I think there are a lot of misconceptions about being wealthy in America. Obviously, the media contributes substantially to these with the way that wealthy people are portrayed on television. Money is not a license to behave badly. It’s not a toy. Being born into a rich family with a certain amount of education–college educated … More Old Money: In Their Own Words
“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” Malcolm Forbes, (1919 – 1990)
The English poet William Wordsworth famously lamented, in 1802 no less, that “Plain living and high thinking are no more.” He complained in the same poem of avarice and expense being our new idols, thoughts that we can certainly relate to today. Let’s turn that complaint on its head, and make it a motto to … More Plain Living & High Thinking
I’ve received a few emails lately that ask basically the same question: why does Old Money live the way it does? I may have addressed this in a previous post (or two), but the question is a critical one, and answering it is important. Most of the people asking have read The Old Money Book … More Living Old
We see a number of ads and articles advising us that if we’ll just adopt this philosophy, pick up these habits, or buy this or that product or service, we can really, truly, and finally “have it all”. Benefits include, but are not limited to, the following: our career will be on the fast track; … More The Lost Art of Not Having It All…And Still Being Happy
Blue blazer, button down, rep tie, khakis. Done.
Someone mentioned the other day that I had a ‘privileged’ background. It’s difficult to deny, but it left me eager to qualify. When the term ‘privileged’ is used, the imagination can run wild with visions of nannies and maids, gated driveways and country clubs, sports cars and travel. I think it’s important to redefine it, … More The Old Money Definition of Privilege