Has anyone lied to you about their finances

[fairy74]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

I lived in Boston for a year and the funniest thing I found were that the students who dressed the worst (think bottom of the barrel thrift store style) were actually the wealthiest. Many of them also played at being poor to try and fit in with us "real" poor folks. It was actually kind of funny...

[vsjhoc]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

You hit the nail right on the head with this one!

When I first read this thread, I thought, I wouldn't lie about my finances, and then thought about it, and I'm guilty of doing just that.

My mother died a few months ago. She had some life insurance, but not a whole lot. My name was on her house, and checking account. For the past couple of years I had paid to have her lawn mowed, bought much of her groceries, etc. Her life insurance wasn't sufficient to pay for her funeral and believe me, it wasn't a fancy one. So, until I could sell the house, I paid for the expenses and the rest of the funeral. A relative who hadn't had anything to do with my mom for over 35 years is now on the scene and he was asking how much the funeral cost, if I sold the house, did I inherit anything? I basically either avoided the questions, or gave vague answers. I guess I don't trust his motive for asking. I didn't inherit a lot and I have had to go through a lot of trouble getting stuff paid (hospital bills, etc.) and figure it's really none of his business. He suddenly has taken in interest in me and I'm uncomfortable with the fact he wants to know about what I make, etc. I feel like he wants something.

First of all, I am sorry to hear of your loss.

You're not guilty of lying. It looks like he's lying about his motives for asking you these questions -- pretending to care about you and your mother when instead he's looking for a piece of the pie.

[justbee]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

To the original question, yes. Why? Who knows, I am not seeking out the info in the first place. I tend to discuss financial things pertaining to the prices at one store compared to another, very general stuff.

I always seem to hear the poor mouthing from people who then mention what restaurant they went to, movies etc. Hey I am happy for them, but then don't cop an attitude when I scrimp and save for something nice like a real vacation or something nice for my house, car etc. As far as income vs expenses go some of the poor mouthers are better off than me, so why lie?

[Ima saver]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

My girlfriend's husband always lies about how much they have, what they are going to buy, etc. They just bought their first home ever and it is a real cheapie. I am not knocking cheapie houses, but he is turning 65 soon and this is his first house!!!

[rob62521]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

First of all, I am sorry to hear of your loss.

You're not guilty of lying. It looks like he's lying about his motives for asking you these questions -- pretending to care about you and your mother when instead he's looking for a piece of the pie.

Thanks, vsjhoc, for the affirmation!

[rob62521]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

My girlfriend's husband always lies about how much they have, what they are going to buy, etc. They just bought their first home ever and it is a real cheapie. I am not knocking cheapie houses, but he is turning 65 soon and this is his first house!!!

Do you think they still owe on it? If so, what a scary thought -- being retirement age and owing big time on a house!

[disneysteve]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

what a scary thought -- being retirement age and owing big time on a house!

This is extremely common today, and getting more and more common. I don't know what the heck people are thinking, but the number of retirees with mortgages has been growing. According to this month's Money magazine, between 36 and 39% of people ages 65-74 have mortgages. And that feature only looked at the top 2/5 of income earners.

[MarianneJ]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

Perhaps they lied because it is none of your business? This is just like when I was in 6th grade and I, so high and mighty, asked a friend who was having trouble what her grade was on a test. She lied and I found out.

Now that I am an adult, I realize that it was none of my business to start with. If someone is inquiring about a topic that is none of their business, the best way is to change the topic. But sometimes changing the topic is not an option, and if so, I do not fault those who lie to when they have exhausted other options.

I SO AGREE!!! This whole "what did you get on the test" thing still comes up with my classmates, and we are adults! I try to never ask anyone that question, and I hate it when they ask me since I usually do pretty good. Then I end up feeling bad because they'll get annoyed or feel bad about their grade. Ugh. You really can't win. I do try to be vague when I can, but sometimes you just can't, or they keep asking. If that happens I just tell the truth and let them deal with it. *sigh*

[scfr]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

I think David Beckham lied to us all when he told an interviewer that the reason he just signed a $250 million 5-year contract with an LA soccer team was NOT because of the money. Come on, dude. Who wouldn't do it for that kind of money? Why not just be honest about it?

[rob62521]

Re: Has anyone lied to you about their finances

This is extremely common today, and getting more and more common. I don't know what the heck people are thinking, but the number of retirees with mortgages has been growing. According to this month's Money magazine, between 36 and 39% of people ages 65-74 have mortgages. And that feature only looked at the top 2/5 of income earners.

I see where you are exactly right. One friend and his wife are now both officially retired. They tried to sell their house and couldn't take below a certain amount because they owed so much on it. When they couldn't sell it, they got a home equity loan and put new windows, doors, and siding on it so they could enjoy it! He financed a new fridge and owes big time on both cars which are both less than two years old. He keeps saying they will cut back, but then he's on vacation for a month, yet I'm supposed to be on the look out for a job for him when he comes back since he needs the extra money. My husband hopes to retire in 21 months (and so many days, he keeps track!). One of our goals was to get the house paid off. We used some inheritance to do just that instead of going out and having a high old time with it. So other than owing on our cars, we have no outstanding bills. His car will be paid off before he retires. I, unfortunately, will continue working for another ten years, but we continue to make what I hope are good financial decisions!