Never Tell Your Friends How Much Money You're Making

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Advice and a story...

I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
#friends #making #money
  • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
    Haha...

    Actually, you just need new friends Richer ones, that is
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    • Profile picture of the author Rory Wilkinson
      Originally Posted by Johnathan View Post

      Haha...

      Actually, you just need new friends Richer ones, that is
      This.

      Instead of lowering your standards and being afraid of telling your friends how much you are earning, go out and meet people who are earning more than you.
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  • Profile picture of the author FranklinSoh
    I second that absolutely, those with a different world-view than you will undoubtedly have a few choice words to say about what you are doing.

    Not to mention, borrow cash.

    I rather let them be them and keep my earnings to myself.

    My ego needs no stroking.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
    But pps -- how much money would you be making? Most 25 year olds *I* know have had 2-3 jobs, usually make $50-$60k at least, so I'm surprised they wouldn't be doing the same

    But... anyways, I know what you mean, been there, done that, got the t-shirt
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by Johnathan View Post

      But pps -- how much money would you be making? Most 25 year olds *I* know have had 2-3 jobs, usually make $50-$60k at least, so I'm surprised they wouldn't be doing the same
      They are mainly guys I used to play in rock bands with. Some of them have been in college for like 7 years... actually one will be a Doctor... so I guess the stereotype isn't 100% true, but for the most part it is. All they mainly care about still is playing music and partying.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jhf14
    I never tell my friends how much i make (in my day job)... frankly it isn't any of their business and shouldnt matter... besides, people are weird about money (haha)... but for some reason people dont care about shouting their IM income... strange how easy it is to hide behind a computer
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    • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
      Originally Posted by Jhf14 View Post

      I never tell my friends how much i make (in my day job)... frankly it isn't any of their business and shouldnt matter... besides, people are weird about money (haha)... but for some reason people dont care about shouting their IM income... strange how easy it is to hide behind a computer
      I think it is the 'level' people are at...

      It's been my experience that if you hang around other entrepeuners, they don't care and in fact encourage you to make *more* money... But if you hangaround 'office' guys, or guys working at a gas station/7-11/etc, etc, then yes, they can become pretty jealous pretty quickly.

      And funny thing is -- it seems (most) of those kind of people don't want to *do* anything about their own situation -- they just want someone to "give" them money, and then they figure everything will be a-ok.
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by Jhf14 View Post

      I never tell my friends how much i make (in my day job)... frankly it isn't any of their business and shouldnt matter... besides, people are weird about money (haha)... but for some reason people dont care about shouting their IM income... strange how easy it is to hide behind a computer
      It's not that I go around shouting my IM income. When I tell people what I do, they usually think it's a joke, so I have to explain what it is... and then they ask how much money you can make...etc
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      • Profile picture of the author Lance K
        Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

        When I tell people what I do, they usually think it's a joke, so I have to explain what it is... and then they ask how much money you can make...etc

        I'd answer that with..."Why do you want to know?"

        Also, it seems to me that you're oversimplifying what you do when you tell them what you do. A professional football player may tell you that they wait for the QB to say 'hike', run a little route to get open, and catch the ball. Sounds easy, right? Obviously it's not that easy.

        People often take their expertise for granted. It's harder work than you really think it is. You just enjoy it so much that it doesn't feel like work.

        But to "outsiders" (for lack of a better word), it's not as easy as you describe. Especially if they don't (almost all don't) have the desire and a level of commitment to match yours.

        You should value your expertise. You don't have to act like an elitist, but value it. You worked hard for it. Case in point...my wife is a CPA (a dang good one). And she's pretty modest, but if you call her a bookkeeper, cover your groin.
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
          Originally Posted by Lance K View Post

          Case in point...my wife is a CPA (a dang good one). And she's pretty modest, but if you call her a bookkeeper, cover your groin.
          Your wife is a Cost Per Action??

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          • Profile picture of the author Lance K
            Originally Posted by dbbrock1 View Post

            Your wife is a Cost Per Action??



            Isn't everybody? TINSTAAFL
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            • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
              Same thing goes though with how badly you need it. Even if you are a hard worker (employed) NEVER show that you re in a tight spot, it will haunt you for years.

              I learned the hard way, got sick, needed medical attention and did not have enough to cover it. Asked my boss to help out (since he was always praising me on how good of a "worker" I was).

              Yes, he did give me the $1,000 that I needed but never let me forget, HE was the one with the big heart. Never mind I did throw in extras all the time, as in doing things you were not asked for, he then took it for granted. And, I paid it back in 3 months, did not matter.

              After 4 years and no raise, I quit. My 2 days a week took the new employee A WEEK to do, ha, ha, ha. Talk about a moron with no appreciation.

              BTW, they are STILL suffering...
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      • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
        Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

        It's not that I go around shouting my IM income. When I tell people what I do, they usually think it's a joke, so I have to explain what it is... and then they ask how much money you can make...etc
        Ask them how much they make, then tell them, yeah, you can make that much, maybe a little more.

        Let me share what happened to me. A year ago I started working with a commitment to actually learn and do the IM business. I studied, but my wife did not seem to care for it. She kept asking how much I could make and I told her the figures of people I read about. All of her questions were of a suspicious attitude. We ended up fighting over it last fall when I needed some money to join a program with monthly fees.

        Finally, this holiday season I told her I have been studying and lied to her, giving her a fake business projection: I said to the effect:
        I need to spend $60 per month
        The first month I will be studying and earn nothing
        The second month I can expect to earn $20
        The third,$40
        The fourth about 60-80 breaking even.
        From there I can expect to double my income every two to three months till I reach a comfortable income of about $50,000/year.

        Here is the kicker -- She loves it. Now she is encouraging me to get towhere I earn my first $20.00!

        I started telling some of my friends how much I hear being earned, and they aren't interested. Well, they are, but they want to see it first. However, when they asked how much they can earn if they do it, I tell them if they will work it steady for three months, they can expect to generate an on-going income of $500 or more per month.

        They are now interested.

        My conclusion is that while anyone can dream about having tens of thousands income per month, most people don't really envision it. It is so foreign to them that they are scared to do it. However, my theory is that once they have earned their first $100, they will envision a whole lot more!
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      • Profile picture of the author nilava0000
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  • Profile picture of the author Kingdom_Mines
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by Kingdom_Mines View Post

      You just learnt this??

      I deal in gemstones and people somehow think that i can finance all their projects, there was a woman who even emailed to ask if i could give her a 3ct white sapphire for free for her wedding and in exchange i would get an invitation to her wedding.

      Until today i get weird requests, it strange what people will do for money

      Ricky
      lol... That's funny.

      I think I finally learned it recently.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
    I agree - but it is definitely hard not to do this.

    Especially if you have family members who like to tell their friends of your successes. Some people just feel proud to say that they have a brother or a friend who is successful and they just want to share it.

    I can definitely relate though. When my hosting business got huge, all of the sudden things change.

    It was almost like I was some celebrity or something. I was young and making more money than my friends parents did and everyone wanted a piece of it.

    It was so weird because these people who I haven't met before or who were in my grade school classes from 10+ years ago would come up to me and talk to me as if they knew me and as if I were a friend to them.

    It took me awhile to figure out what was going on. I was like man all of the sudden I am the popular guy and have no idea why. Eventually I discovered it was because like everybody in the city knew about my business and knew that I was some young kid making bank.

    People definitely want to free load off you, that is for sure. It's pretty pathetic IMO.

    I can't tell you how many people came up to me to tell me about their awesome business idea they wanted me to invest in. It's funny because not a single one of them ever produced any proof that they could successfully develop their idea into a business. Some even wanted me to invest in it for them and RUN it for them like I am some kind of idiot or something.

    'Yeah sure I'll provide you with the start up capital and set up your business for you for 50% of the profit!'

    Give me a break.

    So what, I should give you 50% of MY profit because you came up with some sh*ty idea that probably took you an hour of your time to come up with?

    I definitely have learned a lesson though. I am no longer telling my personal friends my income - it just makes it so hard to tell who really is your friend from those who just wants to leech off you.
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    I have no idea how much my friends and family make. They have no idea how much I make. If you dropped in on a family or friend gathering and even brought up the topic, I bet it would fall silent and everyone would bristle. We're private folks.

    Cheers,
    Becky
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

      I have no idea how much my friends and family make. They have no idea how much I make. If you dropped in on a family or friend gathering and even brought up the topic, I bet it would fall silent and everyone would bristle. We're private folks.

