The Old Money Book

Every once in awhile, I’m asked why I encourage people to elevate their social standing or improve their financial position. What difference will it make?

Granted, some people do have a world-view that is fairly laissez-faire: just go with the flow, do what you can do, take it easy, don’t worry…be happy.

I don’t condemn those people or think that they’re ‘wrong’. I wish them the best and focus on the people who are trying: those who want to do more, be more, and, in a certain sense, have more.

That’s why I wrote The Old Money Book, and all of the other nonfiction titles I’ve penned. I was raised with this information–specifically, what to prioritize and how to behave and dress in order to minimize expenses and maximize chances for success in business and in life.

Still, the question remains: why make the effort?

Here’s why:

First, by making the effort to learn, improve, be disciplined, and accomplish, you will increase your access to resources. These ‘resources’ include money and material things but are not limited to them. You can move closer to those with influence and, in doing so, increase your influence as well. Many animals do this. It’s not just a human thing. They form alliances, share intelligence, cooperate, and secure food, shelter, and mates in the process. They also find their place in the natural hierarchy of their group. They belong, and they have a measure of protection.

Second, you will have access to opportunities. You can improve your social skills, present yourself as reliable, qualified, and competent, and be considered for chances to, again, be more, do more, and have more.  Sometimes you will have a very clear picture of the opportunities you are working towards. Sometimes, an unexpected opportunity will present itself because you have worked hard and prepared. You never know.

Third, when you have worked hard, prepared, and taken advantage of opportunities, you will be blessed with options. Options can be defined as the ability to willingly choose between alternative possibilities. You may decide you want to not work at a job if you have enough money. You may decide you want to start your own business. Or live in another country. Often, options present themselves when you have put yourself in a certain position: as a college graduate, as someone who is financially independent, as someone who has the time and awareness to think and to ponder.

So that’s what I’m giving you: the information, tools, strategies, and perspective to model your priorities, dress, and behavior on those often found in America’s Upper Class, often referred to as Old Money culture.  It’s worked for me and for a lot of people, even though most people don’t talk about it, much less write about it.

Nevertheless, I can’t instill motivation. I can only provide direction. It’s up to each person to embrace it, or leave it on the shelf.

Choose wisely.

• BGT