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Asking Questions about my Finances

(67 Posts)
Calendargirl Mon 18-Nov-19 08:57:06

House prices are no secret nowadays. Years ago you could exaggerate how much your property made, not so now, which is better.
In years gone by, finances were much more private. Now, as in most things, the world and his wife are involved with everything, it all has to be ‘shared’.

PamelaJ1 Mon 18-Nov-19 08:53:31

Wouldn’t bother me. The questioners aren’t asking how much money you’ve got in the bank are they?
We have just booked a holiday and quite a few people have asked what it cost and who we booked with. I’m perfectly happy to tell them. It helps them if they are thinking of something similar.
I think I can tell the difference between people who are interested and those who are just being nosy.
I particularly like telling people if I got a bargain?

harrigran Mon 18-Nov-19 07:46:29

I am surprised people ask about rent, it is fairly standard depending on area or type of property, any newspaper will give that information so no secret.
If I got a good price for my house I would be crowing, as it is we were robbed blind and they have asked for the sockets.

ninathenana Sun 17-Nov-19 17:41:27

A friend couldn't understand when she asked me how much rent DD and family paid. I told her I didn't know (genuinely didn't) "but it's your daughter, I would ask if it were my daughter"
If DD wants me to know she will tell me, I would never have the cheek to ask her or anyone how much they paid or were paying for something. Having said that DD wouldn't mind.

EllanVannin Sun 17-Nov-19 17:28:07

I wouldn't dare ask anyone how much anything cost.

NotSpaghetti Sun 17-Nov-19 17:25:20

Nortsat46 I'd thank the first lot profusely next time I met them and say how very helpful they have been with your planning. You can say that you hope you didn't come over as invasive or nosy but you do so value the help/advice.

Then yoj can speak to the other neighbours and say "I know this may come across as rather cheeky but..." and then add that if they have time/inclination to advise you (at their convenience) would they please let you know? That way, if they aren't enthusiastic helpers you will sense the reticence at that point.

Good luck.

Urmstongran Sun 17-Nov-19 17:24:31

I love a mystery ....
?

westerlywind Sun 17-Nov-19 17:22:57

@urmstronggran I did not think it was right for me to talk about the new owner's finances. ~I do wonder why the neighbour did not ask the new owner (a man in his 30s).
I have sold that house and as far as I am concerned it is all over now.
I currently live in this house where all the more questions are being asked. There may well be a surprise in store for the neighbours still.

BlueBelle Sun 17-Nov-19 17:21:18

Yes wouldn’t bother me either I d just imagine they needed the information for their own use but you don’t have to tell them if it bothers you be evasive if you need to

westerlywind Sun 17-Nov-19 17:18:32

They only ever speak to be nosey. They never say Good Morning, nice day etc.
I learned to say I don't Know.
These people are in their 60s. They are incredibly nosey. They asked who people are who visit, they asked what a relative of mine was doing on ? street.
I think I will stick with I don't know or all the bills are not in yet. They are not friendly at all but extremely nosey.
Thanks for your views

janeainsworth Sun 17-Nov-19 17:17:50

It wouldn’t bother me either.
Norts if you prefaced your question by saying you were thinking of getting similar work done yourself, your neighbour would realise why you were asking and that you weren’t just being nosy.

Nortsat46 Sun 17-Nov-19 17:13:25

Oh dear westerlywind you have caused a moment of doubt. We are planning a loft conversion. I have asked one neighbour whom we know well, all about their conversion (inc costs). I am on the verge of asking another, who is only a ‘good morning’ type acquaintance.
Now I am wondering if I am being too forward...

FlexibleFriend Sun 17-Nov-19 17:05:42

Wouldn't bother me tbh, they maybe thinking of getting similar work done but no clue what it would cost, or be thinking of selling up or just plain nosy. If I didn't want to tell them I'd just laugh and say "Too much" and walk away. I certainly wouldn't be offended.

MamaCaz Sun 17-Nov-19 16:53:50

Personally, I don't think I would be particularly bothered about someone asking me any of those things - though I might not necessarily tell them.
(Though they will soon be able to find out via Google how much your house sold for, anyway.)

Urmstongran Sun 17-Nov-19 16:48:43

After the house was sold and the new owner was in the property I met one of the neighbours from there who without preamble asked me how much I got for the house

Maybe the neighbours don’t realise it’ll be listed on Zoopla anyway in a few months?

No need to ask!
?

Gaunt47 Sun 17-Nov-19 16:48:39

Yes, I would find it intrusive too. I've found that enquiries can be turned away by saying, oh all the bills aren't in yet, isn't the weather lovely today! Perhaps those kinds of personal questions are more likely to come from the younger generation?

westerlywind Sun 17-Nov-19 16:39:53

I have noticed in the last 6 to 10 months that I am being asked questions I find too intrusive. I would never ask anyone about how much anything cost.
I sold a property which was openly advertised on Internet and in the Estate Agents window. After the house was sold and the new owner was in the property I met one of the neighbours from there who without preamble asked me how much I got for the house.
In the property that I live in, I got some external work done and a neighbour who does not normally speak asked how much it all cost.
Another piece of outside work was done and the spouse of the above neighbour asked how much that cost.
I mentioned to an acquaintance about some other work I am planning, I didn't go into detail and she asked how much that will cost.
Am I being a bit soft not liking to be asked about every job I have had done or plan to do?
I would think it such bad manners to ask anyone about anything related to money.
Can I have your opinions please