For a lot of people, personal finances are not the easiest thing to talk about. Growing up, my family did not talk about money and in talking with peers now, this seems normal for Midwestern, United States families. Personal Finance was not a class offered in high school, and sadly, I may not be in the minority when I say I had graduated college before I thought seriously about my financial situation.

While opening ourselves up to talk more freely about personal finance would be awesome and beneficial for us as a whole, this post is here to offer a solution for you here and now: develop a relationship with your banker. Having meaningful conversations your banker will have a huge impact, in good times and bad.

• How much should my monthly car payment be?
• Should I buy a condo or house?
• I just got laid off and cannot make my car payment this month, what should I do?
• Should I use my inheritance to buy a rental property or pay off my credit cards?
• Do you know any good accountants/financial advisors/insurance agents/attorneys?

These are questions bankers work through hundreds of times per year. We are here to offer solutions, customized for you. Knowing your banker when these situations arise makes the conversations easier for both parties. Although it may not be comfortable for you, I urge you to find time in the near future to stop into your bank. Sit down in an office and relax. Drink our coffee. Eat candy from our dish. Bring your kids, they will love the huge chalkboard and video games in the lobby. We want to talk to you and help you. I promise, the conversation will become easier the second, third and tenth time you do it.