The one topic of conversation people avoid more than Trump

Independent

11-03-2025

Brits would rather discuss Donald Trump than their personal debt, according to a new survey.
A poll conducted for money app Plum revealed that personal debt ranked higher than the U.S. president on a list of topics people are most likely to avoid in conversations.
Trailing close behind were salaries and personal savings, rounding out the top four "off-limits" subjects.
The survey also delved into awkward questions to ask, finding that inquiring about someone's salary topped the list, followed by questions about debt and savings.
Nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) cited a fear of sparking an argument, while 21 per cent admitted to feeling insufficiently informed on a subject. And 20 per cent confessed to avoiding these topics due to a fear of judgment.
But Plum said that by avoiding topics such as money matters, people could be missing opportunities such as the best ways to save and grow their money.
Bank of England data shows that more than £300 billion is sitting in non-interest-bearing accounts.
The new research also indicated that one in 10 people cannot remember when they last reviewed their savings options and 11 per cent said they never have.
Plum enlisted comedian Mark Simmons to create a joke book about finance to encourage people to 'break their money taboo'.
'Humour's a great way of tackling stigma and acts as a great icebreaker – and it's been great to see that in action,' he said.
'In fact, by testing this new material on one of the toughest crowds (the London general public) we were able to kick off loads of conversations with people about their finances. And I was only heckled three times.'
Plum's head of money Rajan Lakhani said: 'When people do engage, they realise it's much easier to take action than they think, whether it's tax-free returns through an Isa to setting money aside for a rainy day.'
Censuswide surveyed more than 2,000 people across the UK in February.