Money may bring comfort, but it also brings its own kind of drama — especially when it comes to sharing your income with family. A high-earning professional sparked a heated discussion online after admitting he doesn’t reveal his salary at home. He fears that being too open could create expectations, strain relationships, and turn his hard-earned success into a family free-for-all. And it seems, he’s not alone.
On Reddit, many shared similar stories. One person recalled how, during his first appraisal, he excitedly told his parents and extended relatives about the hike. That moment of pride quickly backfired, as requests started pouring in — from contributing to weddings to covering ceremonies of distant relatives who barely spoke to him otherwise. He decided then and there never to disclose his salary again.
Another contributor said she had to have a blunt conversation with her parents, telling them her money wouldn’t be wasted on irrelevant expenses. Medical emergencies, sure — but no “random kharche.” For her, only a close circle of friends knows the exact figure she earns.
Someone else shared that even his parents jumped in too fast. The moment he got his first salary, his father began planning a big move to another city and even a home loan of Rs 50–80 lakh, all without asking for his opinion. Since then, he keeps his earnings under wraps, only letting a trusted friend know.
Others had a simple mantra: reveal your salary only to those who won’t use it against you in the future. A few said they only trust their immediate family or one best friend with the truth.
One MBA graduate shared a particularly eye-opening experience. After landing a top-paying job with a leading automobile company, he proudly told his grandmother. She, in turn, spread the news across the family. Instead of celebrating, his cousin mocked his choice and lectured him on why his old IT job had “a better scope.” Years later, his cousin’s predictions proved wrong — the IT company faced layoffs while his salary doubled. But the cousin didn’t stop there; the fight later shifted to a property dispute after their grandmother’s passing. His final takeaway? Wealth is best kept a secret.
On Reddit, many shared similar stories. One person recalled how, during his first appraisal, he excitedly told his parents and extended relatives about the hike. That moment of pride quickly backfired, as requests started pouring in — from contributing to weddings to covering ceremonies of distant relatives who barely spoke to him otherwise. He decided then and there never to disclose his salary again.
Another contributor said she had to have a blunt conversation with her parents, telling them her money wouldn’t be wasted on irrelevant expenses. Medical emergencies, sure — but no “random kharche.” For her, only a close circle of friends knows the exact figure she earns.
Someone else shared that even his parents jumped in too fast. The moment he got his first salary, his father began planning a big move to another city and even a home loan of Rs 50–80 lakh, all without asking for his opinion. Since then, he keeps his earnings under wraps, only letting a trusted friend know.
Others had a simple mantra: reveal your salary only to those who won’t use it against you in the future. A few said they only trust their immediate family or one best friend with the truth.
One MBA graduate shared a particularly eye-opening experience. After landing a top-paying job with a leading automobile company, he proudly told his grandmother. She, in turn, spread the news across the family. Instead of celebrating, his cousin mocked his choice and lectured him on why his old IT job had “a better scope.” Years later, his cousin’s predictions proved wrong — the IT company faced layoffs while his salary doubled. But the cousin didn’t stop there; the fight later shifted to a property dispute after their grandmother’s passing. His final takeaway? Wealth is best kept a secret.
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