      Cheers,
      Becky
      That's how my family is too for the most part. My Dad kept everything to himself so I was thrown out into the world with no clue about how much money I needed to make. I didn't even know what credit was until I was 19. By then, it was too late.
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  • Profile picture of the author katiec
    Yes, I prefer to remain the "jobless" friend that no one asks for money since they assume I have none.
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Michie
    Dude, I could use a bigger TV - can I hit you up for that?
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by Justin Michie View Post

      Dude, I could use a bigger TV - can I hit you up for that?
      Dude...

      Want it to be a Plasma or HDTV?
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    • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
      Originally Posted by Justin Michie View Post

      Dude, I could use a bigger TV - can I hit you up for that?
      You gotta think bigger-how about a nice home theater with 30 cushy recliners with drink holders and usher/bartenders to go with it. That way when Jason's friends call for a loan, he can just invite them to your screenings instead. So you'd actually be doing him a favor.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonl70
    I actually had the opposite experience when I got out of the military and quickly broke the 6 figure mark (as a programmer). Almost ALL of my friends disappeared. Of the very few who didn't, they said my success made them (the ones who disappeared) feel inadequate, etc.

    This just happened to me again.
    I hadn't seen my best friend from high school since I was 22 (I'm 39 now). We ran into each other last year, and started hanging out again. Everything was cool, until he realized how much I made and how little I worked. The only reason I mentioned it to him was because he said he needed to make some extra money to finance a project, so I eagerly 'sold' him on IM. I showed him my sites, my CB accounts, etc., thinking I was doing a good thing. He almost immediately quit returning calls, etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by jasonl70 View Post

      I actually had the opposite experience when I got out of the military and quickly broke the 6 figure mark (as a programmer). Almost ALL of my friends disappeared. Of the very few who didn't, they said my success made them (the ones who disappeared) feel inadequate, etc.

      This just happened to me again.
      I hadn't seen my best friend from high school since I was 22 (I'm 39 now). We ran into each other last year, and started hanging out again. Everything was cool, until he realized how much I made and how little I worked. The only reason I mentioned it to him was because he said he needed to make some extra money to finance a project, so I eagerly 'sold' him on IM. I showed him my sites, my CB accounts, etc., thinking I was doing a good thing. He almost immediately quit returning calls, etc.
      Wow... that sucks. Thanks for the heads up.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      Originally Posted by jasonl70 View Post

      I actually had the opposite experience when I got out of the military and quickly broke the 6 figure mark (as a programmer). Almost ALL of my friends disappeared. Of the very few who didn't, they said my success made them (the ones who disappeared) feel inadequate, etc.

      This just happened to me again.
      I hadn't seen my best friend from high school since I was 22 (I'm 39 now). We ran into each other last year, and started hanging out again. Everything was cool, until he realized how much I made and how little I worked. The only reason I mentioned it to him was because he said he needed to make some extra money to finance a project, so I eagerly 'sold' him on IM. I showed him my sites, my CB accounts, etc., thinking I was doing a good thing. He almost immediately quit returning calls, etc.
      I can relate to that as well. I have definitely had similar things happen to me.

      You have three kinds of people IMO
      1. Ones who will look at your success and try to become your friend to try and get a piece of it.
      2. Ones who have been your friends who become jealous of your success which you will probably end up losing.
      3. And the few good ones who dont give a damn about your money and are your friend because they like YOU and not your money.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by jasonl70 View Post

      I actually had the opposite experience when I got out of the military and quickly broke the 6 figure mark (as a programmer). Almost ALL of my friends disappeared. Of the very few who didn't, they said my success made them (the ones who disappeared) feel inadequate, etc.

      This just happened to me again.
      I hadn't seen my best friend from high school since I was 22 (I'm 39 now). We ran into each other last year, and started hanging out again. Everything was cool, until he realized how much I made and how little I worked. The only reason I mentioned it to him was because he said he needed to make some extra money to finance a project, so I eagerly 'sold' him on IM. I showed him my sites, my CB accounts, etc., thinking I was doing a good thing. He almost immediately quit returning calls, etc.
      I hate to say this but even really good people with integrity are inclined to do this. I know it was true for me when my Cousin years ago started making MAJOR money as a Develper in Residential Houses. I had always done better than him finacially and now he was pulling in over a Million a year and hobknobbing with other big developers and builders. Soon you just start to feel a little self conscious and out of place. And they have huge Mansions, take incredible vacations, Ferraris etc..etc..
      It is just natural to gravitate away from these people.....whether that is bad or not is irrevelant. But it is just a fact , it happens ! The main thing is you cant relate anymore when someone has 2 milllion in their Bank Account and you have 2 thousand !! That sounds shallow I know. But I am just telling you like it was for me. And how it is for many today !! Lets keep it real.

      Now that I am older I have matured and got over this inadequatecy but believe me it can happen to even the best of people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Koos-K
    Yep, people who don't want to make an effort to make money are worst. They think since you make money you can spend as much as you want. Oh you got money it's easy for you. I'm just starting out but I am not planning on telling anyone how much I make, except for taxes lol :p
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    I just gave up on telling anything. When people ask me I just tell them I am broke and unemployed. It is much easier this way then having to deal with the bull.
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    • Profile picture of the author N4PGW
      Originally Posted by pheonix44 View Post

      I just gave up on telling anything. When people ask me I just tell them I am broke and unemployed. It is much easier this way then having to deal with the bull.
      When I was self-employed, I had a lot of customers that paid me a monthly contract fee. Since I didn't work much, people wondered what I did for a living. I usually replied "I am a professional bum."

      Come to think about it, I guess I am really working towards that now. lol
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    • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
      Originally Posted by pheonix44 View Post

      I just gave up on telling anything. When people ask me I just tell them I am broke and unemployed. It is much easier this way then having to deal with the bull.
      I ask if they've ever seen The Bourne Identity, and then fall silent, with a faraway, brooding look in my eyes.
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  • Profile picture of the author vagabondette
    Q: How much do you make?
    A: Enough to pay my bills.

    But really, I would have no desire to be friends with people who would even consider asking me that question. My mom doesn't even know how much I make. That's between me and my uncle Sam.

    It helps that I live a very low-key lifestyle. While I was in the US I had a small 1 BR apartment, no car, walked everywhere, cooked at home. Now I travel cheap, stay in hostels, do free stuff. Most people assume I'm poor.

    When people ask me what I do I tell them I develop websites.
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  • Profile picture of the author RAJ Wells
    As an entrepreneur your different than employees. I have found that most of my closest friends are entrepreneurs and we alway encourage each other. I ve just found i have more in common with entrepreneurial types and less and less with corporates it just seems to be a natural progression I guess. When people tell me they are lawyer of accountant I just find i dont have much to say on that subject. I have found it to be so important to surround myself with outgoing encouraging people. Sometimes your oldest friends aren't necessarily your best. I dont understand people who say that others think what they do online is weird or pathetic. Although Im still getting going in IM, when people ask me what I do. I tell them Im starting a marketing business and that usually brings compliments like "good for you". And this is exactly what it is that I am doing. I have employees (although freelance) and I hope soon to be paying tax revenue
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  • Profile picture of the author haxor
    Dont tell your EX WIFE either. First jealousy then the asking for money sets in.

    As long as my sons good dont see why she can make her own.
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    • Profile picture of the author hotftuna
      Originally Posted by haxor View Post

      Dont tell your EX WIFE either. First jealousy then the asking for money sets in.

      As long as my sons good dont see why she can make her own.
      Or the current Wife for that matter!
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  • Profile picture of the author phil.wheatley
    I guess another way of looking at it is it's a way of finding out who your TRUE friends are, surely a good friend wouldn't ask for money unless they were really desperate? I guess also, they don't fully understand how much time, money and effort and sacrifices you made to get this far, they just see money magically going into your bank account.

    Maybe you should fake yoru down fall and start asking THEM for money? Of course, that is slightly silly, but you could actually start to plant the seed by saying things have slowed down a lot due to the recession, or one of a million other things you could think of.

    Phil
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  • Profile picture of the author Abiel Jiqna
    Everybody here has a lovely position.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
      Jason,

      I'll never forget the time about 30 years ago when a guy I worked with (we used to talk and hang out sometimes) came to my desk, looked around, and whispered, "Alex, I'm rich." Needless to say, I was a bit shocked. He then proceeded to tell me about some land he owned in Oklahoma that oil had just been discovered on.

