Beyond these very general topics of small talk, there is variation according to the life situation of the people involved and the setting in which the conversation is taking place. Adults may discuss their jobs, recreational interests, houses, or family matters. Americans are explicitly taught not to discuss religion and politics unless they are fairly well acquainted with the people they are talking to. Politics and religion are thought to be a controversial topic that can lead to an argument.
Financial matters is one.
Inquiries about a person's earnings or about the amount someone paid for an item are usually beyond the bounds of acceptable topics. People prefer to use their own communicative styles. That means, among other things, they prefer to abide by their own ideas about conversation topics that are appropriate for any given situation. Foreigners who have different ideas from Americans about what topics are appropriate for a particular setting are very likely to feel uncomfortable when they are talking with Americans. They do not feel they can participate in the conversation on an equal footing.