Kristin Ward is a graduate of Boston University, currently funemployed. She is 5'1", an ESFJ, and a failed vegetarian (crab cakes 4 life). She can lick her elbow. She currently lives in Boston, MA with her tall blonde roommate Chris and their imaginary cat Beatrice.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Financial Etiquette
Today I read an article about financial etiquette—as in, how to deal with certain financial situations tactfully.
The first situation regards responding to nosy questions. A friend asks you how much you spent on something, and you don’t want to share. What do you do? This article has two suggestions. The second suggestion makes a lot of sense: if you don’t want to share, simple evade the question by saying something like “Not as much as I thought it would be, I’m pretty happy with it.” Then change the subject.
Their first suggestion, however, made me a little uncomfortable. Let’s say you meet with your friend for lunch. She’s wearing a new watch that you absolutely love. You’ve been in the market for one, but you’re really watching your finances, so you ask, “How much was it?” She responds in the manner given by this article and says, “I have a new policy that I’m not going to share prices or salaries. It’s nothing personal. I’ve just found it’s easier not to discuss finances with friends.”
How uncomfortable do YOU feel for asking a totally valid question?
I swear, no one should ever respond like that. The evasive maneuver is best. If you really don’t want to share, this is one of this situations where it’s totally fine to just lie and say, “I honestly don’t remember” or “it was a gift.”
But really: what is the big deal about talking finances? I’m not sure if it’s an American thing, but what is so wrong about revealing how much you make, how much is in your bank account, or how much you spent on something? It’s a little weird if a total stranger asks you, and I can see it being uncomfortable if you’ve been irresponsible and have poor finances. Otherwise though, is it so awkward to say, “Oh this watch? It was $400.” And what’s so wrong with that if you can afford it?
AM I MISSING SOMETHING? Anyone agree or disagree?