      I always thought it was funny that he whispered and swore me to secrecy. In light of your experience, it makes sense.

      He was out of there within a week. :-)

      Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    This happens to people that win the lottery. Suddenly they have lots of "friends" and "family" appear that they hadn't seen or thought of in years. It can cause hard feelings and loss of friendships if you help them or if you turn them down. Either way.

    There is some social thing going on where friends who are not in your income bracket suddenly feel uncomfortable with you if they know you have money. This is true even if they aren't seeking anything. Just the way you talk, the things you dwell on, the things you are interested in, your friends don't match anymore. You talk about getting a new Mercedes, they are talking about a used Honda. You plan on traveling to Vail to ski, they are worried about groceries. You get a new Mac, they get memory for their old computer. On and on...

    The solution of course is to hang out with like kind folks. That probably will happen naturally.
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  • Profile picture of the author jhongren
    It is great to hang around like-minded friends
    in the IM niche, talking about IM stuff...(not
    how much money we made...lol)

    I realised when I talk to friends who knew
    nothing much about IM but greatly amazed
    by how much money we made, it is
    a different dynamic....they just want
    to hear about the $$$....

    so stick to friends with the same synergy...my 2 cents.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author David Hooper
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    Sounds like the real lesson is don't give out money if you're going to regret it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      This turned out to be a really cool thread. Props to the OP.

      I just remembered something about Mike Tyson.

      He was doing a TV interview and the interviewer asked him what happened to all his money.

      He said that the reason he was almost broke is that because he surrounded himself with leeches. So Im betting he was just like 'well you know what, I don't really care about money because I got a ton of it...so here, take this ___'

      After awhile I think people expect that stuff from you.

      Like for example, when I was really loaded with cash I used to pay for my friends meals whenever we went out. They all thanked me, which was cool, but eventually they started to take it for granted - almost like I owed it to them because I had a lot of money anyway, who was I to care?

      It's one of those things you have to get out of your system IMO - the whole spending money on friends because you got a crap ton of it thing. It really does nothing but separate you more instead of make them like you more.

      It's quite strange actually.
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      • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
        This happens to people that win the lottery. Suddenly they have lots of "friends" and "family" appear that they hadn't seen or thought of in years. It can cause hard feelings and loss of friendships if you help them or if you turn them down. Either way.
        I have experienced this even though I do not make that much money. People who will come around just because you have a little bit of money. But for me the problem is that people want me to show them overnight what I do thinking it is SUPER easy. I show them but they do not take it seriously or they want me to do the work for them.

        I have also learned that being the nice guy does not work. You can say yes 1000 times to people and everything is cool, but as soon as you say NO you are the biggest jerk, prick, arrogant, think you are better then me, snooty, and a bunch of other names. If I go through this now making a few thousand I cannot imagine making 5 figures a month what it will be like
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      • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
        Originally Posted by dbbrock1 View Post


        He was doing a TV interview and the interviewer asked him what happened to all his money.
        When the world's greatest footballer/playboy, George Best, ended up broke he was asked the same question.

        "I spent most of it on booze and women. The rest I wasted."

        Martin
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  • Profile picture of the author crissanteiro
    Jason:

    Just say no. There is nothing wrong with saying no when someone asks you for money. It's your money, and they can ask all they want, but it's really OK to say "no".
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    • Profile picture of the author Success With Dany
      Banned
      Ay ay ay... Be broke like all your friends and keep them or move up the income bracket to better your life and losing them????
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  • Profile picture of the author Orator
    Envy is a powerful human emotion, and humanities ability to rationalize any action is equally strong.

    "Well I was his friend when he was poor so obviously he now owes me a Caribbean vacation.... "

    I figure privacy is the best recipe in this regard.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
    Hahahahaa, I am open and honest, so it is hard not to answer a direct question, but this is one I would agree with you.

    People assume since I am in business, I must work long hours and make little money.

    Then other people assume that I must make a lot of money since I travel a lot. The amount you travel and the money you make are NOT related, but people assume it is.

    I just say more then I did at my old job, thats all they need to know, they dont need to know how much more.
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  • Profile picture of the author jhonyane
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!

    Yes I agree with you.. don't ever tell anyone about your Income.. not only like ATM machine but they start to be jelouse.
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  • Profile picture of the author NickiOZJ
    I would second this! I made the mistake of teaching my cash-strapped friend what I do... and got accused of being a spammer!!! :"(

    Then I spent the rest of the afternoon explaining Adwords, Affiliate marketing, permission-based email marketing and etc.

    Then I took a nap. Sadly, it was a waste of time, they just heard "$" not "work=$".
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      # 1: Never give money to people who are quite capable of earning it themselves without asking for something in return.

      You can ask them to clean your house or your car or do some work for you etc etc.

      You're not helping people by making them dependant on you or seeing you as a "bail out" solution instead of being resourceful and finding their own solution to problems.


      # 2: If you want to you can tell them "I won't give you the money but I'm happy to teach you how to earn it yourself".

      You may or may not choose to do this.


      Now if you have people who are genuinely in need (that probably doesn't include teeth whitening LOL) then you may choose to help them.

      But being the local ATM to your friends is NOT helping them understand money or become responsible adults.

      The other advice about making some new friends who have more money is also good.

      You don't have to get rid of your old friends but it does help to be around people who know how the world works when it comes to money.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
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  • Profile picture of the author Zack Lim
    It will always be better to keep a low profile as this will helps to avoid unnecessary things from happening.

    I agree 100% that it is always better to mix around with like minded people who have good understanding on how the world works when it comes to money.

    Zack
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    • Profile picture of the author Joshua.E1
      Yes I agree, just like the financial advisers are doing, they ask you how much you make, and get you to buy and buy, when you do not really need it.

      But your friends are the worser ones than the financial advisers, at least they try to make you money, but your friends just ask or take from you.

      Must really beware. Find friends who are true to you, and not your money. Finding richer friends is not the best solution, but finding friends that will help you no matter what.
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      • Profile picture of the author snvservices
        Originally Posted by Joshua.E1 View Post

        Yes I agree, just like the financial advisers are doing, they ask you how much you make, and get you to buy and buy, when you do not really need it.

        But your friends are the worser ones than the financial advisers, at least they try to make you money, but your friends just ask or take from you.

        Must really beware. Find friends who are true to you, and not your money. Finding richer friends is not the best solution, but finding friends that will help you no matter what.

        Yes, you are absolutely right and it happens most of the time, that sometime friends ask you for money instead of suggesting where to invest.

        Good friends are always valued the most so, it is better if you get friends that encourages you to move at the right path.

        Thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author AidanKay
      Though I don't like to leech off people for money (I feel ashamed if I do.. so I don't purposly do it), I like to learn how people succeed.

      I've always been a question asker. Some people have got a little annoyed at me for it . It's just I'm addicted to learning I guess.

      And am finding it really hard to not ask how you all made your success online, hehe.

      But...

      If anyone could give me some advice I'd be happy to take it, and if you want payment for it - fair enough.. but I don't have anything at the moment (literally). I could pay you back with what I make (I know, you've heard it all before).

      Cheers,

      -Aidan.

      P.S: Sorry if i've annoyed anyone [=.
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  • Profile picture of the author WinsonYeung
    Haha, I'm glad I follow my parents and girlfriend advice to keep my profile low to my friends. I'm reach my 5 figure milestone profit last month (I'm 19 now) and yet very low friends of mine know about this. It's sad that I can't share my success with my friends but this helps me to keep out of trouble.

    Don't your agree?
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
    I'm in that same boat with the people who let everyone think they're broke. Most people just see me as the guy who doesn't have a job so he doesn't have any money. For some reason they never seem to question how I continually buy nice things or go out with them all of the time.

    Oh well. I think I'll just be "the broke friend who can't find a job".

    Matt
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    • Profile picture of the author ksburgess
      Sounds like a good way to filter out real friends from the ones wanting a handout... maybe time to cultivate some hardworking, successful friends?
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  • I don't even tell my girlfriend how much I make. She knows I earn well above the average, but she has no clue how far above the average. In my experience, money and personal relationships dont blend well.
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  • Profile picture of the author eddiejames
    I agree with many of the posts here. I'm also young, 22 years old and have been fortunate to find a good degree of success early on in life.

    Was talking with a friend yesterday and we were taking some time out of work hanging at his house (he's also in business). We simply took some time to admire the fact that we wern't in some dead end job and we COULD sit there and to sweet fcuk all and not have to worry about money, not worry about being late for work or anything else that often comes with being Just Over Broke. Thats the beauty of being in the business we're in!

