Carolyn Hax: What if you reach out for support at a tough time, but it isn’t there?

Hi, Carolyn: I work from home trading the stock market. I’ve put in many years of study, money and effort, and find it incredibly mentally stimulating. I’ve finally found the best system for me and it’s a lot of hard work, but I enjoy the challenge. Occasionally, when people I meet learn what I do, they go straight to, “How much money do you make?” I always deflect, because I find it rude and inappropriate. Some folks persist in asking, just in different ways. Can you or your readers suggest some polite but firm responses I could use to shut down the question?