Are you comfortable talking about money?

Capt Lightning

Capt Lightning

Well-known Member
Location
Historic Buchan, Scotland
Reading various posts, I have formed the opinion that Americans are more comfortable talking about money - earnings, savings etc... while we in the UK are much more reserved on such matters.

Anyone have any thoughts on this ?
 

Generally don't discuss how much anyone earns or what their assets are worth.......none of my business. I'm sensitiv of who I'm talking to....don't discuss cost of holidays with someone who is struggling to make end meets. With family and close friends I'm pretty open because we're all pretty much at the same level.

I loathe people who constantly have to tell you how well off they are and what they own.......I'd rather judge them on their character and behaviour.
 

Yes, we do talk about money a lot. I guess it's really important to us. We discuss jobs and what they pay, and benefits, and homes and how much they cost and property taxes and health care. U.S. Living is expensive so we do compare with others we are close too.
 
It didn't used to be as open a topic as it is now but I still would never question anyone about their income or financial plans. (that doesn't mean I'm not curious, on occasion, but would never ask) I DO appreciate, however, that friends share general financial news about taxes or soc. security or other items that might be useful. It was only a few years ago that I felt comfortable enough to share our full financial situation with both of our "advisors" but it has helped them to see the big picture to realize our plans.

I do have one friend, that I share more detailed information with, on long phone calls. We are the same age, have similar situations and both of us like to plan ahead so we often share investment information or ask each other for advice about things. We often e-mail articles to each other.

I have tried to talk to our sons and share our situation -just in case - but they don't seem to be particularly interested. Guess they are focused on their own lives right now. I do keep a binder and spread sheet so it is all there if something happens.
 
Perhaps it was the environment I was brought up in, but it would have been considered a little vulgar to talk about such things on a forum such as this (if such things existed). I naturally discuss financial matters with my OH, but in only in very general terms with my children. They don't discuss their financial affairs with me.
 
I spent the major part of my working life in the Financial Arena and it bothers me not to discuss money. How well we enjoy our retirement years and beyond is dependent on money & health, and both are worthy of discussion. Much can be learned from each other by sharing experiences.
 
I only speak of money in general. I would never ask your salary or volunteer mine. I don't mind telling you my homes tax assessment and my estimated tax , I will not tell you what I paid for a car or other big ticket item,and would consider you rude if you asked.

My wife was a State of New York employee. NY has a program called, I think, "See though NY". All persons who salaries are paid by tax dollars have their salaried and earnings posted on the website.
 
Have always thought if someone wants to talk about money, they should have experience with it. Since we've never had much, I don't talk about it.

Our financial guy has done the math and says we can maintain our current standard of living, figured in an inflation factor, has a cushion for the unknown, and says we'll be okay until age 85. In about 15 years, I'll post on Senior Forums the address where you can send your donations to carry us on through!!!!

Seems those who brag the most about money have the least. Know a couple of folks who cannot quit talking about how much they have and how good life is to them. Truth be known, I don't think either has the proverbial pot to pee in. OTOH, I play golf with a couple of guys who could buy the entire golf course and have money left over. They squeal like a stuck hog if you win 25 cents from them. They never talk about what they have or how they got it. They just like to play golf.

Growing up in the "working world" was taught to never discuss salary. Also, was taught to never give financial advice. If you give advice and it works, fine. If you give advice and it breaks someone, don't know if I could live with that on my conscience.

The financial planning field has become like used car sales. It is chuck full of young folks who are brainwashed into offering scripted advice. Financial "planning" is like predicting the weather. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. You can use your experience and a bucket to tea leaves and, as long as you can convince someone you know what you're talking about, make a small fortune off their investments. Get enough folks in your "group" and the commissions grow to make for a nice revenue stream. If you break a few, so what. Odds are the others will make some money and keep investing with you. For those who lose money by listening to your advice, you can always say yours was just a "recommendation" and where they invested was their own decision.
 
Talking or bragging? I remember a thread on this board a long time ago mentioning retiring on a lower income. It almost seemed some people were offended by it.
 
If it's in very general terms--maybe discussing the high price of something or a bargain, but I keep personal issues to myself.(assets) I'm not sure exactly what you mean, I guess. I participate only within my own comfort zone and that goes pretty much with all topics.
 
When I was growing up about all the old folks ever said about money is "We're comfortable." or "I think they are comfortable.".

I don't mind discussing money with someone that I think can/will genuinely benefit from the conversation.
 
I'm comfortable talking about money in general, but don't get into the personal particulars. I was raised too, not to give financial information good or bad to others in conversation, and also taught not to ask about such private things.
 
Capt. Lightning, American here. I think Americans are pretty casual talking about everything! I talk to one friend about investing because we took the same financial classes. We don't discuss our details. I talk to a group of friends about different stocks that I'm thinking about investing in and they talk about stocks they are watching. I do not tell them how much I have and they do not tell me their net worth.
 
When I was in the Navy an eon ago they posted a list on the bulletin board stating how much each man had coming.

As long as we have enough to keep the wolf from the door, there isn't that much to talk about.

We do talk often about the price of things and how far the dollar has fallen from inflation.
 
Talking of money I am surprised by the number of people who don't check their bank accounts on a regular basis. I am a bit obsessive about all ours and check them on-line daily to ensure they are all in order.
 
I enjoy talking about ways to make money, especially in the financial markets. I tried being a landlord and hated it. That part of my life lasted about 7 years before I sold all of my properties and reinvested the money back into the markets. As far as talking about self financial issues, I keep that pretty much to myself.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top