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When girlfriends gather, conversations tend to revolve around work, food, family and travel. But one topic still seems very much taboo \u2013 money and finances.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe grew up in a culture where discussing money was considered impolite \u2013 something private or even taboo,\u201d said Wendy Wong, associate director at Finexis Advisory, a financial advisory in Singapore. \u201cSo even successful women sometimes hesitate to talk about their salaries, investments and financial goals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n This rings true for <\/span>stay-at-home mother<\/span> Lennette Koh, 41. \u201cMy parents aren\u2019t the kind that are great with finances, so my sister and I were never really taught much about money matters, let alone had financial conversations when we were younger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n There is also an emotional aspect associated with money. \u201cFor many women, money represents security, identity and even self-worth,\u201d said Wong. Discussing their financial situation is akin to baring their souls and can make some women feel uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n Feelings of guilt, shame or fear of being judged at spending too much can also lead to further discomfort or even complete avoidance of financial discussions, added Karen Tang, a certified financial planner and a finance coach who runs Karentang.sg.<\/span><\/p>\n Our cultural and social upbringing can result in low financial confidence, due to women not having enough exposure or guidance, said Wong.<\/span><\/p>\n This lack of confidence can lead to \u201cperfection paralysis\u201d \u2013 an obsession with achieving perfection that can lead to inaction, procrastination and missed opportunities, said Tang. \u201cWomen often feel that they must understand everything before starting, whereas men are more willing to learn on-the-job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nA LACK OF CONFIDENCE<\/span><\/h2>\n