Percent of Liars on this forum: what’s your guess?

[Anonymous]

I keep a very close eye on my financial situation through various apps, etc., and literally know almost to the penny exactly what I have, don’t have, spend, earn, you name it. And I’m always 100 percent honest when I post about money on this forum. I mean, why not? It’s anonymous.

But I get the impression that a lot of the posts from others are fabrications. Do others agree that there is likely a lot of bs on this forum, and if you do why do you think that is?

[Anonymous]

I know people lie about what they spend on groceries. No way they're feeding a family of four all organic everything for $500 a month.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think a lot lie. I think many people have a lot more money than you’d think. I don’t lie.

[Anonymous]

A significant amount fib imo.

[Anonymous]

I think that people who are rich are prone to post about their wealth. Also, that people who are thin are prone to post about their weight and virtuous diet and exercise habits. That people who spend a lot on extracurriculars for their kids post a lot about the benefits. That people who travel a lot post a lot about that.

I’m willing to post our HHI on this board (double biglaw!) but if there’s a post asking what my weight and dress size is, or how many international trips I took last year, I won’t comment.

[Anonymous]

I think a number of people make things up, probably to match what they wish were true. I don't generally lie but I am always aware that what I post might identify me to people who know me and I prefer to avoid that. Even so, I don't make things up, I just leave things out or change minute details.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think a lot. It’s anonymous and great forum to discuss income, wealth, money questions. I do think though that this site skews towards UMC and majority of posters at least posting, responding are at or above this SES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know people lie about what they spend on groceries. No way they're feeding a family of four all organic everything for $500 a month.

I absolutely believe that. I am very careful with grocery shopping, go to probably 4 different stores each month including Lidl for my family of 6 (3 kids plus au pair) buy almost no snacks and home cook 3 meals a day. I can do it very cheaply even with organic ingredients.

[Anonymous]

I think there are people trolling/goofing around/messing with people.

But most people earnest and truthful. I’m sure some fibbing happens…for example some posters don’t want to reveal everything about their situation…but when people talk about the income, I think it’s mostly true? Who knows

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A significant amount fib imo.

How so? Any why would they? Bored & goofing around? Yes, I believe this happens. But regular posters are likely being honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that people who are rich are prone to post about their wealth. Also, that people who are thin are prone to post about their weight and virtuous diet and exercise habits. That people who spend a lot on extracurriculars for their kids post a lot about the benefits. That people who travel a lot post a lot about that.

I’m willing to post our HHI on this board (double biglaw!) but if there’s a post asking what my weight and dress size is, or how many international trips I took last year, I won’t comment.

Spot on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think a lot lie. I think many people have a lot more money than you’d think. I don’t lie.

OP here. I have plenty of money, more than most but less than some. That's not what leads me to think people lie.

[Anonymous]

I change details - race, age, gender, number of kids, HHI, religion - all the time.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think what you’re missing is how incredibly popular this board is with the biglaw set. And also, you might be missing that biglaw salaries are fairly fleeting. I know many former biglaw folks who made more in their first year of biglaw than they have made 10 years after quitting with 12 years total legal experience. Their HHI may be quite high, but they need to scramble and save because that might only last 2, 5, 8 years and then they might go from $600k to $200k in house.

[Anonymous]

100%