Dear Moneybags Magoo,
My parents are coming to visit, and I’m finally at the age where I actually bring in a paycheck. They’ve always paid for me, but now that I’m making money, should I pay when we go out? How do I handle that transition?
Yours truly,
Flying-outta-the-nest-with-dolla-dolla-billz-y’all
Dear Flying-outta-the-nest-with-dolla-dolla-billz-y’all,
What a considerate question-asker you are! Never expect them to, but always be thankful if they do. If you have the means, buy for them every once in a while. If a dinner tab is too hefty, try taking the family out to ice cream or have them over for dinner at your place.
Dear Moneybags Magoo,
What money topics are off-limits or rude to talk about with friends or family? What if I need money advice?
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Thank you!
Warmest Regards,
Not Emily Post
Dear Not Emily Post,
Well, you sure know how to ask tricky questions! It really does depend on your relationship with a person. For things like rent and house prices, it’s a little easier to talk about, because that information is generally public (hello Zillow!). However, it can often come across as rude and invasive to ask questions about salary, car cost, any inheritance questions, and how much a person makes. For the most culturally acceptable manners, in general don’t ask money questions of someone unless the other person brings it up (Moneybags Magoo excluded, of course: learning purposes, you know?).
However, if you are just finding your way into personal finance, do find someone you trust deeply and someone who is good with money to aid you in your decisions (I talk to my wise old tortoise father. He always knows and it is so helpful to get his perspective). Don’t necessarily ask pointed questions about their money, but inform them as much as you feel comfortable to get their wise sage advice.
Dear Moneybags Magoo,
What should I say when a friend asks me how much I make? What about when a recruiter asks me in a job interview?
Sincerely,
Cat has eaten my tongue
Dear Cat has eaten my tongue,
If it is a potential employer, avoid giving a number. List the industry average or a range (this benefits you in the salary discussion if they give a number first). If it is a friend asking, be vague or come up with a roundabout answer. A few options if they ask how much you make:
For the snarky:
“Not as much as I wish!”
“Not enough to quit my job and ride on a yacht for the rest of my life.”
“10,000 golden dubloons. The exchange rate is top secret. Sorry.”
For the sincere:
“I’m very thankful for what I make.”
“My salary is decent enough.”
For the direct:
“I’m not comfortable sharing that.”
For the passive:
“How about this weather we’re having?!”
Good luck. Always an awkward turtle, that one.
Send me your money questions! I'm ready for the asking.
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Dear Moneybags Magoo,
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Thank you!
As always, thanks to team savvy for your splendid answers to my invasive money question asking (haha, following my own advice, I see).