U.S. Adults Uncomfortable About Discussing Bank Savings

Only 38% of U.S. adults are comfortable discussing their bank account balances and 52% are comfortable discussing their credit card debt.

A new Bankrate survey has revealed that U.S. adults are significantly more likely to feel uncomfortable discussing money-related topics with family members and close friends compared to other potentially taboo topics.

Only 14% said money is a normal topic of discussion at holiday gatherings with friends and family.

Just 38% of U.S. adults say they are comfortable discussing their bank account balance with family members and close friends.

That compares with 47% who are comfortable discussing details of their love lives and 52% who are comfortable discussing their credit card debt.

Comfort levels are much higher for discussing one’s weight, political opinions, health and religious views.

Younger generations are more comfortable talking about money with their family members and friends compared to older generations.

Specifically, 52% of Gen Zers (ages 18-27) and 44% of millennials (ages 28-43) say they are comfortable talking about their bank account balances with family members and close friends, compared to just 34% of Gen Xers (ages 44-59) and 29% of baby boomers (ages 60-78).

Additionally, 57% of Gen Zers and 55% of millennials say they are comfortable discussing their credit card debt versus 50% of baby boomers and 48% of Gen Xers.

"It's important to take the stigma out of discussing money matters,”  said Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst Ted Rossman.

“Not that you need to bare all your financial details to strangers, but especially with people we're close to, it's good to be able to talk about things like your money goals and challenges. Others might have helpful advice, and it's easier to stick to a budget if the people in your inner circle know how much you're looking to spend on social activities."

The total sample size for the survey was 2,502 U.S. adults.