It’s inevitable that we accumulate material possessions. We need to be sheltered, clothed, fed, and nurtured, so we buy or rent a house or an apartment and fill it with furniture. We buy pots and pans so we can cook. We purchase clothes which will, at minimum, keep us protected from the elements. We purchase … More Pretend You’re Moving
The last couple of weeks have been a little foggy. My apologies for the absence. And thank you all very much for your condolences during this time. It is comforting to hear such kind words from so many of you, most of whom I’ve never met. London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have all figured … More The Kindness of Strangers
I am the first to admit that I live in a ‘bubble’, privileged, fortunate, and removed from many of life’s troubles, much of its harsher realities, and a lot of its drama. I reside in Paris. I’m healthy. I do work that is meaningful to me. I’m financially independent. I come and go as I … More Paradise Lost: Service in the Post Pandemic World
Just a quick note in the middle of a busy week… Thank you very much for your support of the new book, “How To Be A Rich Man…or Woman!” Sales have been brisk, and reviews are already starting to come in on Amazon. But please feel free to add your two-cents worth. Write your own … More How To Be A Rich Man…or Woman!
I have a complicated relationship with Tatler magazine, the British magazine that breathlessly chronicles the latest goings-on of the royals, high society, and well-heeled wanna-be’s. On the one hand, they have published some interesting articles on how to raise children in an affluent environment, estate planning, and other more grounded subject matter. On the other … More In Defense of Red Pants
August is upon us here in Paris. A majority of the residents have fled for the coast, the mountains, or the countryside. Parisians who still remain–healthcare workers and those in hospitality–ask my wife and I where we’re going for vacation. When we reply that we’re staying in Paris, they look at us as if we … More A Few Updates from Paris and Elsewhere
I rarely read the financial sections of newspapers, nor do I frequent online blogs about investing, the economy, and the politics that affect these parts of our world. I’m busy writing most of the time. However, I have friends who live and breath finance. They take in a steady, global diet information that often has … More Winter Is Coming…Again
As most of our readers know, I rarely recommend products or services on the blog. Exceptions include Mercer & Sons shirts, Allen Edmonds shoes, and J Press for miscellaneous men’s clothing. The reasons for my reluctance are numerous: this blog is a sanctuary from ‘the sales pitch’. The internet allows almost anyone to find almost … More A Private Conversation with…Richard Friesen
I received an email the other day. The person suggested that I painted a little too rosy of a picture in regards to Old Money Guys and Gals. They pointed out that plenty of born-rich trust fund babies are obnoxious and incorrigible, racist, misogynistic, homophobic, and anti-Semitic. To which I replied, Oh, most certainly. And … More We’re Not All Nice
One of our tribe members recently wrote to me. Her concern was privacy. Her correspondence is below. She has some really good ideas on the subject, I think, and some questions… I’d love to hear everyone’s take on increasing and maintaining privacy in this digital age. (Thank you, V., for the very kind words. I’m … More The Continual Fight for Privacy