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Nurturing an honest and educational discussion about money is highly encouraged. It is helpful to share personal saving tips and ways to cushion the challenging economy. However, it is easier to travel deeper into the conversation as you get more familiar with someone.
A nosy or rude question about money can push your pleasant discussion into an inaappropriate territory. Prevent judgment or unsolicited advice from coming by considering these approaches:
#1: HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU MAKE?
One of the most shocking encounters in my life was when my uncle’s neighbor directly asked how much I made. This is an inappropriate question to ask to a person you met for the first time. I wore a smile on my face and firmly said: “I am sorry, but that is personal. It is not something that you need to be concerned with.”
You may approach the same situation in a lighter manner by saying: “I earn enough to cover my needs and reasonable wants.”
#2: HOW MUCH MONEY DOES YOUR SPOUSE EARN?
When you are exercising a in-depth disclosure with your friends, it is easy to slip an invasive question from time to time. One person may ask how much your spouse earns per month. Divert the topic by saying: “We make enough money to enjoy your pleasant company today.”
If you are unsuccessful in changing the course of the conversation, politely state that you do not discuss financial matters outside of your marriage.
#3: ISN’T THAT TOO EXPENSIVE FOR YOU?
A concerned family member or a close friend may bluntly ask you about an item he or she perceives as hefty. Alleviate the worries of your “asker” by elaborating how good you felt about your purchase. Also, you may share how much thought you exhausted before purchasing the said item.
I shall illustrate this scenario in the following dialogue below.
Gabby: How can you afford to purchase the new GoPro?
Jayden: I did my research. I shopped around Singapore to find a camera that I really desire. Do not worry about it! This GoPro is still within my budget.
Gabby: Okay lah!
#4: HOW MUCH DID YOU SPEND FOR YOUR FLAT?
Real Estate in Singapore is a tricky subject. People may judge you for either spending too much or too little for your nest. Stay on the safer side by keeping your answers vague. Consider saying something along these lines:
a. It is more that we expected, but less that the actual asking price.
b. It was above our asking price, but within our budget.
Sway away from this matter by inviting the person as your guest in your upcoming housewarming.
#5: MOM AND DAD, ARE WE RICH OR POOR?
Children are immensely curious by default. As early as primary school, they begin to define themselves by observing the similarities and differences between them and the society. Their friends may brag about how much they have, but your child cannot fully appreciate what rich or poor actually means. This is why it is your responsibility to shape your kid’s definition of what it means to be well-off.
You can impart that the essence of being rich does not necessarily equate to a household’s net income. For instance, you may say that your family is rich in the love and presence of each other.
#6: HOW MUCH DO YOU EXPECT TO EARN IN THIS POSITION?
The juiciest job interview questions are related to salary. Your potential employer may ask you about the specific range of expected salary in order to make an offer. It is best to utilize a positive and direct response to avoid triggering the interviewer’s tougher side.
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Say that I was put in this situation. My response will be: “I would greatly appreciate if you could make an offer that is based on the budget for this position. We can negotiate from there on.”
