When I'm asked, which is hardest to talk about, death, sex, or money, I usually say, well, it varies, depending on what each person has gone through. But as a general rule, it's money. Our shared vocabulary around money can be so limited. We can talk about personal finance advice or what we'd like to buy, but the

combustible mix of shame and isolation that money can stir up, that's a tough thing to talk about

openly. And that's why this episode with a listener that we called Tessa is a great death, sex and

money episode. It started when Tessa sent us an email.

We'd asked listeners to tell us how their financial situations had changed during the pandemic.

And Tessa told us a story about an online shopping habit and debt,

and also about needing help, and the complicated process of accepting that help

from family. When I first interviewed Tessa in 2021, they told us about other discoveries that came

with finally facing credit card debt, like new questions about a mental health diagnosis and

treatment, and getting to know consumer finance protections, including the bankruptcy process.

It's been almost three years since I filed for bankruptcy, and so much has changed since then.

And overall, I would say that the bankruptcy was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself.

Tessa told us that in a voice memo just a few weeks ago. And at the end of this episode, you can hear more about what's happened since and about why if you're looking for housing, you should definitely never skip the neighborhood block party.

I know what I'm supposed to do in terms of how to have a stable financial life and building a future that you want.

And I can even just like give that advice to other people.

But like when it comes to trying to compute it and apply it,

my brain just won't do it.

This is death, sex, and money.

The show from Slate about the things we think about a lot

and need to talk about more.

I'm Aniseal.

Not long ago, a listener we're calling Tessa, got a text from their sister.

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