What do you say to someone who asks about how much money you have saved for retirement?

[Anonymous]

I'm with the "enough" poster. We're retiring at the end of the year so that should be obvious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DHs family shares this kind of info and it drives me nuts. When one of them asks me anything I just make sh!t up.

Why aren't you direct? Why lie? I would make a point of letting them know that it is a rude question and they would get nothing out of me. I would probably tell them they need to worry about their own finances.

It's rude and intrusive to ask about money. Don't answer.

[Anonymous]

In my early 40s I was asked in a bar how much $$$ I had. It had come up in conversation that I had retired early. Actually I had left my job and was managing my money.

I told the person, and their comment was "that isn't that much." After that experience, I simply decline to answer that question. None of their business. I do mention my dividend income so if they do the math they could get an estimate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have tried “enough” and “why do you ask?”.

Why would people be so bold to ask about your money?

They wouldn't.

[Anonymous]

I would ask if they’re offering to contribute to the account.

Who would ask such a question?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Depends on who is the someone

Who is OK to ask?

A spouse who has separate accounts is ok to ask. DH and I sometimes ask each other. Anyone else would get "enough" or "I hope I have enough" or "why do you ask? Are you planning to fund me?"

Wow, that's one f'ed up conversation to have between DH and DW. What kind of marriage is that??

a great one between two independent adults? i don't have access to my spouses funds and he doesn't have access to mine. we usually touch base on accounts and total net worth annually.

[Anonymous]

Only my husband has ever asked me this question. He wouldn't know without asking because I have an employer-sponsored plan.

[Anonymous]

So OP, how much *have* you saved for retirement? We're all anonymous here, so you can tell us!

[Anonymous]

M personally? I say, "$12.1 million. Give or take. And you?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If it's a co-worker and they want to know if they're on the right track, then I might answer their question.

I like coming on here and reading about how much other posters have and how old they are. It helps motivate me and gives me an idea on how bad or how good I'm doing.

You would be a fool to answer that question to anyone. It will only cause problems. No one would ask that to see if "they're on track".

I agree. The probing is not innocent curiosity. Avoid the prober.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say, "not enough", regardless of the truth. Better to think you ate struggling than well off.

They will take that statement and gossip about your poor state of your finances and lack of planning. Don't say anything but MYOB.

[Anonymous]

MYOB

[Anonymous]

No one has outright asked but since my husband retired at 58 people assume we are fine, which we are. I find that incredibly rude unless it's a professional (tax advisor, CPA, estate lawyer).

[Anonymous]

A $hit ton. That usually shuts them down

[Anonymous]

They are probably just a worrier, Maybe they are worried they are under planning, i would try to be helpful and say ‘enough to maintain our current expenses every month if inflation doesn’t reach double digits. And if they press turn it back on them and say well how much do you spend a month? you will need x amount to maintain that in retirement.