Younger Britons are far more comfortable talking about money than their elders
For a long time, money was considered a taboo topic of conversation in the UK, but the results of a new YouGov survey show that attitudes are changing, with Gen Z and Millennials no longer seeing any stigma in discussing financial matters.
Overall, half of Britons no longer see it as vulgar or tacky to talk about money (50%), compared to 38% who still see the topic as off-limits.
However, while just 17% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennial Britons see it as rude to talk money, this figure rises to 50% among Baby Boomers.
Boomers are slightly more relaxed being asked about money by family members – most (56%) say they would feel comfortable talking about their own earnings or wider financial situation with family – but are uncomfortable discussing such matters with other people, and are more reluctant still to bring up the topic themselves.
Gen Z and Millennials, by contrast, are largely happy to ask or be asked about money by friends and family. However, younger generations’ attitudes towards money have not yet relaxed to the extent that they would feel comfortable talking to other groups about the subject – only around four in ten Gen Z would feel comfortable discussing financial affairs with a colleague (37-41%), while fewer still would be ok with asking or fielding questions about money with a stranger (14-21%).
The most financially comfortable Britons are the ones who are most willing to talk about money
The results show that generational differences are much larger than financial ones when it comes to the subject of talking about money.
Those at the top and bottom take slightly different views from the vast bulk of Britons in the middle. People who describe themselves as “very comfortable financially” – a group which accounts for 5% of the public – are more likely to feel comfortable talking about finances in all the circumstances we ask about.
Likewise, those who say they cannot afford their costs and often have to go without essentials – a group encompassing 4% of people – are slightly less likely to feel comfortable talking about money with friends and family.
What do you think about talking about money, asking people personal questions, and everything else? Have your say, join the YouGov panel, and get paid to share your thoughts. Sign up here.
Photo: Getty
