Why are people not willing to talk about money?

KnightSmile

I talk about my salary with my very close friends and everybody in work knows each others salary bands. I don't mind telling people but I don't mention it unless I'm asked. I don't earn a high salary really.

Soleil_lune

Haven't read the whole thread, but long story short, I really believe that people feel like failures in life if they have money issues/debt.

SOME people love to brag about stuff like high salaries, and flash cars, and exotic holidays, and they think they're superior to people who rent their home, if they own their own house: particularly if it's a big executive house with 3 en suites, a utility, a double garage and a conservatory. You know, the type that's in a cul de sac in a cul de sac in a cul de sac, with no front garden, and is 3 feet away from the next house.

But when people are low earners, and have nothing, and are really struggling, they won't share it with anyone.. Upshot is: it's pride.

FatVonD

I'd have told you, Kayalana, but I'm one of life's sharers

jellyhead

I probably would have told somebody if they were close enough for me to discuss my sex life with them!

It is generally considered rude to ask people intimate questions about their finances, but if this colleague talks about her sex life then it's odd that she considers her bank balance to be too private to talk about.

To be honest I might be offended if somebody presumed to give me advice that I hadn't asked for - it's presuming that they know things that I don't, and that's really rude! Pointing people in the direction of Martin's mortgage advice is one thing but giving advice to somebody who hasn't asked for it is very arrogant.

HPoirot

Judi wrote: »

People including family don't like to hear of anyone any better off than themselves.

For the same reason you don't share the details of your wage with anyone you work with.

This is the only country I know of which doesn't have published salary scales in the workplace. IMO this kind of secrecy is what gives rise to confusion/resentment/discrimination in the workplace.

Spendless

I've worked somewhere where it was in my contract that my salary was confidential between myself and my employer and to discuss it with colleagues was a disciplinary offence. That makes you less likely to discuss finances with other people. I keep my husband's salary private because stating it makes us sound 'rich' and people don't realise that his negative tax code makes a big difference to his net pay.

lostinrates

HPoirot wrote: »

This is the only country I know of which doesn't have published salary scales in the workplace. IMO this kind of secrecy is what gives rise to confusion/resentment/discrimination in the workplace.

My husbands salary is published as part of a published salary scale, as it is in the other international offices. It still gives rise to confusion/ resentment/ discrimination or the perception if that as people tot up which country the perceive does best and who the winners working outside their country are etc etc. and his are considered one of the fairest in the industry. It certain.y reduces issues, I agree, but it does not eradicate them.