My Journey with Men’s Groups
In my early 30’s, I felt isolated and had a lack of purpose and direction in my life. I was lucky enough to be invited to join a men’s group. I’ve participated in men’s groups for the past 20 years. The effects have been astounding, including helping me become more engaged at work, improving my communication with my partner, and bringing me invaluable lifelong friendships with supportive and empathic men from many walks of life.A men’s group provides a safe space for men to openly share and support one another, challenging common societal pressures that discourage vulnerability. By encouraging open dialogue, these groups help men break away from conventional “norms” of masculinity, and instead foster personal growth and emotional well-being while contributing to a more equitable and understanding society.The Need for Men’s Groups in Today’s Society
Men’s groups can be a helpful resource in today’s society, particularly in the United States, where traditional expectations of masculinity can discourage men from expressing vulnerability, seeking emotional support, and discussing mental health. These societal pressures can lead to isolation, stress, and unaddressed emotional challenges.Men’s groups provide a safe and supportive environment where men can openly share their experiences, challenge restrictive gender norms, and build deeper connections with others.Here are some ways in which a men’s group can be beneficial:- Emotional Support: Many men face societal pressures to appear strong and self-reliant, which can lead to emotional isolation. Men’s groups provide a safe space to express feelings and seek support.
- Mental Health: Modern life can be stressful, with demands from work, family, and society. Men’s groups can help address mental health issues by offering a supportive community and reducing the stigma around discussing work, relationship, health, or other challenges.
- Social Connection: As men age, they may find it harder to maintain friendships. Men’s groups foster camaraderie and help build a sense of belonging and community.
- Personal Growth: Discussing challenges and successes with peers can lead to personal development. Men’s groups encourage self-reflection and growth through shared experiences and advice.
- Breaking Stereotypes: These groups challenge traditional notions of masculinity, promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be a man.
- Support in Life Transitions: Men’s groups can provide guidance and support during significant life changes such as career transitions, relationship issues, or becoming a father.
Creating a Space for Men to Discuss Their Relationship with Money
As a financial advisor, I noticed throughout my time attending these groups that the topic of money and our thoughts, feelings, and challenges associated with money were rarely discussed. Countless hours of men’s group discussions were devoted to relationships, careers, parenting, and health and wellbeing, while challenges and feelings related to money were absent from the discussion.Throughout my years of participating in men’s groups, I noticed this glaring omission in our discussions: money. These groups, designed to be safe and confidential spaces where men can be vulnerable and authentic, rarely touched on financial matters. As a financial advisor, this absence was particularly interesting to me.In my professional life, I spend my days discussing with clients how they relate to money and how this relationship impacts their daily lives, hopes, and dreams. From my perspective, money underpins virtually all areas of our lives in modern society: housing, education, food, parenting, medical care, romantic relationships, and more. I’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative open discussions about money can be.As one of our largest cultural taboos, the silence around money isn’t unique to men’s groups of course. In 2023, a study by Empower reported that 62% of Americans don’t talk about money, while 66% believe that open conversations about money are the key to financial freedom. This disconnect highlights a crucial need: creating safe spaces for open, honest discussions about money.The Mature Money Mindset
I believe that talking about our feelings and challenges around money in a safe and confidential setting can bring profound healing and growth for all of us. Given that men rarely have a space to be open and vulnerable, I’ve developed The Mature Money Mindset. This process can be followed individually or in a group setting as a guide to help build awareness and perspective, deepen understanding, drive discussions, and ultimately foster a more open and transformative relationship with money.Integrating financial discussions into men’s groups can:- Provide emotional support around money issues
- Address the mental health aspects of financial stress
- Allow for sharing of financial wisdom and experiences
- Encourage personal growth in financial matters
- Challenge financial stereotypes tied to masculinity
- Offer support during financial life transitions
- Improved financial decision-making
- Better communication about money in personal relationships
- Reduced financial stress and anxiety
- Greater alignment between personal values and financial choices
- A more supportive community for navigating financial challenges
