Overview: 

Society tells us don't talk to other people about their salary, they might be offended or think you're rude. Don't ask how much they've paid for their house, or how much debt they have.

But how do you know if you're on track financially? And what if you want to genuinely chat to family or friends about money, without getting into an inadvertent comparison contest? 

Money and society is fraught with danger and social faux pas, but we think there is a time and a place for such discussions.

What's in the episode?

In this episode, Cat and Christine dive into the pros and cons of financial comparison. When it can be helpful and when you need to just remove yourself from the temptation of comparison with others. 

Specifically, we cover:

• Should you compare your salary with your colleagues or friends and how do employers feel about this?
• How do we know what are good financial benchmarks to compare ourselves against?
• What to do if we want to engage a friend or family member in conversation around money
• The benefits of having a money mentor 
• Being prepared to hear some hard truths and what to do if it's all too much 
• Keeping up with the right Joneses

1. The Creative Store 2021 Salary Guide
2. The Seek Salary Guide Tool
3. Keeping up with the Right Joneses – how it's good for your budget
4. NZ Full-time average and median earnings by age group and region