WEALTH October 27, 2026 0 Comments

Why 43% of Irish Adults Are Quietly Sabotaging Their Financial Future by Avoiding One Crucial Conversation

Ever wondered why money talks turn into hush-hush whispers at the dinner table? Turns out, in Ireland, nearly half the population (43%) prefers to sidestep money conversations like they’re dodging a rainy day without an umbrella. That’s right—asking to borrow a few quid or even admitting you can’t comfortably afford that night out sends shivers down many spines, ranking higher in awkwardness than even discussing politics or family drama. And who hasn’t faked their confidence to join a night at the pub or a meal with friends, all the while worrying about the bill? This new research from Monzo peels back the curtain on the financial discomfort creeping into everyday relationships, revealing how tangled our ties become when money enters the chat. Ready to face the music and learn how to handle these financial frictions with ease? LEARN MORE

More than two in five (43%) people in Ireland “often” or “always” avoid conversations about money, according to new research from digital bank Monzo.

Asking someone to lend them money is the money-related situation people find most uncomfortable (35%), followed by asking someone to pay them back (29%) and admitting they can’t afford something (25%).

Around three in 10 (29%) people said money is the most daunting topic to discuss with friends and family, ahead of family issues, romantic relationships and even politics.

Of the 1,000 adults surveyed, nearly half (44%) have pretended they could comfortably afford something when they couldn’t.

Of those respondents, a night out was the most common situation (31%) they pretended they could comfortably afford, followed by a meal out (30%) and drinks at a pub or bar (28%).

For many Irish adults, saying “I can’t afford it” can feel scarier than going with the crowd. Around 29% said they didn’t want to disappoint others and 27% felt expected to attend a social event despite not being able to comfortably afford it.

More than a quarter (28%) of those who have had an awkward conversation about money in the last 12 months said they felt awkward because they feel embarrassed discussing money, and 27% worried about being judged for their financial situation or decisions.

Just over two in 10 Irish adults who have had an awkward conversation about money in the last 12 months (21%) felt that money is a private matter that shouldn’t be discussed openly.

More than a quarter of respondents (27%) expect to be repaid for a late-night spice bag, 23% for a chicken fillet roll, 22% for a morning tea/coffee and 20% for a single pint.

A weekend-away deposit (78%) and a concert ticket (77%) are items that most always expect to be repaid for, but a round of drinks divides opinion, with 48% expecting to be paid back and 52% not.

When asked what would make managing money with others easier, 27% of Irish adults said an easier way to split shared costs would help, while 26% wanted people to be more upfront about their financial limitations or worries.

A simpler way to request money owed was also high on the list (25%).

“Money shouldn’t be a taboo topic, yet so many of us find asking for money back scarier than any ghost or ghoul this Halloween,” said Elaine Deehan, Ireland country manager at Monzo.

“Whether it’s awkwardly chasing up the cost of a chicken fillet roll or pretending we can afford a night out we can’t, financial friction with friends and family is real.

“At Monzo, we want to take the awkwardness and anxiety out of everyday finances. With features like instant payment links, bill splitting, and smart budgeting pots, we’re making it easy to manage money transparently and confidently, so you never have to dodge a financial conversation again.”

(Pic: Getty Images)