if you don't mind my asking

Said before or after a question that one thinks may make the other person feel upset, offended, or uncomfortable, especially if the question is very personal or direct. How much are they paying you, if you don't mind my asking? I want to make sure I'm not getting shortchanged. If you don't mind my asking, why have you stayed with your husband for so long? You clearly don't love him anymore. That's an awfully fancy car you've got there! If you don't mind my asking, how much did it cost?