Money Sense on Fortune and Survey Results
Last week, I asked my newsletter subscribers and some of my Twitter and Facebook fans to take a survey about how they feel when discussing money — if they talk about money at all, that is. In this week’s FORTUNE column, I go over my survey findings and discuss how couples can break down the barriers that prevent us from having regular talks about our money.
You can head over to Fortune.com to view the column, but below are some additional results from Talking Money in Your Social Circle: A Do, or a Taboo?
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Q: Please rank the following conversation topics (sex, money, politics, religion and health) on the level of discomfort you experience, lowest to highest (1-5), when discussing them in your social circles.
A: Out of the above, you’re more likely to break a sweat when the conversation turns to what happens behind the bedroom doors. Over the weekend, politics replaced money for second place.
Q: Now, tell us how you feel discussing money with each of the following groups.
A: When discussing money in specific social circles, you’re more uncomfortable having the conversation with your colleagues and siblings than you are with your friends, parents and partners.
Q: In general, how often do you avoid having conversations about money?
A: Roughly 38% of you answered “sometimes,” while 33% answered “rarely.”
Q: Why are you less likely to talk about money in your social groups? Check all that apply.
A: With colleagues, it’s privacy and competition. With family, you said it either turns into a conflict — or conversely, it’s not a problem at all. And with friends, it’s both privacy and jealousy.
Q: Which of the following money-related topics do you avoid discussing at all costs? Check all that apply.
A: Total assets and income top the list.
