At the dinner table, what do people prefer to avoid discussing more: the heated presidential election or their personal finances?

A recent survey reveals that both topics create tension. However, if you’re looking to really kill the mood, just ask your relatives about their spending habits.

According to a U.S. Bank survey conducted in September, parents found it easier to talk about how they plan to vote than their financial situation, with a preference of 76% to 63%.

Similarly, children would rather discuss their parents’ political choices (68%) than their own financial issues (55%). The survey included over 2,000 participants across the U.S.

Financial and electoral discussions are tough

Talking about money with family and friends is an uncomfortable endeavor for many Americans. YSL News has explored various societal taboos in discussions that include topics like fundraising for kids, vacation spending, dining expenses, and inheritances.

The topic of finances in marriages can be even more complicated. A recent study by Edelman Financial Engines revealed that 39% of married individuals confessed their spouses didn’t know everything about their financial habits. This number jumped to 50% among divorced individuals.

The U.S. Bank survey indicated that over one-third of Americans disagree with their partners about money management, while approximately a third admitted to lying to their partners about their financial situation.

The findings hint that American households might be more transparent about financial matters today compared to previous generations, but there is still much progress to be made.

Parents reported that they are nearly twice as likely to engage in conversations about money with their children compared to their own parents’ generation, with rates at 44% versus 24%.

Despite this, less than half of adult children (44%) seek financial advice from their parents, with women being more inclined than men (49% versus 35%) to ask for guidance.

“For many, discussing finances is a source of great discomfort, particularly within families,” stated Scott Ford, president of wealth management at U.S. Bank, in a press release.

A segment of Gen Z has been dishonest about voting intentions

Discussions about voting can also be a tricky topic to navigate.

An Axios survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, found that half of Generation Z voters and one in four overall admitted to lying to close friends and family about their voting choices. (It’s worth noting that The Harris Poll is not affiliated with the Kamala Harris campaign.)

Generation Z might be particularly attuned to political tensions, according to Axios, having grown up during the highly polarized Trump era.

About one-third of Americans believe that the heated political environment has placed pressures on their family relationships, per a new survey from Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association.

The survey revealed that around three in ten Americans have intentionally reduced time spent with family members who hold differing views.

“For nearly a decade, individuals have been immersed in a politically charged climate that has diminished civil dialogue and strained relationships,” remarked Arthur Evans Jr., CEO of the psychological association. “However, withdrawing from our social circles may only increase our personal stress.”