    Most of my friends know that I make a decent amount of money, they don't know exactly how much and I have a mixed bunch of friends. Some work in fast food places and some are entrepreneurs, some trainee solicitors and so forth - none of them ever beg me for money, although I do help friends out by lending small amounts when needed (I'm talking £20 - £150).

    Recently my younger brother has just started University, he wants me to lend him about £1000 so he can buy an iMac as he's fallen out a little with Dad. Which I don't have a real problem with as its family, although its probably the largest amount I've lent someone before.

    I think its fine for friends and relatives to have an idea as to how much you earn, as long as they don't know the specifics. I NEVER show anyone exactly how much I have in the bank - thats for my eyes only. Also, lend money sure - but make sure they pay you back.
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    • Profile picture of the author Diane S
      Interesting thread... when I first started making money online I decided just to tell everyone I was a freelance writer. We all know the stereotype of freelance writers is not one of great wealth, so people have left me alone. No one has come right out and asked me how much I make.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bozigian
        I have read through all 4 pages of this thread. And I do not mean to sound like a troll.

        But if your friends or family members saw you with an exotic car or big house,
        how would you say no, to your friends or "lenders" knowing that you do have the money but just do not want to lend it to them?
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        • Profile picture of the author Fred1
          Originally Posted by Bozigian View Post

          I have read through all 4 pages of this thread. And I do not mean to sound like a troll.

          But if your friends or family members saw you with an exotic car or big house,
          how would you say no, to your friends or "lenders" knowing that you do have the money but just do not want to lend it to them?
          I have a friend who was a pro-athlete. He signed a $28 Million dollar contract & I NEVER asked him for a dime, even though I was struggling financially at that time. I got a 2nd job and worked myself into a better position.

          Unfortunately, many of our other friends kept after him for loans and he eventually cut off contact with us all!!! Just recently after all these years, we've reconnected.

          This is one of the reasons so many professional athletes end up broke or in bankruptcy shortly after their careers end. They can't say no to family & friends, and they end up penniless in the end.

          It's good to help those we love
          , and we should, but that doesn't mean that you have to say yes to every request. Does having an exotic car & a big house mean that you become a bank to everyone?
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  • Profile picture of the author w2A4fWBVlAyk
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Hobotomy
      Originally Posted by Rich Creal View Post

      If these people are calling you for money, they are not friends. When you move up the food chain, people you leave behind (most) will be jealous and not be your "friend" anymore. Don't worry, the higher you go up, the more friendly people become (or maybe not).
      So Pablo Escobar was higher on the "food chain" than Mother Theresa?

      Money has zero correlation with honor and integrity. The fact you even think this way is your Scarlet Letter
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  • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
    If you did ask me for money, I would want to know why you need it, what is your exit strategy to pay it back. Once you set these questions in place, people know not to ask you. If they are in a position need the money, good chance they dont have it.

    I will spend countless time helping someone in earning the money, but not just hand it over.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nicholas Ho
    I will simply tell them to get lost . End of story. LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author kevinpotts
    A good advice... never tell how much money you're making unless is for E-Marketing purposes.

    And while you're thinking of it... you need to start making new friends who don't call you just for the money you're making :S

    K.
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  • Profile picture of the author DyLan Lee
    If i were you, i will screw all the friends up. The only thing i will share is the secret how you make your money. Or may be charge them at a lover price.

    But to avoid this problem, keep your profile low...

    All the best to you. ATM machine
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  • Profile picture of the author MisterMunch
    I think it is hard to hide my online income. It is not that I am making a lot of money doing this, but I have worked so hard on this, and I am so proud of what I have acomplished. I am making money from things (articles and sites) I have made myself!

    When the beers has gone into my blood and I start people start asking me about what I do, I can't resist mentioning it. My online income is not yet at a level where it will scare people away, nor make them want to borrow it. It is just proof that this works, and that I am on to something.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raymond White
    Ha ha.. this is really a nice refreshing post.. nice to discuss the problem that almost every individual faces... i think its the personal matter. Its always better to keep your earnings figure to yourself as it will help you keep your profile to the desired level and help you avoid un necessary situational actions. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Adamson
    This reminds me of a story told by David Bowden, an Australian futures trader and mentor, and one of the world's leading Gann theorists. When he began making serious money trading the markets, everyone he knew began calling him for advice. He spent more time advising his friends on the phone (for free) than he did working. He was discussing this one day with his accountant who suggested he sit them all down in a room and charge them $400 for the advice. He did. This became a successful training operation (Safety in the Market) which is still operating today.
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    It is better to keep low profile.

    Some friends may take advantage of you intentionally or unintentionally.

    Always make friendship with hard working people and ignore lazy ones
    They will not take advantage of you, they will think you have a magic money tree.
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  • Profile picture of the author matts5150
    Watch out for the in-laws as well ; ) My mother in law, sister in law and grandmother in law constantly try to hit us up. For example they'll plan a family getaway and try to get me to cover it. Heck my mother in law tried for nearly a year to get us to buy a new house, if only she'd get a job she might be able too. lol
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  • Profile picture of the author abednego
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    Jason Parker? My 2nd Cousin?!

    Don't you owe me $100????

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  • Profile picture of the author grandstar
    So how much are you making and whats my share?
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  • Profile picture of the author Sparhawke
    I am in a unique position, my family has always been fairly successful in whatever they do and I am the black sheep...

    For instance:
    Dad = webmaster of a #1 family tree website (RIP)
    Mum = Hairdresser (ret)
    Older brother (court official)
    Younger brother (maths genius)
    Younger brother social worker (Phd, Ba)
    Step brother = mechanic
    Step brother = specialist fitter/electrician who gets sent all over the world
    Grandad = carpenter/artist
    Uncle = house builder

    And my so-called friends are all the same...

    Don't even get me on about what will happen at school reunion, Mr Most Likely to be a Tramp (been there, done that and was the highest paid tramp in Paris at one time when I needed some money one day and set myself up in business and earnt £200-350 per day! lol)

    Just once I would love to turn around and tell them I earn $4000+ each month for sitting on my ass working at the computer after spending 5 years trying, building contacts, learning and struggling. That way I won't be a failure in their eyes, it is just starting for me so no one take it away lol

    It will be so comforting for once to let them know just how successful I am and watch their faces drop in dismay, please don't anyone take that satisfaction from me lol

    Money is a weird thing though, when I do have it I think nothing of lending it or helping others...just once I wish they wouldn't look down their noses at me :p
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  • Profile picture of the author Ralf Skirr
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    If they use you as ATM machine you might consider getting new friends.
    :-)

    Sounds harsh at first, but I mean it. When someone develops in business and income, he usually also develops in aspects of his personality and he may just have outgrown his old network of people.

    Ralf
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  • Profile picture of the author Mo Faisal
    Money is the root cause of all evil. Never disclose how much you are earning to anyone except some people whom you trust.
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    • Profile picture of the author Hanz
      Originally Posted by Bruce_Richards View Post

      Money is the root cause of all evil. Never disclose how much you are earning to anyone except some people whom you trust.
      Exactly. It's almost like a rich fellow is flaunting his success by doing these supposedly good deeds for friends, thinking "I got so much money, I can buy anything and do anything!"
      Got to be careful with your money.
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  • Profile picture of the author gonnabethere
    You can tell them you have lots of expenses, and it is hard to afford them,
    like you need to pay your bills, health insurance, your wife's credit card bills etc..
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    • Profile picture of the author viane
      Let them be your source of motivation to make more money

      If you can't afford what they ask of you, then you definitely need to start doing something to add more zeroes to your bank account.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hanz
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    What we should beware of is the fact that online success may not be infinite. Best to save your money for a very rainy day instead of paying off wedding dresses, parking tickets, and teeth whitening without getting something in return.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sparhawke
      Originally Posted by Hanz View Post

      What we should beware of is the fact that online success may not be infinite. Best to save your money for a very rainy day instead of paying off wedding dresses, parking tickets, and teeth whitening without getting something in return.
      This is what my stepbrother does, he is a mechanic and has a friend who does weekend racing who also happens to be a coder...for my brothers help fixing his car he re-coded my stepmums entire website to make it all that more efficient.

