Financial FOMO Is Real — and It’s Straining Our Closest Relationships

Money shapes many of the most important decisions people make, but talking about it doesn’t always come easily. A recent study from CFP Board sheds light on how Americans navigate financial conversations within personal relationships and how those discussions influence financial well-being.

According to Financial FOMO: A Survey About Money and Relationships, 83% of Americans say they are comfortable discussing money with at least one person close to them. The survey of more than 1,100 adults ages 25 to 64 highlights the value of having trusted sources for advice, perspective and emotional support when making financial decisions. Respondents most often turn to significant others (87%), followed by close friends (48%), parents or in-laws (43%), siblings or extended family members (42%), and co-workers (21%).

Comfort levels vary by age, however. Americans under 40 are significantly more likely to feel comfortable discussing finances with those close to them.

But comfort does not mean those discussions are conflict-free. More than half of Americans (57%) report that money has caused tension with someone they know well, often a spouse or partner. Financial disagreements with parents or in-laws (29%), siblings and other relatives (27%), and close friends (21%) are also common. Americans age 40 and under are even more likely to experience this kind of tension, underscoring how financial stress can complicate even strong personal relationships.

Social Pressure and Financial Comparison

The financial circumstances of others can strongly influence how individuals view their own situation. Social pressures can spark motivation, envy, gratitude or concern, sometimes all at once. Nearly half of Americans (47%) say that the financial situations of people close to them have significantly affected how they view their own finances, either positively or negatively, while another 35% say their views have been somewhat affected. Not everyone experiences that pressure the same way. Married couples are more likely than single Americans (53% vs. 39%) to rethink their financial perspectives based on others’ situations. A similar pattern appears among Americans age 40 and under.

These comparisons extend beyond perception to behavior. Eighty-five percent of respondents say they feel out of sync with friends when it comes to spending, saving, investing, career progress or paying down debt. Many also report feeling out of step when it comes to milestones such as buying a home, traveling, starting a family, dining out or celebrating major life events.

The Cost of Staying Connected

Spending time with friends and family can strengthen relationships, but it often comes with a financial trade-off. Two-thirds of Americans (67%) say they declined at least one social event in the past two years because of cost, including group trips, concerts and even family holiday gatherings.

More than half (56%) chose not to disclose that cost was the primary reason they declined. Single Americans were especially likely to withhold that information compared to married individuals (63% vs. 55%), highlighting how financial strain can quietly shape social engagement.

Finding Support Through Trusted Advice

Navigating financial decisions, especially when they intersect with personal relationships, can be challenging without objective guidance. One way to approach sensitive financial conversations is by working with an ethical, competent advisor who can provide advice without judgment and with a client’s best interests in mind.

The survey found that 71% of Americans would feel comfortable discussing financial topics with such a professional if they had access to one. A trusted financial advisor, such as a CFP® professional, can provide not only technical expertise but also the clarity and confidence that many people need to have more productive financial conversations with those closest to them.