Merit speaks for itself. I should not have to ask.

You are not bad with money. You are someone who learned, early on, that quality is visible, that good work is self-evident, and that people of genuine substance do not lower themselves to chase what they deserve. The reward comes to those who are good enough to warrant it. Asking undermines the legitimacy of the thing being asked for.

You were likely praised for being talented, bright or exceptional, and taught that self-promotion was a little vulgar. The message was clear: do excellent work and the world will notice. Waiting to be recognised felt like dignity.