      Just because people may not have money, does not mean they don't have valuable skills

      If you can afford a wedding dress for your brothers fiance or whatever, maybe your brother can take a look at your roofing, car repair, plumbing or fencing or whatever you need help with
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      • Profile picture of the author Hanz
        Originally Posted by Sparhawke View Post

        This is what my stepbrother does, he is a mechanic and has a friend who does weekend racing who also happens to be a coder...for my brothers help fixing his car he re-coded my stepmums entire website to make it all that more efficient.

        Just because people may not have money, does not mean they don't have valuable skills
        Absolutely!!!!! Nobody should ever do something for nothing unless it's an emergency for a family member or very close friend.
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  • Profile picture of the author crunch
    what a bunch of misers!! if your lucky and clever enough to be making a large amount of money, whats wrong with spreading some out?

    i was making a killing some time back and had no problem helping out the people around me, but was also not afraid to say no. nowdays im not and i dont and no one expects me too. thats not the reason for the dramatic loss of income by the way

    life's too short to keep quiet or secrative just so your not harrased about money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sumit Menon
    You could try:

    "The FTC cracked down on my internet business. I'm broke now!"

    :p
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  • Profile picture of the author BiancaRaven
    I never tell anyone how much I earn - it's none of their business. Most of my friends and family used to assume I was just a struggling single mother and I let them keep thinking this. They would whine at me to 'go out and get a real job' or 'stop wasting time on the internet'.

    Then I built a lovely new home on the beach, bought a new car and started taking trips abroad each year. Now they're begging to explain what I do and how I'm affording it all. I still won't tell them how much I earn, but I explain that I work hard for every penny with my little online business each day of my life. They don't seem to believe me LOL

    Bianca
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  • Profile picture of the author Toby Lewis
    A gentleman doesn't ask and a gentleman doesn't tell.
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    • Profile picture of the author mbacak
      Sounds like a good problem. Congratulations on all your success, Jason!
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      • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
        Originally Posted by mbacak View Post

        Sounds like a good problem. Congratulations on all your success, Jason!
        Thanks bro!

        I owe 95% of success I have to you and the strategies learned and mindset that developed from working with you.

        4% to failing.

        1% to being too stubborn to quit.
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  • Profile picture of the author Keywordology
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    So Jason, how much money do you make? ... only kidding

    I found when I was starting out no matter what I told people about what I do they always had the idea that working online was a great "hobby" or "side business" but never as a "career." Once I got a little success and it was evident I was doing well, the skepticism was gone and the same people started to ask how they can make money online too. I also got plenty of requests like the ones you mentioned.
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  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Thank goodness I don't have any freeloaders in my circle of family and friends like what has been discussed! Having said that, I think it is probably a good idea to keep to yourself that you have an internet business that you live on. The responses I get are invariably negative, and they range from shock to disbelief to utter skepticism! It is utterly draining and exhausting to explain to people what you do and how you generate money, from my experience, and the majority of people still have that 'job' mindset and simply cannot wrap their heads around the idea of running your very own internet business that can generate 6 or even 7 figures. It truly is a lost cause trying to explain and convince people about what you're doing, and most of the time I just try to sidestep the issue whenever possible! I have tried to explain on a couple of occasions, and I was just met with blank stares and unyielding skepticism, and I just got so tired and exhausted trying to overcome all this negativity!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.
    I'd be telling the all to F Off, and not in a nice way. Nobody needs parasites in their life.

    Actually, none of my friends knows or understands what I do. My neighbours have no idea that I make any money, and they probably wonder how the hell I pay the rent when I "laze about the house" all day. Somehow, our Korean neighbour has twigged to what I do and has pestered my wife to teach her Internet marketing. We just tell her she needs to learn English first.
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    Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

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    • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
      BTW Jason, I could use whiter teeth!
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I wouldn't tell people what I make but I would also get rid of "friends" who treat me like an ATM Machine.
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    • Profile picture of the author TheWinner
      Hey mate.

      It's your hard work that has earned you a top income, so you have the right to say "No", and not feel bad about it. Seriously, it's time to find new friends, and I mean real friends, not aquaintances who are there to enjoy you in the good times, but disappear in the bad.

      There are a handful of real close friends and family I have and we will always support eachother, but then there's parasites who will try to sponge off you... Who cares, you have the power to totally ignore those people who try to sponge of you.

      Another thing....everyone who has said... "Live a low key life"...WHY?

      That's total rubbish, lack mindset. Low key so you can avoid these muppets who you think will take advantage of you? Oh please, give me a break. You should enjoy your wealth as much as you want, and the success you have worked hard for is worth it. If you choose a good circle of family and friends, then you can live however you want . There's nothing wrong with low key, but if you want to live lavishly, then do it without worrying.

      If you want a Ferrari, go buy a Ferrari and not worry... you know what I'm saying? It's fully deserved.

      I once got asked by an aquaintance...."How much do you earn to own that BMW you have?"... I answered.... "Not a lot, £1 in fact and you can own one. That's how much the raffle ticket cost me at the local fairground that won it for me" ... The rest of that night that girl didn't ask me another stupid question.

      Stupid questions will always get stupid answers from me lol.

      You know what to do Jason, enjoy it all, but also develop a better social circle.
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  • Profile picture of the author Imran Naseem
    Banned
    None of their business how much you are making. They chose to live their lifestyle and you chose yours.

    Sucks to be in a day job..
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  • Profile picture of the author GoGetta
    I never tell anyone what I am making!

    My friends actually think I am struggling for money because I do most of my work at home! lol

    If only they knew!

    GoGetta
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    • Profile picture of the author Imran Naseem
      Banned
      Originally Posted by GoGetta View Post

      I never tell anyone what I am making!

      My friends actually think I am struggling for money because I do most of my work at home! lol

      If only they knew!

      GoGetta
      That is what I do too Jamie LOL. It just keeps you on a low profile
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingSPY
    Successful people seldom talk or tell others of their income level. It's not only a private thing - but it's also called asset protection. There are lots of predators in our world who want something for nothing.

    Once you reach a certain income level for a period of time - your life priorities will usually change. Your interest in seeking out better quality in houses, cars, computers, toys, clothes, furniture and "friends" will usally change as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Courage
    The thing is that it's really difficult to keep your mouth shut when you start having success. I remember when i first started making money i told every single person i could i was so excited and happy. I would show them massive clickbank checks etc.

    I am far better about this now but it stills takes a lot of discipline to keep quiet
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    • Profile picture of the author Sparhawke
      Never really understood this shyness when people meet wealthy people personally, I much prefer to actually confirm that they are an asshole before I start to avoid them.

      I have been in the company of kings, queens, world famous actors, sportspeople...they all strain and pop that little blood vessel on the side of the head when they're on the toilet after all-bran just like everyone else. Get that mental image in your head before you put them on a pedestal
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  • Profile picture of the author Arun Kumar
    I agree with " Jasonparker ". We shouldn't tell that how much money we are making to anyone, not only to the friends. I had and still facing some similar problems by telling my earnings to the people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Riz
    Earnings are personal and should be kept that way.

    It is all to easy for anyone to say to anyone 'i earn xxx,xxx' when in reality they only earn 'xx,xxx'

    Riz
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  • Profile picture of the author RefundHost
    If you have a substantial amount of $$$
    expect to change your phone number
    due all the old ladies whose cats need surgery
    and all the scammers with "sick kids" who need $75,000
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  • Profile picture of the author SRLee
    Those aren't friends.

    You aren't obligated to give them any money at all anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author DogScout
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    Don't tell your ex-wife either
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  • Profile picture of the author Marekso
    Well yeah it's kinda true... but like someone mentioned already, it's very difficult once you start to succeed even more when you have one of those 500$+ days for the first time and you just can't keep your mouth shut no matter how much you've told yourself you won't tell anyone... !! It's a skill to be able to keep it to yourself once you actually do make a small fortune...! haha but that's life... and to those who say that friends who ask for money aren't actually friends ... well that's only partially true.. because I do have some friends who'd also give me money whenever I asked if they actually had any spare... and now that I have it and if they ask naturally I'll give it to them and even if they keep asking and asking they might become more dependent on you and you might think they are only your friends for the money but when you look back and the were actually the first ones to spare you some even when they didn't have "that" much they didn't think twice about givin' ya and have a smile on their faces nontheless although I have to agree some "friends" do start phoning suddenly once they find out your making such a fortune and you got to have the instict to distinguish those from your real pals.. which shouldn't be too hard if you have common sense..!!

    haha but like a in a qoute which I absolutely adore

    "common sense is not that common" could apply.. haha but stilll

    lol this is a wall of text.
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  • Profile picture of the author druwainwright
    I wouold never disclose my income to anyone - apart from my accountant of course
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    • Profile picture of the author Riz
      Originally Posted by druwainwright View Post

      I wouold never disclose my income to anyone - apart from my accountant of course
      and your wife/life partner - Lol! - - - - or would you?
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  • Profile picture of the author jazbo
    I agree. Never tell those around you what you earn. I know from conversations that I earn more than my friends in around 20 hours a week, as they do in their 40+ hour weeks in middle management jobs.

