Money's taboo

Ask a Canadian about his weight, his love life or his political views, and he’ll probably give you an answer. Just don’t ask about money. A Bank of Montreal (BMO) survey shows that money is a taboo subject.

“Only four in ten of those polled would divulge to friends and family how much debt they have or how much they earn,” the bank says in a press release. Yet 60 per cent would say how much they weigh, 66 per cent were willing to talk about their love life, and 80 per cent would say who they voted for in the last election.

The situation changes if Canadians are talking to a husband, wife or child. Nine out of ten Canadians know how much money their spouse or partner earns, and 75 per cent of them talk about money with their children.

The BMO survey also showed that Canadians fear not having enough money to retire. “Families are very worried they may be overspendingand they don’t really understand how they can plan for the future,” BMO chief economist Sherry Cooper told Canwest News Service.

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