Many options here.....fortunately, I have friends who respect boundaries and don't get put in that situation very often. Here are some that I would use...

"I'd rather not say." "Those details are personal." "I'm not comfortable discussing that. Can we change the subject?" "Why do you need to know that level of detail?" "It doesn't concern you." Or my personal favorite....."It's not your business."

If she persists, just ignore the question and move to a different topic....every time!

The vague answer is best. " It's a long story. ", "It cost about what you would imagine", "What can I say" , "I don't know". etc. If they don't get the hint you have to be more blunt. "Let's talk about something else" works well.

Make it about you, not about her, with something like:

That's very personal (or private), I wouldn't be comfortable talking to anyone about it.

Or, as mentioned above, change the subject. That's a long time favorite of politicians of all persuasions. If you don't want to answer the question you were asked, then instead answer a question you weren't asked.

If the questioner is very persistent I will give them the blank stare and not say one word. The silence makes them very uncomfortable.

"I'll forgive you for asking if you'll forgive me for not answering."

"I'll forgive you for asking, if you will forgive me for not answering."

"Why do you want to know?"

Imstillchloecat, we were typing at the same time!

Thanks, good ideas all around.

"Why do you ask?"

Practice saying or not saying things lots so you know exactly what to say and don't have to react quickly. It works. Why do I know? I was unable to talk to anyone before and practicing what to say changed all that.

I like Marisa Peer's suggestion of saying

"Thank you for sharing that. "

when someone is giving you an unwanted opinion.

Also she reminds people to not let it in. In other words don't accept their comments as your truth.

If you want to a little snappy, say, "Those are personal details. Why do you need to know?"

A more evasive answer is, "I'm not sure I know the answer. I'll have to think about it." and then move on to another subject.

I'd rather not go there.

I can't say.

I don't want to get into it.

Not my place to tell you.

I'd rather not say.

These are all good. I especially like mdln's. It gives them a chance to think about their actions, or a chance to show how it might be ok to tell them something. It's open ended enough, yet direct.

I thnk I especially like Annie's "I don't want to get into it" and I would add right now.

I have used the not my place to tell you when asked a personal question about my DD's.

If these people are friends, I would choose not to be snooty about it . I would simply say something like " you know, I just don't think I'm ready to share that at this point. I'm sure you understand ".

One of my most horrible moments came at my 50th HS reunion. I was talking with an old boy friend and the fact that my sister had died came up. He asked me what she died of! I was terribly stunned as she had taken her own life. I always felt that he knew this---why would he ask otherwise after so many years?

Joan, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'd suggest that perhaps the old friend really didn't know about your sister....or his memory isn't as sharp as it used to be.

"Why do you ask?" is a good reply, but someone completely obtuse might still pursue it! In that case, change the subject with an innocuous question of your own, like, "Do you think the rain will hurt the rhubarb?"

eld6161 --There's a book you might be interested in called Pulling Your Own Strings by Wayne Dyer.

Joan, I too am sorry that you had to face that question.

Susie, yes this couple are friends for quite a while. I think that as we get older, quirks become more so, and my ability to not get annoyed has diminished. This couple means well and will do anything for us, so I do value their friendship. That said, I do find it difficult when they try to get more and more information out of me. They are just both very inquisitive. In the past, DH and just laughed it off, but lately, we are getting annoyed.

I think I need to archive a few of the above answers. I don't asking them the question of why would work because then when they answer, they will expect an answer from me.

ETA, Sammy just saw your post. Thanks, I will look into that book.

I'd laugh and say "Is that a need to know question or just a want to know question?" That way, they have a few seconds to realize perhaps they are just being nosy!

Since they are long standing friends that you value...I would probably say...I really don't want to discuss this right now, but you know when I am your the one I'll turn to..than smile and say thanks for being a good friend.

Amicus and Mama, thanks!

Amicus, you hit the nail. My friend is nosy. That is probably the only way to describe it. And actually one time she admitted to it.

I was offering her a new blouse that I received for Christmas, was too big and the style was business casual. I texted her a picture, explaining it was new and I thought it would look good on her. She texted back all kinds of questions, why didn't I want it? where did I get it? But then said LOL you know me, I like the back story.

Mama, I thnk part of the reason this issue bothers me is that the questions aren't appropriate to discuss at the moment, usually while we are out to dinner. So yours will be a good one to remember.