    Apart from sounding like you are bragging, I have found that any inclination that you are earning significant sums online turns you into a target for people asking "how can I get cash online like you". A lot of people assume that because its online "stuff" that it gives them a right to learn how you do it!
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    • Profile picture of the author ksburgess
      Originally Posted by Lincoln Ryan View Post

      Yeah, not sure why you'd reveal your income to friends or even family (apart from your wife). The only reason to do it would be bragging.
      I don't know that I'd consider it bragging... it could come up in conversation, especially with younger people who are just getting established in their careers and trying to figure out if they're making close to their peers.

      But I agree with you - I do not share how much I make with anyone but my husband. I don't even tell my parents. Part of it is because I'm a very private person, and part of it is because it's none of their business. I'm happy with my success and what it does for my family. I don't care to share it with the world.

      But... when our house is built on my IM money... you can bet I'm going to be sending out pictures of that beauty :p
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    • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
      Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

      Apart from sounding like you are bragging, I have found that any inclination that you are earning significant sums online turns you into a target for people asking "how can I get cash online like you". A lot of people assume that because its online "stuff" that it gives them a right to learn how you do it!
      Well Jazbo you could actually turn that into an earning opportunity..
      Why not start an offline coaching program on how to get cash online.
      You can also conduct a seminar, if you can get 20 people to attend and charge attendees even just a $100 bucks you'll earn another $2,000
      just for several hours work

      as for the OP. I guess there are times when you should not tell and when
      you should. If you think you'll be taken advantage of, then by all means
      don't tell, however, if you really want to help somebody, especially a family or a close friend then maybe telling them could help them get motivated..

      So I guess it all depends..

      All the best,
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  • Profile picture of the author 900sal
    I don't see what wrong with sharing opportunities with family and friends. Wouldn't it be whole lot better to see everyone around you living better???
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    I don't see what wrong with sharing opportunities with family and friends. Wouldn't it be whole lot better to see everyone around you living better???
    You'd think that wouldn't you? But the problem is when they take it for granted, and no matter what you do people will secretly resent you if you are too open. You can say yes a million times, but once you say no that one time you are the worlds biggest prick who thinks you're better then them.
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  • Profile picture of the author sandra.IMqueen
    The way people react to you status speaks volumes about them! Keep doing what you are doing and in time you will notice that you will be hanging out with people on your wavelength.

    Here's a lesson, we teach people how to treat us and if you behave like an ATM then you will be treated like one.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Benjamin
    Some people like to flaunt their wealth, some want to hide it.

    No one way is wrong, it really does come down to preference
    and personality.

    I'm the type where I don't want people to think I'm "broke" or
    destitute just because I make a good living online. It's an image
    I don't care to have. It's a poor image, and I pesonally like people
    to believe I have all this money I at sometimes in my life didn't
    really have - but now do

    You are basically a mirror. And people reflect what you see in
    yourself. I believe I'm rich, handsome, and super cool. And I'm
    real about it, so that's the reflection I get back every single
    time.

    People will tell you basically what you belive about yourself, and
    if you want your friends and family to think your a bum off the
    streets when in reality your making +$5000 a month just so you
    can "avoid" questions like "Can you help me?" or "How did you do
    it?"...well, knock yourself out.

    But someone mentioned here that you can make money from
    people wanting to learn what you do in offline seminars. If you like
    speaking. If teaching is something you really enjoy, you'll jump at
    the opportunity to help people in your local community get on their
    feet and make a financial future for themselves.

    Atleast, that's what I do anyway. Everyone takes this on differently,
    and I've never had the problem of someone bugging me or making me
    feel bad about a decision NOT to give them money, because I always
    keep control of the situation. If you get upset about it, people will
    feed into that weakness, next thing you know your avoiding people to
    prevent it from happening again.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Hardin
    I guess I have built-in camouflage. I am 70, so I just tell people that I am retired and get Social Security - which is true as far as it goes.
    Combine that with the 1993 Jeep Cherokee I drive and nobody asks how much money I make.
    What amazes me are the number of people on-line who should know better, who ask if I would "look over" their articles and make corrections, or re-write their sales pages for them. These people never offer to pay and usually want results the next day. Maybe they assume that, since I am retired, I have a lot of time on my hands. Actually, time is more valuable to me than money and a lot harder to come by.
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  • Profile picture of the author ihiustler
    if its my close friend thats one thing but I usually just none of your business. personally its rude to ask someone how much they make in the first place.
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    Easier said then done, but I found this is the best way to avoid those who will not understand. If they are reasonable I see no reason not to help them, but if they make it a habit then something has to give.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    I never tell people how much I make. And I've gotten really good at telling people "no". I help people financially when it's the right situation. I say "no" more often than "yes" because I can spot a free loader a mile away. Some people get annoyed or take it personally when I say "no" and then I seldom hear from them again, which tells me I made the right decision. I worked my ass off for my money and I'm nobody's atm machine.
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    • Profile picture of the author sam12six
      I'm super-private and don't tell anyone what I make or how. I'm also fortunate enough to be a total smartass and if I did spill during a drunken binge and had someone call begging, here's how I'd deal:

      Me:Hello?

      Friend?: Hey sam, hows it hangin'?

      Me: There's not really enough to hang. It just sticks out a little...

      Friend?: Whoa man!! TMI, way TMI. LOL

      Me: Hey you asked...

      Friend?: Listen man, I really hate doing this, but I'm in a tight spot. If I don't get <Insert amount being begged and "reason"> I'm screwed. I know you're doing awesome with the computer thing, I always knew you would. Anyway, you think you could help me out?

      Me: Aw man. This sucks. The reason I was so jazzed to hear from you is I just had this nasty server crash and was hoping you could spot me a couple of grand...

      Friend?: Um, Uh, dude, if I had it I would. Anyway, we need to get together sometime. Give me a holler!! Bye
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  • Profile picture of the author Gclunis
    Luckily I have never had to deal with friends asking me for money, however, back in october when my friends asked how much I made for that month and I told them. Most of them actually didnt believe me, even though it really wasn't that much but for my age I suppose it isn't normal to make anything over $1000 in a month.
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  • Profile picture of the author wemakeiteasy
    Well, in my experience...

    It works to be really indirect about how much you make. Not really giving any round figures or anything. Answers like "It pays the bills and more", or
    "Enough to be comfortable".
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  • Profile picture of the author vneely
    So, I guess that means getting into the IM niche and promoting your eBook/membership site/email course by showing how much money you make with your cash-sucking system is out of the question... unless you do it under a pseudonym. Because even if you keep your mouth shut, some of your more nosy friends and relatives might Google their way to your sales page.
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  • Profile picture of the author indianlinkbuilder
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    ha ha ha interesting. I think you can tell your friends, will not create that much problem, but don't tell your relatives
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  • Profile picture of the author Hardi Wijaya
    Is it just me or what?

    Or, it is just the advantage for being an Asian over an European/American? Different culture or what?

    Tell me!

    Over here, people love to tell their relatives and friends how much money they make... but with intentions.

    * Whenever people with money know how much money you've made, they pay attention to you... which could lead to more business opportunities if you know how to exploit them.

    * People with less money would try to borrow money from you. They'll become your parasites. But you should know how to handle it and take advantage of them to become your mouthpiece without you lending them money!


    Hardi



    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
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  • Profile picture of the author khirad
    So You dont want to Help them
    If you are Earning like 2K in a month nothing is wrong in giving 100$ to someone if he needs it

    If You cant spend on your friends you dont deserve to get from frnds too
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    • Profile picture of the author Hardi Wijaya
      Originally Posted by khirad View Post

      So You dont want to Help them
      If you are Earning like 2K in a month nothing is wrong in giving 100$ to someone if he needs it
      Not really clear of what you're thinking now?

      Are you confusing the meaning of helping and lending money?

      Helping a friend or relatives is totally different than lending money. Two separate matters.

      If you help, it plainly means helping without conditions.

      If you lend, it plainly means lending with string attached or certain agreements.

