Counting cash etiquette

dll74

I was always taught that counting money in company (outside family that is) is bad manners although I wouldn't describe it as rude per se.
I would say a very minor social faux pas at worst but definatley nothing to fall out about.

Mojisola

ScottyJ wrote: »

I think the consensus is that yes it was a bit odd of her to do, but also a bit odd of me to think counting money in front of people is a taboo. Fair enough.

Among friends, I would probably have helped her count it.

Interesting someone mentioned the Dutch couple and their attitude, as my wife is originally of Dutch origin too.

I think the Dutch are far more sensible about most things than us. Loosen up a bit and follow her lead.

C_Mababejive

It is slightly weird but i guess she was seeking some kind of validation or re-assurance?

In the brave new world economy where the grand deception has been revealed,she'd be better off not saving and instead,getting a loan for her ipad !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHo2pXO_XAI

balletshoes

ScottyJ wrote: »

Had a situation occur today that caused a bit of a rift between the wife and I and just wondered about other people's thoughts on it. We're from different countries and have different views on many things but today I couldn't decide if what happened was just a difference of opinions or rudeness/poor etiquette or if I'm just being too uptight!

We had some friends staying for the weekend and while chatting this morning my wife randomly changed subject to talking about how she'd been saving for an iPad and dashed off to the next room coming back with her savings jar and emptying it out. Meanwhile the rest of us continued our other topic of conversation while trying to juggle entertaining a couple of toddlers. She counted out all the cash in front of us and told us how much she had, throughout which our guests didn't particularly show much interest. I was guilty of giving her a dirty look that led to a bad tempered discussion later.

You see, I was really taken aback as I've always been of the mind that you don't count your cash in front of other people, just like you don't ask how much someone earns, however, she has polar opposite views on both of these and will have no hesitation on asking someone's salary if they've just got a new job etc. I'm not sure who/when I was given 'the rules' about money etiquette, I just remember it as always so, however, I wonder if I'm being too old fashioned and times have changed, or is she being a bit crass in her mannerisms....?

I couldn't tell if our guests were taken aback by it as well as they didn't engage with her ipad talk, or if they were just preoccupied with the kids. Would you be uncomfortable in their position?

Your thoughts appreciated!

In my experience (my husband is from a different culture and country) its cultural, and really not worth anyone getting upset about.

I was clearly brought up in a similar way to you OP regarding money, earnings, income, cost of stuff you have etc. In my husband's country and culture, it is completely normal to ask people you have just met how much they earn, how much their house cost etc etc - its like their version of chit chat!
I was gobsmacked the first couple of times it happened to me, but now I just say "enough" or "not that much" as appropriate when I get the chit-chat 3rd degree .

Ruby_woo

I think it's good that she is saving up for the iPad, and not taking out credit!x

Rebecca01

Ruby_woo wrote: »

I think it's good that she is saving up for the iPad, and not taking out credit!x

Agreed! So how much has she actually saved?:D:cool:

ScottyJ

Rebecca01 wrote: »

Agreed! So how much has she actually saved?:D:cool:

Well I'd have said about halfway there, but I think she said she is £230 of the way there!

Comments noted - I shall lighten up a bit

The problem with this saving up thing is that Apple keep releasing new more expensive ipads that she HAS to have. She's a gadget geek and loves having the best she can get but that means the finish line keeps getting further away!

C_Mababejive

Ruby_woo wrote: »

I think it's good that she is saving up for the iPad, and not taking out credit!x

Disagree...have now,pay later. Managed debt is good. If she waits they will have brought out an ipad 18

maman

Like others have said, I find it a bit childlike that she's counting up her savings in front of friends. I can only assume it gives her a lot of pleasure to realise the ipad is getting closer. I also find it childlike that she's saving coins in a jar for an ipad. Unless it's a long term thing with loose coins (in which case it'll take forever) then why not save it in her bank account.

In reply to OP, yes I find it odd. Your guests obviously carried it off politely if they found it odd but if it gave your wife pleasure then no real harm done. If you've had a row about it, I'd go back to her and say that just because you found it odd she shouldn't stop doing what gives her pleasure.

ScottyJ

I never mentioned coins, it's all notes

Your other comments are appreciated. We shall have a light hearted chat and I shall lighten up!