Asking someone how much money they have is generally considered taboo in many cultures for several reasons:
Privacy and Personal Boundaries: Personal finance is considered a private matter. Asking about someone's financial situation can be seen as intrusive and disrespectful, as it delves into personal boundaries.
Social Norms: Society has established certain norms and etiquette around discussing money matters. Money can be a sensitive and emotionally charged topic for many people, and bringing it up in conversation can lead to discomfort or awkwardness.
Comparison and Judgment: Talking about one's financial situation can lead to comparisons and judgments. If someone has more money, it might create feelings of jealousy or resentment, while if someone has less, they might feel embarrassed or inadequate.
Financial Inequality: Inquiring about someone's wealth can exacerbate existing financial inequalities and highlight socioeconomic differences, which can further widen social gaps and cause discomfort in social interactions.
Misuse of Information: Revealing personal financial information can make someone vulnerable to exploitation, scams, or financial manipulation.
Cultural and Religious Reasons: Some cultures or religions place a strong emphasis on modesty and humility, discouraging discussions about personal wealth.
Professionalism: In professional settings, discussing personal finances may be seen as unprofessional and irrelevant to the context of the conversation.
Overall, asking someone about their financial situation is best avoided unless it's necessary for specific reasons, such as a formal business transaction or financial planning. Even then, such discussions are usually handled with discretion and respect for the other person's comfort level. If you need financial advice or information, it's generally better to seek it from a professional financial advisor or resource rather than prying into someone else's financial matters.