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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that prying questions about money are more commonplace these days?

32 replies

stopgap · 16/07/2016 12:59

I'm not talking about anonymous message boards, where such declarations can be useful, but in real life. By no means everyone, but I have otherwise lovely friends who try, subtly and otherwise, to dig for information about the price of our home, salaries etc.

Even as little as ten years ago, I don't recall ever being asked such questions. I know I'm not alone in this, either.

Coincidental to the area in which I live or has such questioning become a little more socially acceptable?

OP posts:
Atenco · 17/07/2016 16:03

I still don't understand why this is being generalised to all English speaking countries, when it has been a part of American culture, at least since the 1960s, whereas I don't think it is a part of other cultures.

Cmccafferty98 · 23/10/2016 18:11

Hi I'm new to this website and trying to as a question about child benefit back pay? I have applied for the benefit and expecting back pay just wondering how soon after they sent the birth certificate back do you receive the money? Can anyone help me outConfused

Gwenhwyfar · 23/10/2016 18:19

I was having a drink in a friend's new house recently when another friend asked how much they had paid for the house. I acted a little shocked because, while I also really wanted to know, I know it's not the done thing. The friend with the new house wasn't bothered, answered honestly and said it was a matter of public knowledge anyway (recorded in the land register).

I don't mind people knowing how much I earn because it makes life difficult if people think you have more than you do - friends need to know I can't go to expensive restaurants, etc. I think it's people who earn a lot who are usually cagey about it, which I can understand as they might not want to make people who earn less feel bad about themselves or come across as boasty.

LottieDoubtie · 23/10/2016 18:26

I discuss house prices and outgoings freely with my friends- not exact salaries though, although I do know a rough take home figure for my best friend. I think it is generational and getting more relaxed.

I really object to being asked about money by strangers. I've had more than one stranger ask me the price of my watch which I find really intrusive and rude. (It is nice but it's definitely not a Rolex...)

justdontevenfuckingstart · 23/10/2016 18:33

My boss has engineered many hypothetical conversations to get out of me what our deposit and mortgage are. I'm not stupid. She even said to my colleague 'why won't she tell me!!' She has to know everything and it infuriates her that I won't. My finances. My business. Other than her nobody gives a toss.

Noofly · 23/10/2016 18:33

Over the past few years I've been asked quite a few times how we can afford to send our DC to private school. I figure it's because we live in an area where most people can't afford it and outwardly, we don't look like we should be able afford it either. It doesn't really bother me.

LemonSqueezy0 · 23/10/2016 19:20

My sil would give her left leg to know my salary but tries not to ask in a very obvious way.. She asks questions all around the houses but can't bring herself to ask directly as she does know its rude She still can't work out how I was able to take 14 months off work without asking my DP for an allowance - She knows nothing of my investments and savings pot Grin

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