This is Optimal Finance Daily, episode 1068, comparison, and the danger of success, both by

Al of F.A. Confessions.com.

And I'm Dan, I'm here every single day reading to you from some of the best blogs on personal finance.

Today I've actually got two posts for you from FA Confessions.

So without any delay, let's get right to it and start optimizing your life.

Comparison by Al of F.A Confessions.com I often wonder why money is such a secretive topic. We'll tell strangers about our

house, clothes or vacations. We constantly post our highlight reel on social media, but universe forbid if the topic of money comes up, we go silent.

It's almost like a game of show me what you have before I'll tell you what I have.

Even as a financial advisor, it's a very delicate topic to

approach. My standard explanation is I'm going to need to ask some personal questions

not because I'm nosy but because I need you to understand your current situation in order to make appropriate recommendations for you.

This typically works like a charm. You wouldn't believe some of what I hear.

People will open up about money, family, divorce, children, drug addictions, even bowel movements.

It's like they've been waiting for a safe space to unload about all the perceived taboo topics.

What I've found is that underlying our refusal to discuss money is comparison.

In the rare occasions I've shared my own income with friends,

it creates an image or perception. Either they feel bad because their income is lower,

or I start to feel worse because their income is higher than mine. It often changes the relationship dynamic,

and usually not for the better.

You just start to look at the person a little differently.

For better or for worse, it invites judgment based solely on money.

In programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, it's a level playing field.

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