What do you say to people about how many units you own?

[Nancy Curran]

Whether I'm showing a unit, or at a cocktail party when people ask me what I do, I inevitably get the question "how many units do you own"? To me, this is quite rude and they are basically asking me how much my portfolio is worth. I can't imagine asking someone how much is in their 401k. I've said things like "why, do you need a place?" Or sometimes I answer "not many".  Anybody else have a good way to keep people's nose out of my business? 

[Rick Hernandez]

I am actually surprised that you find that question to be rude.  I think most people are just intrigued or impressed that your are an investor.  They will have no idea how much you make unless you tell them that and its not the same as asking someone how much is in your 401k.  I met someone for lunch the other day.  A fellow investor but much more experience than I am.  I asked him this question.  I didn't ask him his net worth or how much he has stowed under the mattress.  I asked how many units.  Why did I ask, because I was impressed by him and I used his story of success to help motivate myself and to better see the big picture of what can be done.  After lunch I thanked him and told him I had never had lunch with a successful investor like him and I was thankful for his time.

I honestly don't understand why the question is considered rude ???

Perhaps some day when I have a  larger portfolio of investment units I will feel the same way as you :)