Prying into people's financial affairs is gauche. Ignoring money issues -- those of your pals, parents, or offspring -- is an even bigger faux pas.

But we pay a high price when we keep mum about money. Kids repeat the credit-card sins of their parents. Co-workers settle for lesser raises than they might be entitled to. And heartache and unanswered questions come up when relatives pass without vocalizing their final wishes.

Sometimes you simply have to put it all on the table.

Prod your parents
Do you know what your parents make (or made when they were working)? What was their monthly mortgage payment? What financial and professional sacrifices did they make to have kids or to keep the family business inthe family?

This stuff just doesn't just come up during your regular every-other-Sunday dinner. But why not bring it up when it's time for you to buy your first (or third) home or decide on public or private school for your kids? You may learn something.

In the future, talking about long-term care insurance and living on a fixed income won't seem as awkward. It gives you a chance to hear your parents' wishes and for them to learn about yours.

Teach your kids
Do your kids know what it costs to put a roof over their heads and macaroni and cheese in their tummies? Why not?

When your tykes are old enough and start to realize that the green stuff equals more toys, start talking about what it means to budget. Tell them how you make your money decisions -- why they can't have an Xbox and how come Leif gets more lunch money than Lisa. (The lunches at his school cost more!)

Consider an open-checkbook policy, and find ways to expose your little lovelies to some of the financial products -- particularly the siren song of credit cards on their college campuses-- that will be hurled at them the moment they reach the age of consent.

Chat with your pals
How do your friends and peers spend their paychecks? Do they max out contributions to their 401(k) accounts? What does their weekly grocery bill come to? Where did Jenny get that fabulous sweater?

When my extremely frugal neighbors moved out of their apartment into a dream mid-century modern home in a tony neighborhood, it became crystal-clear why we always had cocktails at their apartment instead of at the corner bar. (So that'swhat it takes to amass a decent-size down payment.) Continued...