Comments on: Talking About Money? Please Don’t.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:00:54 +0000

I think the “money is a taboo conversation subject” attitude is a large contributor to the rampant financial ignorance, skyrocketing debt loads, and recent financial melt down. In an ideal world, one would learn things like budgeting, how loans work, how credit cards work, how retirement options and taxes work, from one’s parents or in school. But let’s face it, for many people that simply is NOT the case. And of course, it’s socially acceptable, even the norm perhaps, for one to declare “I’m no good at math.” How are we supposed to ever break this cycle unless people who have experience in these areas are willing to share their knowledge? Now I agree with the article that I’m not going to shout my 401k balance out to a crowded movie theater. But I wonder about the quality of your relationships if you are that worried that your friends/family will resent you for your salary. And if your debt load is outrageous, then maybe it is a problem that should be dealt with, and DOES negatively impact your relationships. Keeping silent does not make issues disappear…just makes them all the more mysterious and difficult to deal with.

By: bobebob

bobebob — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:32:43 +0000

Eeeeeewwwwwwwww, do you know where that twenty might have been?

I’ll share info if it comes up naturally in a conversation. Especially when I think that I might be able to influence others into acting more financially responsible.
I’m more apt to tell them what percentage of pay I’m putting away into retirement than the exact amount I make. But if I’m not giving away information that someone could use to hurt me, I don’t see the harm.

By: pen

pen — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:53 +0000

The one exception I would make is coworkers exchanging salary information. This is the only way to find out if everyone is being paid more or less equally, taking experience/ performance into account. Other then this, no one needs to know about your exact finances unless you share accounts with them, or are asking for a loan.

By: mbhunter

mbhunter — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 04:46:45 +0000

I disagree. There are people I discuss money with that aren’t my family, and we trust each other not to talk to others about it. It’s a way to get different perspectives, different ideas, etc.

I will say I’m picky about who I talk with, but talk with no one about it? I think that’s taking it too far.

By: Pretty Jewelry Things Stores

Pretty Jewelry Things Stores — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:44:25 +0000

Could not have been said better. I have experienced most of the examples in the article with the same results of hurt feelings, jealousy and loss of a relationship.

Now any discussion of finances are only between my spouse and I. Sometimes you think you are helping others by sharing but most times they are just gleaning you for your financial information which results into the negative end results.

I agree. Best to keep your financial life to yourself.