      Originally Posted by khirad View Post

      If You cant spend on your friends you dont deserve to get from frnds too
      Sorry to say that it cuts both ways.

      If you befriend with someone for the sake of money, then you deserve not his/her friendship but money.


      My point is that, we just have to make it clear whether we're helping or lending money. Let Yes be Yes, and No be No.


      Hardi
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    • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
      Originally Posted by khirad View Post

      So You dont want to Help them
      If you are Earning like 2K in a month nothing is wrong in giving 100$ to someone if he needs it

      If You cant spend on your friends you dont deserve to get from frnds too
      You're misunderstanding what a lot of people have posted. To help a true friend in genuine need is one thing, but giving it to free loaders is an entirely different thing. Ever notice that phenomena when someone wins the lottery? All of the sudden that person's relatives, friends, ex-girlfriends, etc. start hitting them up for loans. It's such a consistent occurence that people have actually studied this behavior. The same thing tends to happen when people have "made it".

      No one is "entitled" to that $100 that you're talking about. I am not obligated to help friends. I do it because I want to and when the situation is right. I can't speak for the OP, but I can see where he's coming from.

      I laugh when someone thinks that because someone has money that they have to or are obligated to give people or lend them money. While there may be "nothing wrong in giving $100", there's also nothing wrong in not giving it. It's that person's hard earned money so it's up to them on what they want to do with it.

      RoD

      Originally Posted by buffblaze View Post

      so how exactly do you guys make money. what systems are you utilizing ????
      You're a member of the War Room and you're asking that question? Are you for real? There are more than a handful of systems you can apply in there. You should spend some more time reseaching both forums and you'll quickly find out what people are doing to make money here.

      RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author AdvertSmartCom
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Skuse
    In a way it shows you who your real friends are. I have rich friends, I have never asked for a dime from them in my entire life, and that includes the rough financial times I've been through in the past.

    Although, if a friend is genuinely having serious money troubles in their life, I don't think it's wrong of them to ask for help from a good friend. But when old friends are calling up asking you to pay for their teeth whitening, that is simply out of order. Best left as old friends, by the looks of it.
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  • Profile picture of the author theemperor
    I am happy to tell people how much I earn ... because it is not a huge amount. I can downplay it even more by saying "well if you divide that by the hours I put in .... ".

    But if it was a huge amount and I was doing little hours ... well I might keep quiet then, and just tell people who I feel can handle it, which usually means open-minded, self-sufficient and non-jealous type people.
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  • Profile picture of the author TelegramSam
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post


    Never Tell Your Friends How Much Money You're Making

    Also, never tell your wife how much you're making
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  • Profile picture of the author topskyca
    isn't this the best time to figure out who is your true friend?

    i remember one story: a guy won a big lottery so he kept it a secret and turned around to borrow money from his friends. very few lend him money. now he knows who is real friend. so now he can let the world know he has won the lottery.

    i do believe in hanging around with true entreprenurs, they encourage you to make more and compete with you to make more. it doens't satisfy the ego at all by letting the losers know you are rich rather inviting all kinds of trouble.

    i'd rather keep very low profile with my "current" friends.
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  • Profile picture of the author newbim
    If you don't want to tell them face to face, don't put it on your sales page, lol.Can't wait to be faced with that problem, ha ha .
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  • Profile picture of the author Victoria Gates
    Just lurking and reading but this post is hilarious!
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  • Profile picture of the author JonMills
    Yep this happens alot
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  • Profile picture of the author SilverStockReport
    That's quite a predicament you have there. I have the same problem because I'm an open book. They know I'm an investor and I make a lot of money. But I do agree with the second post. You just need new friends. Not necessarily richer friends. Just friends who won't treat you like an ATM machine. If you're making a lot of money, people will know even if you don't tell them. Learn to say no. If they get mad, then they're not real friends.
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  • Profile picture of the author buffblaze
    so how exactly do you guys make money. what systems are you utilizing ????
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  • Profile picture of the author Alan50
    Thank you for the advice. Appreciate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    I think people are missing the point. The OP is saying he gets tired of being asked and as a result wishes to keep his income secret. Nobody likes saying no, but some people get put in that position more then others.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marketstriker
    The best thing is to joke for question "What do you do? For example, to answer with a serious face "I'm a war baron" without any explanations. People either will think you're joking and change the topic or will be scared. That's how I do. Usually it lets me talk with new people about everything in the world, but not about the job and earnings.
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  • Profile picture of the author BJ Min
    here's the funny dilemma...

    if you tell others how much you make, they get jealous of you...
    if you don't tell others how much you make, then sometimes they don't take you seriously and ask annoying questions like "why don't you get a job?" when in fact, you make much more money than their job...
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  • Profile picture of the author mine1718
    how much money you make is something personal, only a nut would go up to someone and ask " sooo, how much do you make??"
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    So what does it mean when I tell my friends how much money I'm making and they snicker, offer to buy my dinner, then give me a $20 when we say goodbye?
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  • Profile picture of the author BenBrandes
    Interesting topic, I find that talking about income is fine if they ask. BUT it all depends on the type of friends.

    Old friends of mine give me shocked and jealous looks when I tell them. (I don't hang out with them anymore - my choice)

    I surround myself with successful people who are all working towards bigger and better things in life.

    I've met people who find any excuse to tell people how much they earn. Personally I dont mind but I know others think they're "bragging".

    It's a challenging one. The easiest way is don't tell anyone unless they ask
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  • Profile picture of the author greff
    How to build your IM list.

    Start a discussion on something personal about yourself.

    Some ideas:

    Is $2000 too much to pay my CPA?
    My lawyer charges me $400. What does yours charge?
    Can I claim over $100 K as deductions for my taxes this year?
    I earn $50K a month offline!

    Then join in on the conversation as it progresses.

    Watch your visitor counter spin!
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  • Profile picture of the author Demian V
    I can't wait until I have this problem lol! I'm a total newbie to IM and I haven't made a dime from it yet. My friends and family all know I'm broke and living on a very limited income, so when I start to make some significant $ online, they're going to notice because I'll suddenly have a car again, be moving out of my tiny apartment, etc. Personally, I vowed to myself that once I'm making a full-time income from IM I'd teach my friends and family how to do it, thereby improving their lives. I truly want everyone I care about to have financial freedom and not have to work some day job that stresses them out and robs them of time with family, etc. I see no need to reveal exactly how much I make, that's my business and no one else's. There are however, some people I may tell, chiefly my father. He just turned 70, and is still working a day job. He makes decent money, but I'd love it if he could retire soon. And I have no problem helping out a friend in need, but will not be treated like an ATM!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Melody
    I have been home based since WAAAAAAAY before it was the 'thing to do' - I started in mailorder back in the 80's, and switched to the 'net in '94. And trust me - I have more than paid my dues....I never tell anyone what I make - but it is obvious that I don't make minimum wage because I do live a nice lifestyle ;-)

    But what I hate even more than the money requests - are the people that tell me how 'lucky' I am to work from home......like luck was what got me to this point...YIKES.....

    Yes, I admit sometime luck does play a role - but I also believe the old adage of 'the harder I work...the luckier I get'.

    I spent a lot of years of 'nose to the grindstone' learning and working to get here - and to be honest - as most of us can attest - most people could do the same if they would put forth the same effort.

    Melody
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    Our first "Digital Yard Sale"! A massive PLR Blowout Sale to help a friend pay medical expenses.
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
      Originally Posted by Melody View Post

      I have been home based since WAAAAAAAY before it was the 'thing to do' - I started in mailorder back in the 80's, and switched to the 'net in '94. And trust me - I have more than paid my dues....I never tell anyone what I make - but it is obvious that I don't make minimum wage because I do live a nice lifestyle ;-)

      But what I hate even more than the money requests - are the people that tell me how 'lucky' I am to work from home......like luck was what got me to this point...YIKES.....

      Yes, I admit sometime luck does play a role - but I also believe the old adage of 'the harder I work...the luckier I get'.

      I spent a lot of years of 'nose to the grindstone' learning and working to get here - and to be honest - as most of us can attest - most people could do the same if they would put forth the same effort.

      Melody
      I know what you mean!

      People say, oh I can't believe you get to sit around all day at home.

      What they don't "get" is that you have to actually get results. You have to perform time and time again.

      If you haven't and if you don't CONTINUE paying your dues to get better and better at marketing and sales, then you can't do it.

      It does seem like it gets easier as your leverage grows, yet still, there's nothing magical about it.

