how to answer questions when some one ask you how much did it cost?

Question

i would like to tell my inlaws that it is none of their business, but i can not. i have to be polite. what is a good way to asnwer them when they ask me how much did you pay for that? I dont want to tell them any of our personal financial business but answer in a polite way.

Answer 1

I would probably be direct and say - "I don't feel comfortable talking about personal finances, can we change the subject?"

A more indirect way would be just to casually change the subject,"Oh, you don't wan to hear the boring details of our personal finances, tell me more about yourself?"

Answer 2

If you say, "I'd rather not say," then they know you spent a lot and you've given them enough financial info, and more than you're probably comfortable with.

My inlaws are not very well off, and I do pretty well, and I know they know (wife doesn't work), luckily they haven't gotten into doing that.

However, when the time comes that they do decide to butt in and ask, I'm prepared to tell them, "Well, it wasn't cheap, but I've been saving for some time now, and it was finally on sale." if they persist, I'll tell them a figure that seems reasonable, but yet is far less than what they were thinking.

Answer 3

Eick that is creepy! However, I guess if it's not a persistent issue then I'd go ahead and tell them. I mean, someone else might want to purchase it to, and wanted to compute the figures for budgeting. If it's a chronic question, which makes you feel like their intrusive about finances, and not showing joy over your purchase, I'd reply, "well it was costly but we've been saving for a long time, and I think it is money well spent", or deter it, by saying, "oh, you know how the internet works, there are ALWAYS good deals to be found, if you look long and hard".

I have a neighbor who does that with me, and it's persistent, and annoying as he$$. She's just being nosy, but also she doesn't share in the US custom of reviewing price tag and paying that price for an item. In her country, shopping is "bartering", or lowering the substantial costs to minimal one. Hope this helps with in-laws and others.

Answer 4

Just say "I was well able to afford it" or "It really didn't cost as much as I expected" or "I got a good deal on it" something like that would be a good answer and immediately change the subject..asking the coat of an item is rude if they persist after you have tried a polite evasive answer simply say I really don't like to talk about what I paid for stuff.

Answer 5

I like to say things like "It was reasonable".. If you arent comfortable telling them that you would prefer not to discuss the costs of certain things with them, attempt to avoid those types of conversations all together.

If you are comfortable just politely tell them that you believe that financial matter should be something that you and your husband would like to keep to yourselves, and that you mean no disrepect but you feel it is best not to involve others in your finances. Just keep in mind that you may want to be nice about it incase you do get into financial trouble and need their help.

If it is something like "Hey I was thinking about getting the same cell phone carrier, how much does your bill run with your program?" that is something that I think would be safe to tell them!

Answer 6

I think it is so rude for someone to ask how much something costs. If you want to let them know that is was expensive without telling them exactly how much, just say it cost a pretty penny. I have used that one on my in laws and it worked great. If it was cheap just say that you got great deal on it. Of they push harder just politely change the subject.

Answer 7

I have a coworker with the same inlaws! She handles it by telling them "Oh, you wouldnt believe it!" and then if they persist, she'll say something outrageous, like "Oh Bill, that was two grand!" (if it's a 50 dollar item, etc) and of course when they express disbelief, she says "well I TOLDja you wouldnt believe it"!!
She'll go the other way as well. They asked her how much she paid for a patio set, she said "One dollar, it was a great deal".
Pretty much they stopped asking her how much things cost.

Answer 8

I think I would say "I don't remember because it went on my card, but I got it at Sears (or WalMart, or wherever you got it) that way if they truly want to know the price they can go there and look. If they come to you saying they know how much you paid, you might try telling them that you are uncomfortable discussing your finances with anyone but your spouse, and leave it at that. It's a sticky situation at best...... good luck

Answer 9

I can TOTALLY feel your pain, and that's all I'm going to say because I want to be diplomatic.

In my experience, I have said "Why do you want to know?" That can usually stop them in their tracks, but if they're clueless & continue to press, don't feel bad for saying, "I really feel that money is a personal thing, ok?"

I have said both, it usually works. I'm so sorry 4 what you're going through. I bet you don't want to ruffle any feathers by saying "It's none of your @#$^#@#$ business!!!" Hang in there.

Answer 10

this is what i do. when they ask..."how much did it cost?' i simply touch the persons shoulder, give them a big smile and a soft laugh and politely say, 'not as much as you think." then quickly either change the subject or leave. IT ALWAYS, works for me. See, touching their shoulder throws them off. Gives you a chance to start another convo or excape. Try it.