Sibling/Family Financial Inequality - Page 3

Happymom · 08-15-2007, 05:56 PM

We don't discuss salaries at all. It is just general knowledge that my bil and my dad made alot when bil's co went public. Heck bil retired at 35!!! My cousins work their tails off and are two of the most successful real estate agents in MN. They have very nice things and travel and think nothing of spending what I consider huge amounts (wrote a check for 12,000 on the spur of the moment once!!) I know that we have no where near what any of them have. I also know that my bil does not make much, since he has been struggeling and looking for an affordable place for his family to live. I do NOT know exact figures on anybody, nor does anyone know exactally what we make.

KathrynHannah · 08-15-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claire

Kathryn, I was not meaning to be short with you. I just can't imagine discussing salaries with my family or the inlaws. That is a private thing. Don't think the inlaws have not asked though! Who do you think they want to ask money from when they run out???

Oh, I didn't take it that way at all.

I just meant to say I am surprised as you are that people mention it.

DebbieL · 08-15-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KathrynHannah

I know! I don't know why people tell us. They'll say it in sentences like, "Now that we're making close to $220K, we've been looking into buying a cottage." Or "We make a $140,000, and we still have trouble saving up for retirement." Believe me, I'd rather not know.

That would be enough to make me puke. Thank God I don't know anyone like that. I personally think that kind of talk is very distasteful (and seems kind of boastful to me). I don’t discuss what I make with anybody (nor do I ask them). My husband and I are the only ones that know what we make. What does anybody else need to know for?

CAgirl · 08-15-2007, 08:34 PM

The only reason I know what my brother makes is because I help him manage his investments and he asked me for advice in negotiating his last contract.

I know everything about my parents' financial situation because I helped my mom get out of some bad investments a few years ago.

While I don't make the most in my family...I know how to make the most of what I have (thanks to Mommysavers!). As a result, I often get asked for advice especially when it comes to investing.

beautifulbabies · 08-15-2007, 08:54 PM

Our income is quite a bit more than both my brother's families. My younger brother does fine. They don't have kids, he has a good job, she's a nurse practitioner. My older brother and his wife both have decent jobs but still struggle. They are expecting their third baby so daycare eats up a lot of her income. I know it drives my SIL crazy that I get to stay home and we're still comfortable. Thankfully, we all get along well. We are just able to do more things.