We’ve had a few comments lately about the word ‘class’. As the author of The Old Money Book, which has ‘Secrets of the Upper Class’ in its title, I feel it’s important to clarify the term, the context in which it’s used, and how I use it. ‘Class’ has been defined as: A set, collection, … More Let’s Talk About Class
After living abroad for a period of time (six months in Italy and seven years in France), I feel qualified to offer a very gentle primer on how to better understand any friends you may have who are now living full time outside the United States. Why could this be helpful? Because people change when … More Understanding Your Expat Friends
As Americans, we tend to take a very individualistic view of the ourselves, our country, and our world. We idealize the vision, determination, and hard work of the individual as dominant forces in shaping his or her world. Fate, luck or the help of others is often downplayed. The self-made man is just that: a … More The Importance of Institutions
Since living in Europe for the past few years, I have become familiar with the work of Stacey Dooley, a British television presenter–as they’re called on this side of the pond. In one of her series, a camera crew follows her as she spends the weekend with a unique or unusual family. Reality television being … More Stacey Dooley Meets The British Upper Class
As the author of The Old Money Book, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that I have an interest in self-improvement. I’ve read a few self-help books, even as my book choices have always been random in terms of genres and subject matter. I’ve tried to become a little bit of an armchair expert in … More A Secret vs. A Practice
Over the past ten years, I have written a few books and many more blog posts. I offer advice, and people have been known to follow my suggestions on occasion. I am, by definition, an author, but I cringe at the thought of being an authority on the subject of how to live. In fact, … More Blanc et Noir: A Wardrobe Option
Regretfully, we’ve experienced a recent surge in political tensions resulting from wars and terrorist attacks. Following these events, it is inevitable that we hear unsolicited opinions, forceful demands, and passionate pleas from celebrities and others who have been given a public platform, even if they do not hold public office or have any stake in … More Time and Place
Bethany, one of our Members of the Tribe here on the blog, recently asked “How much do you spend on your children’s education?” She astutely noted that I do place a great deal of emphasis on education in The Old Money Book and on this blog. It is, as many have noted before me, the … More How Much Do You Spend On Education?
Recently, I received an email concerning what I’ll call “the management of friendship.” The sender’s inquiry went something like this: I have a couple of longtime friends whose company I enjoy. However, they aren’t as attentive to their finances as I am. When we go out for dinner or drinks, they order and spend without … More The Best of Friends
I am back in Paris for a couple of weeks after a couple of months of ongoing renovations to the south wing. Surprisingly, it is very distracting, time-consuming, and fatiguing to have someone else in your home every day doing work. My initial thought (made in error) was that my wife and I would interview … More Update From The Homefront