Asking "How much?"

[RodKnock]

How much did you pay for your house? Do you have loans against it? How about your Portuguese Water Dog, how much did you pay for him/her? The antique table in your living room? How about your AGI on Line 37 from you 2009 Form 1040?

My point is, I feel it's personal, so I politely decline to tell people, but you may tell them.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

How about your AGI on Line 37 from you 2009 Form 1040?

My point is, I feel it's personal....

Uhhh, more often than not, people that tell you they are making money are not, and vice versa. I agree with Rod; it's personal.

[Ronbo]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

How much did you pay for your house? Do you have loans against it? How about your Portuguese Water Dog, how much did you pay for him/her? The antique table in your living room? How about your AGI on Line 37 from you 2009 Form 1040?

My point is, I feel it's personal, so I politely decline to tell people, but you may tell them.

Of course you can politely decline to answer, just as they can politely ask. Most of what you listed isn't exactly a big secret anyway.

Now be honest, are you more comfortable talking about the price of things you own with people you consider peers? My point being your reaction is probably more protective than personal.

I mean, I don't really know you, but if we were to meet at a gathering we couldn't discuss what we spent on our cars? (especially after 20yrs when we'll be bragging about how we only spent about $100k "back in the day")

I'm not trying to pick on you bud, none of us would have much to talk about if we all thought the same.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Ronbo

I mean, I don't really know you, but if we were to meet at a gathering we couldn't discuss what we spent on our cars? (especially after 20yrs when we'll be bragging about how we only spent about $100k "back in the day")

Well, once they took our hats and coats, ushered us to the private room for Kirkham owners only, gave us our brandy and Cuban cigars, sat down in the large comfortable leather reclining chairs, then we might chat about how much we spent on our Kirkhams, our most recent art purchases as well last year's Hawaiian vacations.

But, the room would have to be swept for bugs and no transmissions could leave the room. Soundproof.

Famous X-files line. "Trust no one."

Protective? Personal? I see no difference. It's none of anyone's business.

Now, if someone else chooses to live their life differently, then G-d bless them.