to stress over money. For others, it’s a polite way of dodging a deeper conversation about budgeting, savings, or financial planning. It sounds reasonable on the surface, but it also sidesteps the question of whether they’re actually building financial security or just scraping by month to month.
3. “I just tap my card and hope for the best.”
Credit and debit cards have made it so easy to spend that some people prefer to stay blissfully unaware of what’s leaving their account. They don’t check statements, track expenses, or even glance at the total before tapping. It’s all fun and games until the card declines unexpectedly, or they finally check their balance and realise that “harmless” daily coffee habit added up fast.
4. “I’ll figure it out later.”
Whether it’s tackling debt, setting up a savings account, or just creating a basic budget, people who avoid talking about money also tend to avoid planning for it. The problem? Later often turns into much later, and by the time they do figure it out, they’re usually playing catch-up instead of feeling in control.
5. “I don’t really care about money.”
Some people use this as a way to sound carefree or above financial stress, but let’s be real—money affects nearly every aspect of life. It’s not about being obsessed with wealth; it’s about having the freedom and security to live comfortably. And avoiding the topic altogether doesn’t mean it stops being important.
6. “We never talked about money growing up, so I just don’t think about it.”
For many, financial discussions were either non-existent or taboo in their household, so as adults, they stick with what’s familiar: avoiding the subject altogether. Not talking about money doesn’t make financial challenges disappear, though. At some point, most people realise that what they didn’t learn growing up, they have to teach themselves.
7. “I don’t make enough to worry about all that budgeting stuff.”
Some people believe that financial planning is only for the wealthy, so they don’t see the point in tracking their spending or thinking about investments. Ironically, those who don’t make much are the ones who could benefit most from managing their money well. Sadly, acknowledging that would mean having to engage with the topic they’d rather avoid.
8. “I’ll start saving when I make more.”
It’s a classic case of kicking the can down the road—convincing themselves that future wealth will magically fix all their financial habits. That being said, if someone can’t save a little when they earn a little, they’re unlikely to save when they earn a lot. Lifestyle inflation usually creeps in, and “I’ll save later” turns into “I still don’t have enough.”
9. “Money stresses me out, so I’d rather not think about it.”
Some people avoid financial conversations because it triggers anxiety, so their solution is to completely disengage. Unfortunately, ignoring money issues usually leads to more stress down the line. Facing financial fears head-on is tough, but it’s often the only way to break the cycle of avoidance.
10. “I don’t need to worry about retirement yet.”
In their mind, retirement is something for older people to think about. The idea of saving for a future that feels light-years away just doesn’t seem urgent. The thing is, time moves fast, and the earlier someone starts, the easier it is. Unfortunately, many don’t realise this until they’re playing catch-up in their 40s or 50s.
11. “I’ll just put it on my credit card and deal with it later.”
Credit cards make it easy to delay financial responsibility. Unfortunately, “later” comes with interest, and before they know it, they’re stuck in a cycle of debt that feels impossible to escape. It’s all fine until the balance keeps creeping up, and the minimum payments aren’t making a dent. That’s when reality hits, and avoiding it no longer feels like an option.
12. “I don’t want to know how much I’ve spent this month.”
For some, looking at their spending is like stepping on the scale after a holiday—it’s better not to know. They’d rather avoid checking their bank balance than face the consequences. Naturally, avoiding it doesn’t mean the money isn’t gone. The numbers don’t change just because they don’t look at them.
13. “I just let my partner handle all that money stuff.”
Some people opt out of money talk completely by handing over the responsibility to a spouse or partner. It’s easier to let someone else deal with it than to engage with it themselves. However, being financially uninformed, no matter how much they trust their partner, can be risky. Life is unpredictable, and knowing where they stand financially is crucial for long-term security.
14. “Talking about money is just awkward.”
For some, it’s not about avoidance or denial; it’s just that money feels like an uncomfortable topic. Maybe they were raised to believe it’s rude to talk about finances, or maybe they’re worried about being judged. Of course, the truth is, talking about money—especially in relationships, friendships, and careers—is healthy and kind of necessary. Avoiding it doesn’t make the need for financial conversations go away.
15. “I’ll start taking money more seriously next year.”
New year, new financial habits, right? It’s easy to push responsibility into the future, promising that this will be the year they finally get it together. However, waiting for a fresh start often means nothing changes. The sooner they take action, the better off they’ll be in the long run, but it’s not really your place to tell them that, of course.
16. “I’ll worry about money when I have to.”
This one is the ultimate avoidance strategy—choosing not to engage with money at all until it becomes a problem. Of course, by the time they “have to” worry about it, the options are often more limited, the stress is higher, and the problems are bigger. Facing it now, even in small ways, can prevent a lot of future headaches.
Money conversations don’t have to be intimidating, but avoiding them altogether often leads to more stress in the long run. Recognising these phrases—and why they come up—can be the first step toward changing the way someone engages with their finances.
