Talking about money matters with freinds can be difficult, but there are smart ways to open the conversation.

While people are often more willing to chat about sex, religion or their bodily functions, money talk still makes many squirm.

Ask a question such as “How much do you earn?” or “Can I borrow a few hundred bucks?” and watch their eyes scan the room looking for a quick exit.

But just because the above questions are likely to offend, it doesn’t mean money talk should be off the table completely.

We’re all being encouraged to take greater control of our own financial futures because governments are helping less. Talking about non-offensive money stuff is a great way to learn what works for others and may benefit you.

Here are five conversation questions worth asking.

HOW ARE YOU SAVING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY/CAR/RENOVATION?

Good money habits are vital. Many people learn only bad money habits, often from their parents, because they’re afraid to ask other people what they’re doing right.

A genuine question about how a friend or family member plans to afford something they’re excited about may unveil a few handy hints about how you can manage your own money better.

HOW IS YOUR SUPER INVESTED?

Super is your money, just like cash in the bank except it has government rules that stop you withdrawing it all until retirement age.

Most Australians wait too long to think about super and end up in a mad rush in their fifties and sixties trying to save enough, or they give up and plan for life on the age pension — which at $22,800 a year is not going to fund a lot of later life fun.

Asking someone how their super is invested is a better topic than the “is my balance bigger than yours” angle, and may get you both thinking that super shouldn’t be ‘set and forget’. Most of us are allowed to choose how much super money we have sitting in cash, shares, property, bonds, infrastructure and other assets.

IF YOU COULD START A BUSINESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Shares have been sloppy and property is unpredictable, which leaves building your own business as the other main way to get rich outside of landing a huge inheritance.

Growing numbers of Aussies are branching out into business ventures, many of them online that are cheap to start and can be done part-time.

If your conversation partner already owns a business, ask them why they did it and how they did it. People love to talk about themselves.

WHAT IS YOUR HOME LOAN INTEREST RATE?

A better mortgage rate can deliver huge savings to your household budget — thousands of dollars a year and tens of thousands over the life of the loan.

Ask others what they’re paying. If they don’t know, or you don’t know, it’s a good prompt to spend a few minutes checking. Why give money to banks that you don’t need to?

People without a mortgage can substitute this question for “what interest rate do you get on your savings?” These days 3 per cent means you’re doing okay.

DO YOU KNOW A GOOD ADVISER?

Financial planners have been widely criticised lately, and rightly so in the case of big banks using them as salespeople rather than financial helpers.

However, there’s a growing trend of independent planners charging hourly rates rather than earning sales commissions, and a great way to find them is by word of mouth. Start by asking someone you trust.