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Question: Should i mention to anyone that i pick stocks?

(Posted by: on 2010-09-05 08:45:52)

I don't have a lot of interests in life but I try to pick winning stocks myself with no help. At work one day I if my boss asked me what I did after work and I said review stocks. I notice he might make a comment here or there about the stock market since I told him. I don't talk about how much money I am investing or which ones. On Friday my boss said to me the stock market has been up the last few days and if I am making any money. I told him I am making money but that August was a bad month. Should I have mentioned to my boss my interest in stocks or should I have never said anything about it?

Posted by: msc on 2010-09-05, 08:52:09

It's fine to tell people that you follow the market in your spare time, or as a hobby. It sounds like your boss is being friendly. But if you say you're doing it for a living, some people will laugh at you, unless you have a long-term successful track record to show.

Posted by: greenberret1960 on 2010-09-05, 08:59:43

Nothing wrong with telling your boss i did the same thing and was ridiculed about it until i brought my brand new 898 nitro bass boat to work and told them how i paid for it now they are trying to figure out how i make more money than they do if you enjoy it ! do it! if you are good at it trading is the worlds largest business and there is no company in the world that matches it its impressive to watch people tackle something that large and win congrats on your decision to trade

Posted by: HillClimber on 2010-09-05, 09:38:34

Your boss is making small talk just to be friendly. If he knew you were a golfer he would have said something about how your game was going. Its up to you what you want to tell others about your life and your interests. Not sure why this is a big deal to you, but if it is then follow the old rule to stay happy and out of trouble: Do what your Mom would do.

Posted by: The Son of Rage and Love on 2010-09-05, 13:33:56

As long as you aren't trading during your work hours, your boss is simply interested in your hobbies as a way to get to know you better.

Posted by: Thor on 2010-09-05, 15:39:31

Yes, it is okay. Most of the population has some invested interest in the stock market even if it is through their retirement or just how it may affect their employer or the economy. It is often evening news if the market moves significantly. So it is fine for casual conversation. Although you may be more knowledgeable keep it casual because people's attitudes about money are varied and most personal. IOW even if asked for specific advice answer with "I have done XXX " or "I lean towards doing XXX " and never say to the other person "You should... " That keeps it friendlier. Good Luck.

Posted by: zuma on 2010-09-05, 18:30:07

My Hunch is it's a bad idea to mention it to anyone 99% of the time... My guess of their reaction would be "Who you Kiddin " or Resentment Unless you do it here or in a Club, and then that's not always a positive outcome either.