      Then they say, "Teach me." And they're not willing to even take the first step lol...
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  • Profile picture of the author Charann Miller
    From when we were young we were taught to keep our earnings close to our chests because it brings out the ugly in some people and can end up becoming a bone of contention.

    I think it's because some people associate earnings with personal worth and value which in my opinion is completely subjective, you are worth what you feel you are, especially in circumstances where you may not financially earn much but are happy and satisfied in your job.

    I think in your situation it's best to downplay your earnings from now on and even start to play a little poor.
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  • Profile picture of the author 7_8_shortcuts
    Very good advice...

    I have some experience with that too... Unfortunate and to be honest I have had the one or the other friendship end because of similar things like that.

    Especially borrowing money to friends! I would not to that again.

    And... doing business with friends is shaky as well. Business is business and that's it.

    If you do things with friends too much, then they start to expect some kind of favors all the time and I find trust can be broken quickly.

    Unfortunately have had some bad experiences in the past.

    Learned my lesson :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author miked
    I'm not at the point where I have to worry about hiding my income, but I do have trouble finding people to talk to who "get it". I am seeing success with a handful of websites - $100 from Google here, money in my PayPay account there, more money from eBookMall, and money from off-line clients...

    I know that I finally figured it out, and now have to replicate the process and have 10 websites, then 25, then 50 websites... I keep slogging on and moving forward, never giving up but learning from my mistakes....

    I have tried talking with a web designer friend of mine, and he just makes fun of my salesletters with the headlines with large red font... but he has never sold a digital product yet... and yet just the other day he asked for some advice on behalf of a client of his who has a wedding planner and simple website... and he wanted to know how to sell the wedding planner as a pdf download.

    I spent an hour crafting an email describing how to first find a market, not a product, and if there is a market and money is trading hands, how to re-purpose content, to think about setting up the content in a simple membership site .... how to set up a marketing funnel and give away free content at the entrance of the funnel with big time wedding consulting fees at the other end ...

    how to do any thing but just sell a $49.95 ebook... I haven't heard from him in a week.... it was probably too much....

    It is a lonely profession... even before you really make money...

    And that is why I come here to hang out, to realize that I'm not crazy...

    Or maybe, we ARE crazy! lol

    Here's to the crazy ones on this forum who never give up and still believe that success is not from luck or from their degree or from their employees union, but from their hard work, never quitting, and learning from our mistakes.

    -Mike D.
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    • Profile picture of the author brandondrury
      Banned
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnS88
        Don't quite have this problem yet but it's definitely a great point. I don't know, I've always been relatively modest so I don't see myself boasting. I do agree though, that it can be hard at times to keep it all in when you've tasted success.
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  • Profile picture of the author shanferg
    I dont think that it is anyones business how much money you are making to begin with, I have people ask me that all the time and tell them that I am scraping by of course since we aresoon opening a Cafe everyone has figured it out but I still wont tell them what I make.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sandeep Shah
    There is a saying where I come from.

    NEVER ASK A GIRL HER AGE AND NEVER ASK A GUY HIS INCOME.
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    • Profile picture of the author DazedandConfused
      Originally Posted by Sandeep Shah View Post

      There is a saying where I come from.

      NEVER ASK A GIRL HER AGE AND NEVER ASK A GUY HIS INCOME.
      This is true...

      "How much do you make?" - That question has always puzzled me...Americans are very quick to ask this in conversation -
      Whereas, in other parts of the world, this would be a rather rude question...

      In America, you could be the dumbest SOB on the planet...
      but if you have $$$, that's OK -
      In the US, the Doctor who just found a cure for cancer is overshadowed by the Rap star who buys a 20 million dollar jet...it is a very twisted value system the media has -
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  • Profile picture of the author shanferg
    I dont discuss personal finances with my friends I dont know how much they make and they dont know how much I make and I like it that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fred1
    Back when I was in sales, I earned a pretty big commission check one month. I was excited & told my family & sure enough some started asking for money. When I said no, I was called selfish!

    Once when talking to family members about credit, I mentioned that I had a credit card sitting at a $0 balance with $25K in available credit. A couple weeks later, one of them asked me to loan them $10,000. When I said I couldn't they said, "I was thinking you could just take a cash advance off of your credit card & I'll make the payments until I can pay it all back."

    After that, I decided to stop having money conversations of any sort with my family.
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  • Profile picture of the author Agep_flippo
    Banned
    I agree with don't tell your income to your friends, but I do not agree with you who hate to share or to help people surrounds you. I will see I am blessed by my God that I have a lot of money and my friend less money than me.
    just my2cent.
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  • Profile picture of the author ConsumerBoard
    Get the Joke! they are just kidding man. Effin show off!
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  • Profile picture of the author mahal788
    Good advice!
    Too bad you learned the hard way. I hope you find a way to get them off your back.
    Signature

    Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

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  • Profile picture of the author Dean Jackson
    It's nobody elses business in the first place. I will only tell a friend or family member how much I am earning if they start irritating me and getting on my case about "not having a job".

    I always dress nice, have a decent car, and some cool toys... I don't feel I have to hide it so people don't ask me questions.

    If anyone is interested I tell them what they need to know to run a biz like mine... and you can bet your ass that 99% of folks out there can't imagine taking the plunge and investing all their time and energy into something that may not even pan out.

    I deliberately make it seem like it's impossible because I know what they want is to sit on their ass all day and check their bank accounts.

    Just use your common sense!

    Dean
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
    Wow... I remember starting this thread back in 2009. hehe

    Funny what people find and start commenting on
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    • Profile picture of the author Greg guitar
      Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

      Wow... I remember starting this thread back in 2009. hehe

      Funny what people find and start commenting on
      I found it because I wanted to check you out before buying your WSO.

      Before I hit you up for my new surround sound home theater I'm going to give you the titles and core ideas for your next two WSOs for free right now, just to show you what a nice guy I am: "How To Make over $487 Tomorrow With Nothing But Your Old School Yearbooks And A Phone", and "How To Avoid Freeloading Deadbeats".
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  • Profile picture of the author Tarik93
    New Zealand, Caribbean, Japan, Spain, France, Australia.
    I wouldn't want to stay in one place, that's for sure. I love travel
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  • Profile picture of the author kjblitz
    Just say no to these gold diggers...let them find their own ways to make their own money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Says
    When it comes to real friends. I only have 1. And he is quite successful, so on that level I don't have much to worry about. Now if my motorcycle group knew how much money I made I'd be screwed... I had one guy tell me when I hit a million I was expected to buy him a new 2014 Suzuki GSXR 1000 (because my goal is by the age 25).

    Let's just say those are the people whom are much less likely to ever get anything from me lol.

    It's always those who don't ask for anything and instead give that get farther.
    Signature

    My name is Justin Lewis. My digital marketing company has been in business for over 10 years with multiple six-figure years. We do provide a premium web design service.

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  • Profile picture of the author LucySands
    it's time to choose your friends "wisely"
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  • Profile picture of the author telemartnetwork
    I agreed with most of the above posts. Friends who are with you even if you are not having a large amount of money are your true friends. I agree that we should not tell everybody about our money & our earning. But, some make friends to those who have strong bank balance.
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  • Profile picture of the author Peachy23
    If you give them money they will always ask for it. Over and over again.

    So, Teach them! [Or me ]
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  • Profile picture of the author ibnujusup
    haha.. i have the same kind of condition... great to know i'm not alone :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author M A Kay
    Thanks for the reminders..this post was 2 years ago but the point of the message still remains up to now...
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  • Profile picture of the author Sornie Samante
    Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

    Advice and a story...

    I had some old friends ask me what I'm doing for a living the other day and I told them. I'm 25, so most 25-year-olds aren't that far in their careers. Well, ever since I told them, I guess the word got around and I'm having old friends call me up out of the blue asking for money for their college books and stuff.

    My older brother just asked me to buy him a new bowling ball and someone else asked if I'd buy her a second wedding dress and pay to get her teeth whitened at the dentist before her wedding. About a month ago I paid an old friend's parking ticket and another friend's rent.

    Don't quite tell people how much money you're making because you'll start feeling like an ATM machine. Beware!
    "Friendly User"
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  • Profile picture of the author Aviator Joe
    this is actually good advice often overlooked (OP's post)
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  • Profile picture of the author IceMustang
    I tell almost nobody about it. Only those who make more money than myself know what I do on the side. Well, and my wife and my dad, because my dad's an entrepreneur, and my wife doesn't give a crap about money.
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