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We all know friendship is priceless, but navigating social circles where some people are a lot better off than others may be a minefield. According to Intuit, Gen Z would rather discuss sex, politics and infertility struggles than their salaries, debt, and bad investments.

So how can you maintain strong friendships while  navigating different bank balances and spending habits? This month on The Pension Confident Podcast we’re looking at the costs associated with friendship. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss how to talk about money with friends, overcoming envy and more. This month we hear from:

• Psychologist and Associate Fellow of The British Psychological Society, Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo;
• Co-Founder of Millennial Money UK, Niaz Azad; and
• Head of Brand and Communications at PensionBee, Brooke Day.

Episode Breakdown: 

01:29 How to discuss money fairly

06:10 Navigating a financial divide

11:20 How friendship expenses can snowball

16:28 Overcoming envy

18:58 As you and your friends get older

22:31 When life throws you curveballs

25:38 Lending money to friends

27:57 Knowing when to let go.

Further reading:

To learn more about the cost of friendship, check out these articles from PensionBee:

• Episode 27 transcript
• The cost of friendship
• Bonus episode: Relationships and money
• How to talk about money
• Six ways to manage your money and your mental health
• Six ways to start talking about money
• What is the impact of debt on mental health?

Other useful resources:

• How to keep money from tearing your friendships apart (Vox)
• Is the wealth gap ruining friendships? (Guardian)
• The transfer of wealth from boomers to ‘zennials’ will reshape the global economy (Financial Times)
• A third of people are owed money by friends and family (Starling)
• Nearly 50% of millennials overspend to keep up with friends (Credit Karma)
• Why the “f*ck it” mentality is harming friendships (Refinery29)
• Splitwise

Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube:

• The Pension Confident Podcast
• The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube

Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on X, Threads, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Follow Millennial Money UK (@MillMoneyUK) on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Follow Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo (@CirilloDr) on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.