How to Make Thanksgiving Money Talk Feel Less Awkward

If young adults are at your Thanksgiving table, finances may come up. In a Consumer Money Survey of more than 3,200 respondents conducted by Forbright Bank, 72% of U.S. adults under 30 said they feel comfortable talking about money with family and friends. That compares with 56% of Millennials, 47% of Gen Xers and 31% of Boomers.

So why the gap? Younger adults may be dealing with different pressures than older generations, including launching careers and families while living costs continue to rise. Some also rely on parents for financial support, which can make money a more unavoidable topic.

“Social media and increasing transparency have made it easier to talk openly about all kinds of topics, including money, which was considered off-limits,” says Lucia Franco, consumer insights expert at Forbright Bank. She says older adults in the survey tended to keep finances more private, while younger adults may be helping normalize open discussion about money.

When families gather for the holidays, it can help to be ready in case the subject comes up. Money conversations may feel awkward at first, but they can also be helpful and even relieving. They can set an example and reduce some of the stigma around financial topics.

Why Money Conversations Can Be Helpful

Money is not always a topic to introduce casually, but sometimes people need a safe place to talk through financial concerns and learn from one another’s experience.

These conversations can help in several ways:

• Reduce shame and anxiety. Debt, overspending, limited savings, or simply not understanding finances can feel embarrassing. Staying quiet usually does not help. Speaking openly and asking for guidance can lift some of that burden, and you may find others have faced similar struggles.
• Build trust and alignment. Honest talks with a partner or parent can reveal hidden debt and keep everyone focused on the same goals. Understanding a parent’s finances is especially important if you are their executor or power of attorney.
• Improve financial literacy. Discussing budgets, debt and income can lead to practical lessons from people you trust. That can be especially valuable for children and young adults developing healthy money habits.
• Support confidence in pay negotiations. When people talk more openly about salaries, it can make pay discussions feel more normal and help others negotiate with greater confidence.
• Reduce social pressure. Being clear about what you can afford makes dinners, trips and gifts easier to plan fairly. These talks can also answer a common unspoken question: how does everyone else manage it?

How to Bring Up Money With Family and Friends

If money does come up, aim for a conversation that stays warm and low-pressure. Keep it less personal, less judgmental and focused on shared values rather than exact figures.

With Family

• Use “I” statements so no one feels blamed.
• Keep exact dollar amounts private when possible.
• Offer broad advice rather than turning the discussion into a full financial planning session.

It also helps to ask open-ended questions. Instead of pressing for details about income or debt, try a softer approach, such as asking parents how they picture retirement.

With Friends

• Be upfront if you need to scale back on expensive dinners or outings.
• Suggest low-cost options such as park picnics, free museum days, outdoor concerts, potlucks or book clubs.
• Stay supportive and avoid comparing your finances with theirs.

You may decide the holidays are not the right time for money talk, and that is perfectly fine. But if the subject arises, remember that you are really discussing values and priorities, not just dollars and cents.

Survey Methodology

Forbright Bank’s 2026 Growth Savings Customer Survey was conducted by Qualtrics via email during the spring of 2026. A total of 3,241 respondents took part, including 1,389 Growth Savings customers and 1,852 general U.S. consumers. Generation labels follow U.S. Census definitions for Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z.