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In my 30 years on this earth I’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life. Some are struggling to make it while others are enjoying the good life. What’s funny is that there’s always a small handful who try to act a certain way knowing their bank account doesn’t support their lie.
For the most part, those who have money or wealth don’t need to broadcast the amount they keep in their wallet. Yes they enjoy the finer things in life — like fancy “toys” and high-priced accessories — but that doesn’t mean they gloat. In fact, many wealthy individuals I know are tight-lipped when it comes to their finances because they don’t want friends and family looking for a handout.
There’s a family friend my husband and I know who rubs everyone the wrong way. After a couple decades in the military, he did pretty well for himself, and continues to do so with a moderate-level government job. He’s no colonel but will be super quick to talk to you about his big house and fancy car. It’s always about money with him.
I’ll be the first to admit he and I have gotten into it, though I typically save my breath and keep a healthy distance. I can’t stand pretentious attitudes, especially when it comes from a negative place (if you feel blessed, testify!) and fails to put things into perspective. You see, he has been living like a king because the state he calls home has a much lower cost of living than other areas across the country. The cost of his home for example wouldn’t even score him half the square footage in most markets. Hell, my husband’s previous condo in New Jersey costs more than his estate, and he purchased it right after graduating college.
But that’s none of my business.
While my husband and I certainly aren’t the top-grossing couple we know, the two of us do okay. Even though we live modestly, we work to have a healthy savings, put away for our “dream home” and continue to navigate the world of investing. This doesn’t mean we puff out our chest and walk around with a “look at me” attitude. Aside from being our business, what point does it serve to throw it in folks’ faces?
Have you ever paid attention to people in the new money category? They spend it left and right as if it will never run out. Unfortunately it does and can put them in the red.
I’ve seen it happen.
Remember that guy I told you about? As much as he talks about the size of his home compared to the ones his family and friends have (oh yeah, he goes there), he seems to leave out how he had to stay with family — rent free mind you — for several months because he didn’t have the coins he thought to initially make the purchase. And yet, he seems to look down on others who do the same thing.
At the end of the day, everyone is allowed to live how they see fit — and do what they want (within reason of course). Just don’t come to me looking for a personal loan after you painted a story about some life of grandeur. Our words and how we act have a way of catching up with us. Keep on talking about your paycheck, how much you make and the flashy things you have. One can only hope you’re instilling essential financial values your children can use. Ones that don’t center around tangible things.
