The Old Money Book

Ho ho ho. It’s that time of year again.

You’ve just now realized that you need to find a gift for that hard-to-buy-for, hard-to-surprise, hard-to-inspire friend, family member, or colleague.

Clothing can be too personal. Wine or spirits, too cliche. Gift cards, too easy.

And, let’s be honest, so many material things we give and receive just aren’t really appreciated, used, or valued long term, as well-intentioned as we try to be in the giving of them.

Even fewer of them have the potential to be life-changing for the recipient.

With the possible exception of, well, books I’ve written.

As you know, I very seldom ask the readers of this blog to do anything other than embrace Old Money values, keep the comments civil, and avoid cargo pants.

So, at this moment when everyone is searching for a meaningful and appropriate gift, I hope I don’t ask the indelicate when I suggest you consider one (or two) of my books as potential present.

Why do I consider my books the ultimate Christmas gift?

With all due modesty, let me count the ways.

The content is universal and timeless. We all want to live a better life, and the way to do that–modeling the behavior of people who have done it well for generations–has proven value.

The content is also specific. I’ve written books specifically for women, specifically for men, specifically for making money, specifically for relationships. This is a big help when you’re narrowing your search for the perfect title for that particular person.

The information is accessible and actionable. It’s not necessary to have a certain amount of money, a college degree, or friends in high places to learn and benefit from the information I impart in my books.

The benefits are constructive and enduring. Understanding the Old Money philosophy can provide a framework for a young person to build their life around. It can give an older person the vocabulary with which to communicate a set of values to their children and grandchildren. I’ve seen examples of both, and everything in between.

People listen to me. They may not listen to you, even though you might be saying the same thing to them in your living room that I’m saying in my books. But (perhaps) you’re their parent. They’re genetically hard-wired to reject sound advice and question common sense until the age of 30, at which time they’ll humbly return home, admitting you were right and apologizing for being such an idiot. Save yourself time and frustration. Let me talk to them. With my books. Not in your living room.

So…if you’re new to the blog or just need a reminder, here’s a quick list of the books I’ve written and how they can help…and be a great gift for that special someone this holiday. 

The Old Money Book, my first book and incredibly popular, details how anyone from any background can adopt the values, priorities, and habits of America’s Upper Class in order to live a richer life. For an expanded and updated version, check out the 2nd Edition.

The Old Money Guide To Marriage, my second book that offers invaluable insights on romantic relationships. This title maybe the only one I’ve written that could be helpful to a 16 year old young lady or young gentleman, as I kick it off with dating, and then proceed to explain how Old Money folks handle getting serious, an engagement, and marriage. With divorce rates hovering at 50%, a better question is: who wouldn’t want to read this book?

Old Money, New Woman focuses on the challenges and opportunities that face today’s woman. Obviously, I discuss personal finance, but I also advise on relationships (romantic and plutonic), as well as career, health, wardrobe, and beauty. (Yes, I had plenty of help with this book from all the women in my life.) Great for recent college graduates and young professionals.

Old Money Style is the concise wardrobe guide for the man in your life. Perfect for the guy who wants to dress well, the guy who wants to dress well on a budget, and the guy who couldn’t care less about clothes, but still needs to dress well every day.

How to be a Rich Man…or Woman! is all about the fundamentals of making money: how to determine which ‘path’ or profession is best for you, the qualifications you’ll need to achieve your financial and professional goals, the workload you’ll face, the benchmarks that will mark your progress, and the dangers you’ll encounter along the way. I also detail 3 options for choosing a ‘plan’: the 10 year plan, the 20 year plan, and the 30 year plan, to help you chart your course to financial independence.

The Hindu Way to Wealth recounts my in-depth conversations with one of India’s richest men. Insisting on remaining anonymous, he revealed his philosophy about wealth–the financial, spiritual, and personal kinds–to me over several months. Full disclosure: some of his beliefs are contrary to my Old Money philosophy, but work for him (obviously) and I was honored to learn about them and to share them with you.

Can you think of a better value than giving someone the keys to a richer life, all for the price of a cup of coffee (ebook) or the price of a pizza (paperback)?

Be generous. Be smart. Give the gift of inspiration, wisdom, and knowledge this Christmas.

Merci. 

• BGT