roommate/landlord keeps asking me about my new salary - polite way to get her to stop bugging me?? (conversation, business)

[sunburned_in_seattle]

sorry, last comment (sorry for 20 comments in a row..) I think it could be financial...about a month ago internet went out for two days - which was stressful for me to survive without it... I think they forgot to pay bill (and/or did not have enough money to pay bill)

[GiGi603]

Just tell her it is minimum wage

I always think if people are being too nosey it gives me an excuse to make up an answer.

[cfbs2691]

As others said its SO rude to ask about someone's finances.
It's like asking someone how much they weigh!

Get her a book on manners

[imagardener]

If your landlady has an empty room she should not be ruffling your feathers to the extent that you will move out but then you don't know her super-well and maybe her personality keeps people moving out. 2 adult daughters to support? wow. They probably do a lot of talking amongst themselves and may (stupidly) push their momma into raising your rent so they can continue to freeload.

Landlady will continue to ask you until you politely tell her to stop asking that's personal. People do what works for them and you have not told her to stop.

[luv my dayton]

Don't ever give that information out even to those who you are friends with at work. Over the years have seen total ridiculousness kick in when someone finds you got a raise or amount you make. People you least expected didn't get a raise and feelings are hurt or worse. Tell her three things you never discuss and that's income,politics,religion. Nosy people asking personnel things drive me nuts.

[Eazine]

Under no circumstances should you tell her what you make. It could come back to bite you at work, or in your rental situation. Furthermore, its none of her business. Next time she asks just say..

"I'm not comfortable discussing it."

If she prods you or gives you a hard time just followup with...

"That's not something I want to talk about", "I don't discuss my personal finances, by the way, what's the story with the internet going out?"

[Marlow]

If you tell her you don't want to talk about it and she persists, just lie and tell her a lower number than you're making. Normally I would never tell someone to lie, but it's none of her business and she probably just wants to raise your rent anyway.

In the meantime, save as much as you can and try to find a better place to live.

[rugrats2001]

Are there really people who rent out rooms who don't pull a credit check and require proof of income? I think you are imagining this person is an equal, when they are above you on the rental food chain. She isn't your room mate, she is your landlord, regardless of where she lives. Do you have a signed rental agreement or not?

[katjonjj]

Originally Posted by Marlow

If you tell her you don't want to talk about it and she persists, just lie and tell her a lower number than you're making. Normally I would never tell someone to lie, but it's none of her business and she probably just wants to raise your rent anyway.

In the meantime, save as much as you can and try to find a better place to live.

Why lower? She's sticking her nose into someone else's biz. I don't know the OP but I am a sarcastic person. I would say an outrageous amount.

Say it's really $2000 per month, I would tell her I make $10,000 per month while rolling my eyes. It's an obvious exaggeration so when she looks confused... Shrug and walk away. If someone told me that I would naturally assume they didn't want me to know or it's none of my business (not that I would be rude enough to ask).

Lying about a lower amount is an actual lie and could backfire (can she afford to live there, will rent be late, etc.).

[blueherons]

Say, "I'm not comfortable talking about money".


Also, if you tell her you could get in big trouble with your company.