Question:

“Should you tell family members your income?”
-Anonymous

Answers:

“Do NOT tell your family your income unless they make more than you, then feel free to blab away. Hey, they have some cash to spare! They should know that you only make enough for two BMW’s. Your life is rough!”
— Gritty Gossiper: Writer’s Cramp

“Depends on the type of relationship you have with your family.

Usually, I recommend it’s better not to fully disclose what your income is. This would only be recommended in order to avoid jealousy and potential conflicts.

If your family lives with you and it’s a co-dependent relationship (i.e . sharing the cost of living etc). Then it’s okay to talk about income.

At the same time, they should be open and communicative with you about their income.

Only you know what your family’s situation is and whether or not revealing that information is necessary to maintain the well being of your families economic situation.”
— Gritty Gossiper: Lady Fierce

“All depends.  Can you trust your family members?  Do they care what you make?  Are they interested in helping you with some investment strategy or business plan?  If the IRS, a group of complete strangers, are good enough to know your income, then why not your loved ones?  I mean, if you know what line of work your family-member is in and where in the country they live, you can pretty much go to a government web site on employment statistics and look up how much they are probably making.  Nothing is private if someone really wants to know.  I think, generally, you shouldn’t have to have secrets from siblings, such as income, but on the flipside, you shouldn’t brag that you’re making a killing in real estate or debt short-selling, either, especially when a family member is having a tough time with the economy the way it is.”
— Gritty Gossiper: Boss Pirate

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Tags: BMWs, Family, Income