Mansplaining /ˈmanˌsplāniNG/ (noun) the explanation of something by a man, typically to a woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing.
“She met with several Financial Advisors and they all treated her like a stupid girl. So eventually she got to the point where she figured she’d just have to choose one of these guys that would treat her like a stupid girl.” This isn’t the first time I’ve heard something like this and it won’t be the last. This is a quote from a woman who referred her sister to me. She’s definitely not “a stupid girl” and shouldn’t have been made to feel that way.
At Merino Wealth we have a “no question is stupid policy.” We created this after years of client conversations starting with “this is probably a stupid question, but…” My team and I have decades of experience, high levels of financial education, and we analyze personal financial data daily. We should know more about this stuff than you. That doesn’t mean your question is stupid. Our goal is to help clients make more confident financial decisions with less stress and that’s not going to happen if you’re feeling talked down to.
Mansplaining is all too common when it comes to money. And it’s not ok. Not when it comes to YOUR money. Not now. Not ever. So here are three tips if you find yourself being mansplained when it comes to your money:
1. Clarify. Money can be a sensitive and stressful subject, so it’s possible that there could be some miscommunication. A simple “What do you mean by that?” or “Can you please explain that again?” could provide some more clarity on what they meant to say. Or might confirm that they’re actually talking down to you, which leads me to tip #2…
2. Communicate how you feel. If you’re being mansplained to then you should let the person you’re speaking with know that it’s not ok. A simple “I realize X, but…” “I understand that…” or “I’m really not comfortable with…” And if it’s really bad feel free to use more forceful language.
3. Flee the scene. No, I don’t mean that you need to run out of the room, but you can end things. Whether it’s wrapping up the meeting, telling the person you’re not interested, or ending the relationship there are a lot of ways in which you can move on from the mansplaining. There’s no need to stick around if someone’s making you feel like a stupid girl.
Money is tool that all women can use to reach financial equality, but it won’t happen if we’re being patronized. Make sure that anyone who’s weighing in on your finances is helping you to feel better about your financial plan, not worse. You’re not a stupid girl, so don’t move forward with a plan that will make you feel that way.
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The views expressed today are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of my broker-dealer, The Investment Center, Inc. or my Registered Investment Advisor, IC Advisory Services, Inc. The information contained is derived from sources believed to be accurate. However we do not guarantee its accuracy. The information contained is for general use and it is not intended to cover all aspects of a particular matter. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a representation by us or a solicitation of the purchase or sale of any securities. The information contained is not appropriate, by itself, to guide investment decisions.
All Securities Offered Through The Investment Center, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services Provided Through IC Advisory Services, Inc. – An SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Jessica Merino is a registered representative of The Investment Center, Inc. Merino Wealth Management is not affiliated with The Investment Center, Inc. or IC Advisory Services, Inc.