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Our new research sheds light on the intimate conversations and information sources that influence our decisions about money.

The latest research conducted by St. James's Place Asia delves into the intricate social dynamics influencing our financial decisions. Titled "How We Talk About Money," this study examines social media conversations about money and features insights from retail investors and SJP Asia financial advisers.
Emotions run high in family discussions about finances, with more than one-third of conversations mentioning parents, children, and spouses reflecting negativity. Despite the openness observed within familial circles, these intimate money conversations often evoke strong feelings, underscoring the deeply personal nature of financial discussions. The research also uncovers the challenges individuals face amidst the deluge of information on social media platforms, leading to misconceptions about financial advice and the need for trusted sources in financial planning.
Key findings
Negative sentiments in family money conversations
- More than a third of money conversations on social media that mention parents (34%), children (37%), and spouses (42%) contain negative sentiment.
- Retirement is a leading topic in online conversations around money, generating more than 12,000 mentions across all audiences over the past year.
Trust circles in money discussions
- People tend to be more open about money with close family, spouses and trusted financial advisors than with friends or romantic partners.
Complex emotional nature of money talks
- Younger individuals often avoid discussing spending and high-risk investments with family.
- Expats may hesitate to share financial details with friends and family back home due to differing financial statuses.
Information overload
- Investors feel overwhelmed by the volume of financial information available, impacting their comfort levels in discussing money.
Retirement is the key money topic
- Financial independence, especially in retirement planning, is a significant theme in money discussions.
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