Another way to feel more at ease discussing finances is to propose an exchange of information with your spouse, friend, colleague, or anyone else with whom you want to share. This way it won’t feel like a covert operation where you’re investigating the other person, but rather a way for both of you to sink comfortably into money chats more easily. “As a person shares about their financial matters, it can build trust and emotional security,” Dr. Thomas explains. “Since both people have disclosed personal money-related information, it can feel less vulnerable to each person and create a more even playing field between the two people. Both people may also feel more of an emotional connection to each other due to opening up with personal and private information.”