Greetings. Happy New Year. I hope everyone’s holidays were joyful and safe. If the past two months are any indication, 2025 should prove to be an eventful year. We have a Republican president, a Republican majority Congress, and a Republican majority Senate. If the party’s campaign promises hold, the United States will see reduced immigration, … More Old Money and Inflation
My apologies for the brief absence. Absolute madness reigns supreme here, but I cannot complain. Which brings me to the point of this post. I’m issuing a challenge to my dear readers, and it is this: for the next 24 hours, make your best attempt not to complain about anything, and not to criticize anyone. … More The Old Money C&C Challenge
It was recently brought to my attention that Charvet shirts may not be exactly an Old Money wardrobe staple. This may be true in the United States, but it is probably less true in Europe. While it is difficult to justify the price of a Charvet shirt, it is impossible to argue with the quality … More At The Intersection of Minimalism and Charvet
Like many people, I knew everything when I was young. And I was very certain of everything. And I was quick to share my certainty, and often loud and discourteous about it. People who were more intelligent than me attempted to gently suggest and kindly query, with questions that might encourage circumspection and cast doubt … More The Slow Process of Wisdom
Almost every week I read an article or (more likely) scan a headline that ominously warns of artificial intelligence and its impending dangers (and possibilities) for our future. Of course technology’s nasty habit of replacing human labor and expertise with machines–doing a task quicker, better, and cheaper than people can do it–is an obvious worry. … More Choosing AE Over AI
We’ve often discussed clothing as a part of the Old Money philosophy. It is the most visible part, but not the most important part. The most important part is the adoption of Old Money Core Values, as I note in The Old Money Book. However, as the most visible part, the clothing we choose is … More Your Wardrobe: Playing A Supporting Role
My wife and I had a conversation over lunch recently with another couple. They have also been married to each other for a very long time. As we’re all expats here in France, we discussed French culture, the ups and downs of life abroad, the recent elections in France and the upcoming elections in the … More Marriage and Money
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