I think the reason we don't talk about income freely is because there's a LOT of potential for hurt feelings, stress, tension and awkwardness, and not very many opportunities for positive outcomes.

Yes, some people will be jealous. They may not understand the work goes into your job, and just see the salary, and think "why do they get so much". Or they may pity you for making too little. Or try to convince you to change careers ("you know, if you'd just listen to me and go into accounting, you could double your salary! Who cares that you suck at math and hate sitting at a desk all day, you could double your salary - eventually!)

Yes, people will ask you for money. But, they'll also criticize you if you don't lend/give it (because you have "so much"). People will try to tell you how to spend your money. People will tell you that you're managing it wrong. ("You don't need to save any more, you're fine, just come on this cruise with me! Or just buy this crazy expensive dress, even though you don't even wear dresses!")

Really, it's not anyone's business, and a salary alone doesn't tell you much about what's going on with a person. They may have student loan debt, mortgage debt, or may be trying to save as much as possible for retirement. Heck, they may have expensive medical issues or need to pay for therapy - all of which can mean they have less available to spend then they "should" based on their income, and none of which is really worth discussing with people. You end up in a position where you have to justify your expenses.

The last thing I need/want is someone telling me that I shouldn't spend so much on therapy, and should just go on a vacation or buy some stuff that I don't need, because "you can afford it!".

I don't think there's much room for good outcomes. Occasionally, it's important, and I'll share one-on-one if it's for a good reason. I'd share the info with my sister, for example, because I trust her and because she's never ask for anything or pressure me for money.

But, I'd never tell my parents. My dad already harasses me for money to support his crazy ex-girlfriend - he has NO need to know my salary. Not going to happen!

And... you want to hear something funny? I also refuse to tell my mom how much vacation time I get! She pressures me to visit, and I really don't enjoy traveling or visiting her at all... so it's better if she thinks that I almost never get time off! It's so, so frustrating to have someone like that, that relentlessly pushes you to do what they want without any concern for what you want... I hadn't thought about how similar my issue with vacation time is to money, when it comes to my mom at least. It's like she wants to lay claim to my time, and the best way to prevent that, is to not let her know how much there is. *sigh*.

Thanks, interesting discussion.