The research, published to coincide with Talk Money Week from November 3 to 7, found 39% of women feel comfortable talking about money with friends, compared with half (50%) of men.
People aged 55-plus are also less likely to feel comfortable talking about money (37%), than young adults aged 18 to 34 (56%), according to the research for the Government-backed Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).
Reasons given for people being uncomfortable talking about money include embarrassment, fear of judgment and feelings of failure, the survey of more than 2,400 people across the UK found.
Jackie Spencer, senior policy and propositions manager at MaPS, said: "Money conversations don't need to be polished or perfect, they just need to happen.
"Taking control of money, talking openly about it and sharing the burden that money worries can cause often helps people feel less stressed or anxious and more in control. It also helps people make better, more informed financial decisions."
Research was carried out by Opinium in September.
Here are some suggestions from the MaPS for having conversations about money:
