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‘Old Money’ Vs. ‘New Money’: 45 Things That Help Define Where A Person’s Wealth Came From
In the world of the rich, there are those who were born into their wealth (old money) and those who made it themselves (new money). And while both enormously wealthy twentysomething aristocrats and entrepreneurs share some qualities of those who have been swimming in infinite riches since they started breathing, there are subtle and not-so-subtle differences that people have picked up on.
From flashing your excessive wealth to being rude to people who millionaires pay for backbreaking work, there are some eye-opening hints of what kind of millionaires we're dealing with. Not that it makes any difference to what we think of them.
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#1
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "The one thing I learned from the wealthiest woman I ever knew: Everything is repairable. Throwing out broken things is a sign of middling wealth. My dad was a furniture upholsterer and carpenter and made scads of money off of rich old people who didn't want to part with things and were willing to hire a professional in a field rarely heard from to fix something older than they were, rather than go to Ikea and get a replacement.
Jessiebean 2 years ago
They can afford to get them repaired professionally and their things cost a lot of money. For the rest of us, it’s cheaper to get it replaced.
Verena 2 years ago
This is what companies want the masses to believe. Because otherwise they wouldn't be able to earn millions. We do have a cheap c**p shop here, "Action", everybody loves it because things are cheeeeeaaaappppp!!! It is so cheap, that buying the same (broken) item 10 times a year feels cheaper than to buy it once and use it for several years. The owner of this chain is a billionaire, because poor (or "smart") people are filling his pockets.
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Sturgeon 2 years ago
The concept of old and new money is a snobbish construct to allow those with inherited wealth to look down on those that have recently become wealthy through their enterprise or hard work. The reality is that there are pleasant, considerate unshowy people in both categories just as there are entitled, nasty and ostentatious in both.
Mary Lou 2 years ago
Same as with the concept of aristocracy, it's also a tale to have poor and middle class people believe people from old money are somehow more refined and superior human beings. When in reality most of their wealth is founded in decade if not centuries long exploitation of other human beings.
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Tamara 2 years ago
That kind of furniture fits right in with old moneys buildings. The pieces, if cared for properly, are exquisite pieces of work, as an amature upholsterer i have learned to appreciate the craft. It cannot be compared to ikea. I recommend everyone to search for vintage furniture like that.
Verena 2 years ago (edited)
Yes and no. Whenever you can, be considerate about why you buy certain things. You really need it, it is a basic life essential? Go ahead. You reeeeiiiiaaaalllllyyyy neeeeeed it? Why? To impress somebody? To belong to a group? Can it wait? Is it a replacement for something still working, just "better"? Is second hand an option? Or "second chance" - a main electronics shop here sells items which have been returned and are as good as new, never be used, just unpacked, with a neat discount. A lot of things can be repaired for a reasonable price, do it yourself (youtube is your friend), ask friends or go to a repair café. IF your situation allows, buy less, but quality which can be repaired. Don't follow every hype, just to "belong". Skip the electronics race of a new cool toy every year once in a while.
Shannon Mallory 2 years ago
And it's people like this that patronize craftsmen and keep old crafts alive. It's very hard to make a living as a traditional craftsperson (think carpenter, blacksmith, mason, plasterer, upholsterer, etc) without a wealthy patron or 2, because no one wants to pay for the time involved to repair things well. It's easier to throw it away and get new. Corporations bank on this, knowing the majority of people will just chuck and replace something expensive rather than try to repair. Hence, most new things can't be repaired, another reason why Old Money keeps fixing old things. The replacements simply don't measure up.
Edward Treen 2 years ago
I get things repaired - and I have very little money, either old or new. It's just that it seems wrong to discard something that needs a fix -unless of course, if the cost of repair is several times the cost of replacement.
Ahmad Hamad 2 years ago
maybe for the repairmen, but for others it will be better to buy a new item other than fixing it.
Nicole Brookus 2 years ago
It's really expensive to be poor. In thrift stores I routinely see clothing from the 50's, 60's and 70's, worn but well kept and in good condition. And it's the classic items that stick around. But you can start with one quality, long-lasting item and build from there.
Once upon a time, a cool $1 million was the epitome of making it. It unleashed a frenzy, summoning hordes of eager individuals to queue up outside corner stores and supermarkets in hopes of snagging seven-digit lottery jackpots. Journalists volleyed questions at fortunate winners, probing into the intricate details of their plans, while the rest of us dreamed it could be us one day. No surprise why TV programs like "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" were a big hit.
Millionaires, a rare breed, were drenched in an aura of fascination, their extravagant lifestyles imbued with an air of allure. These affluents luxuriated in the finest culinary establishments, donned garments oozing with unbridled fashion, zoomed around town in pint-sized, zestful sports cars, and resided in grandiose mansions that whispered tales of extravagant living. By the '90s, there were only about 60,000 millionaires in the US. Today, this number is as high as 21.9 million US residents, meaning that about 8.8% of America's adult population has "made it."
RELATED:
#2
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "Being rude to people who serve you
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
This applies to ANYONE, I repeat, ANYONE, regardless of wealth.
Xandra 2 years ago
My grandma told me something similar when I was just 7 or 8, but I keep it in mind even today: to see if someone has class or not, pay attention to how they speak to servers, cleaning people, doorman, not with their bosses.
JK Rowling 2 years ago
I call bull. Someone who fortunately came into wealth is a lot more likely to have worked a serving job and be empathetic than someone who was most likely given high positions of power their whole life
M Bow 2 years ago
Yes but the alternative is that they are thrown into what they believe to be a superior class. That goes to some people's heads
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Disinforminationalisticalities 2 years ago (edited)
I would put this on the worker who would tolerate being treated in such a manner. You can stand up for yourself without quitting a job, and if you get fired, there are laws and supports to assist you. Robert T's comment is spot on.
However, with inflation and whatnot, $1 million is not that big of a deal no more, it turns out. According to Forbes, one must rake in no less than an eye-watering $597,000 per year and amass $11.1 million to secure a position among the privileged top 1% of American society.
As Andrew Gelman, a professor of statistics and political science at Columbia University, once noted: "It used to be that a millionaire was someone with a million dollars. Nowadays, though, the term is often used to refer to people who make a million dollars a year."
#3
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "Big new homes and expensive new cars. New money buys big new homes and expensive new cars. Old money keeps the older home and the older car, but both are in pristine condition, and it is a point of pride
Jessiebean 2 years ago
This isn’t really fair. Do you think when “old money” were new, they didn’t do the same thing? Look at the old mansions that were built by the newly rich centuries ago. They’re hideously big and gaudy too! And I’m sure they flaunted their wealth to everybody. Their descendants have years and years of getting used to their wealth and having brought up with proper manners and etiquette so they don’t act like “new money.” Trust me, all these new money people’s descendants will also act properly a few generations down the line. So it’s really not fair to compare the 2.
Michael McHenry 2 years ago
Where I live in Canada, here in the mountains north of Montreal, the old money is hidden. Stone gates and long driveways that wind into the forest. You never see the houses....just the odd private helicopter heading south to the city.
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Sandy Kavanaugh 2 years ago
I'm poor as dirt, but my 26 year old truck looks showroom new. (Almost!)
Nona Wolf 2 years ago (edited)
Low key spending habits are not necessarily "Old Money" - sounds more like the book "The Millionaire Next Door" . I personally know a couple that decided to bank their annual raises rather than spend on lifestyle upgrades. Every pay raise for 20 years got invested, as they continued to live at the same level they always had. They recently retired (age 55) with several million dollars. They are now New Money - but you wouldn't know it by looking at them.
Just Another Girl 2 years ago
Sometimes the new house and new car aren’t “new money”, but a bank loan they can barely afford. Some people want to look like they have money, but those that truly do don’t generally feel the need to flash it.
Tee Rat 2 years ago
Considering in the US most new money is from the tech field or professional athletes it's not surprising. The billionaire tech guys didn't exactly grow up poor, but many athletes did. Signing a $100 million contract when you're about 22 yrs old I would expect these men to go off the deep end a little.
Fabian Bernard 2 years ago
My new neighboors, vulgar as hell, plenty in the wallet and nothing in the brain. No general culture, bad taste : greyish house, flashy brand new Land Rover, even the wife looks pimped and him like a model for Wish sportswear
White Sauce Hot Sauce 2 years ago
Those old houses and old cars were considered new at one point.
#4
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "No conscious need to show off their wealth. I went to an Ivy League school as a middle-class kid, and I ended up meeting a lot of friends from old money families. Truly old money families do not care about brand names, and they do not go out of their way to buy flashy, branded items. Being dressed from head to toe in visible brands is considered somewhat tacky. They focus on owning quality items that are more timeless and less flashy or trendy; many of their garments and accessories are bespoke or tailor-made, especially men's suits. Open snobbery about wealth was something I saw more in middle-class circles — the upper classes were far less insecure.
Verena 2 years ago
Not necessarily tailor-made, but simply goid quality. I still wear neat t-shirts which are 20 years old, they were neither expensive nor dead cheap back then. Plain timeless clothing of solid quality saves tons of money. Following all the new trends is expensive.
Maureen Millett 2 years ago
My mom taught me that a ladies blue blazer jacket is a timeless accessory, which will never go out of style. It can be paired with jeans, a dress, or a skirt.
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Disinforminationalisticalities 2 years ago
I saw a lady in line at a grocery store. She was pretty, I would NOT say she came from money, but she was dressed head to toe in Gucci products, her earrings were the Gucci logo, her handbag was covered in the logo, it was on her shirt and a little one on her pants...she didn't look good, she looked like someone who paid "an arm and a leg" to be a walking billboard. I don't get the appeal.
tabithapaquette98 2 years ago
She probably would have been much more attractive if wasn't wearing a ridiculous amount of Gucci!
Load More Replies... Curry on... 2 years ago
I refuse to purchase anything that displays the brand name for all to see. Why should I pay for the privilege of advertising for Gucci or Prada? I'm betting they laugh all the way to the bank over silly consumers.
tabithapaquette98 2 years ago
I could give a rats a** about brand names. Who the hell cares? What a waste of money. But to each their own I guess.
XanthippeⓐWulf🇨🇦️️🇬🇧 2 years ago
A few years ago I started supporting a small business that tailors simple things like shirts/sweaters, but I really haven't had the need for anything bespoke in some time. I still wear the Levis I bought in high school/uni, and I'm oddly addicted to by comfy clothes at Costco lol My mother would die! You wouldn't catch me in something with the designer's name splashed across it, but to each their own. Nothing against anyone who finally has a little something and wants people to know they've come up a bit🤷♀️
According to the findings of business theorist Thomas Stanley, a remarkable 80% of millionaires in the United States have forged their fortunes through hard work and entrepreneurship rather than relying on inherited wealth. This can also be traced by inspecting the evolution of the Forbes 400 list.
Most individuals on the list, it turns out, did not inherit the family business but rather made their own fortune. One particular research sheds light on this phenomenon, revealing that a significant 69% of individuals featured on the Forbes list in 2011 had ventured into entrepreneurship and established their own enterprises, compared to the 40% recorded in 1982.
#5
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Family heirlooms are extremely important. An engagement ring is an old heirloom from a wealthy grandparent, not something new and flashy. The newly wealthy received brand-new diamond stud earrings for a 16th birthday; the old money received Grandma’s gold pendant that had been in the family for generations.
Tuesday's child 2 years ago
My great grandmother's wedding ring has been in my family since forever💍
Nona Wolf 2 years ago
My grandmothers ring was made of tin (she grew up in Italy in WW2). We treat it like it's the most precious metal on earth :)
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Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
I have my great grandmothers engagement/wedding ring set unfortunately, it is too small for me to wear, but I refuse to have it altered. It stays as it is. I do not need to wear it, I have my own rings, including my own wedding ring, to me, my great grandmothers ring is too precious to wear and risk damaging, anyway. But I'm not from a super wealthy family. :I
JK Rowling 2 years ago (edited)
So now it's tacky to start a family tradition instead of just being born into a family that has one?
tabithapaquette98 2 years ago
I would definitely rather have something that belonged to family.
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
The amount of stereotypes in this listicle is making my eye roll 🙄. This isn’t just endemic to “old money” families. I’ve had my mum hand me down my nanny’s beautiful rings and have lovely pieces of jewelry passes down as family heirlooms.
#6
I've worked in very expensive restaurants, and old money people are polite AF. They stand when their elders arrive, leave, or use the bathroom. Louis Ward's widow is an example. Not super-old money, but they got rich on Russell Stover's. They didn't flaunt their money and usually treated me very well. They tipped cultural standard and no more, no less. Never ordered a bottle of wine that cost more than $140 and discussed it as if they knew what they were talking about. They all spoke very quietly, and everyone shut the hell up when the matriarch spoke. New money people often have a chip on their shoulder about it.
Donkeywheel 2 years ago
Standing up is absolutely not servile, it’s a cultural thing that exists in western but also in asian societies and it is indeed a social marker. Not just for elders, but also on a date for instance or even in business meetings.
Anyone-for-tea? 2 years ago
I do it when I meet anyone, I think it is very rude to stay sat down when meeting someone for the first time.
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Justin Thyme 2 years ago
Standing, for ladies, for elders, for persons in the community who are deemed to be of good repute is merely a gesture of respect, good manners, and tradition. Yes I still hold a door open, hold the chair when seating others and rise when ladies enter or leave. Part of it is my Marine Corps training, rest is the memory of me father's hand swiftly upside the head for not doing so.
To gain deeper insights into the intricate tapestry of affluent culture, Bored Panda reached out to 'Rich: The Rise and Fall of American Wealth Culture' author Larry Samuel, who ventured deep into the wilds of wealth culture in the US, documenting how rich people spend their time and money. "I found it very interesting that, even though they had a ton of money, millionaires (and billionaires, for that matter) still had to deal with the existential challenge that we all face—to find meaning and purpose in life," he said.
#7
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Not understanding the stress that comes from being poor or middle class. I jumped between poor and middle class as a kid and wound up going to college with a bunch of rich folk. If you talked about how stressed you were over paying the rent or having to eat tofu and spend hours on food prep, they wouldn't insult you about it or think less of you — but it was very clear they didn't understand the emotional weight of those problems. They could hear about your stress and just shrug it off because they didn't get what it's like to be financially insecure. Sometimes they'd even offer to help pay for a meal, but you could see the confusion in their faces when they picked up on the fact that you were still stressed, because they didn't realize you were now worrying about your next meal. Every so often, this disconnect would show up in more overt ways: They'd tell people abused at work to just quit their jobs, or tell kids on scholarship (me) to 'take a break from work and come party' — not realizing that you wouldn't be able to enjoy yourself knowing that you had a paper to finish, and that if you didn't finish it, you could drop a grade, lose your scholarship, and be unable to attend next semester.
"Ultimately, it was a lack of understanding that didn't necessarily come with any disdain or antipathy.
BravePanda 2 years ago
Yes. This is such an important element to mention. My friend in grad school lived "on a budget" but received over $100k a year from her family and trust funds. I appreciate that her budget was very real to her but most weeks held significant financial stress for me.
Nicole Weymann 2 years ago
That's one budget I could live on - once I got myself trained to only spend maybe five to eight times a smuch as I do now.
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Ken Beattie 2 years ago
I feel like this one is not so much about old money and more about "young with inherited wealth". An older rich person has a better understanding of this. It's the kids to early 20s that don't.
#8
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Old-school hobbies. Maybe it's a stereotype, but most of my rich friends are quite accomplished at squash, sailing, tennis, fencing, crew, and equestrian sports. It's just a normal thing to enjoy in their circles. Playing some sort of sport at an elite school was sort of an expectation.
Samyan Elrod 2 years ago
i sail twice a week or more in sailing season and im defo not old money
Edgar Rops 2 years ago
Hey, I enjoy equestrian sports despite a chronically poor hippie. But, sure enough, they have more opportunities. Not necessarily for the good of either riders, or horses.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
I am by no means rich, but I had a horse, for a while even two. That's not old money. That's a desire to do something and the will to work to get there.
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago (edited)
I am in no way super rich, but I'm pretty good at fencing and archery. (or at least, I used to be, it's been a while, but tbh, it seemed like I was actually naturally good at it, because of course the only sport I'd be good at are the ones that have the prospect of being "deadly" lmao)
UnpopularPanda 2 years ago
Rowing sports, didn't know either. Googled it. Tells me how poor I am :(
Load More Replies... Tee Rat 2 years ago
And looking down on the rest of the population because they weren't born into some blueblood family that never earned the wealth they live off of today.
Nona Wolf 2 years ago
I suspect they don't think about us at all... we are probably invisible to blue bloods (unless you happen to be the gardner or the stable manager)
Load More Replies...Through his immersive encounters with America's affluent community, Samuel made a compelling revelation: the act of lavishly splashing millions on material possessions - your Porches, private islands or diamond-encrusted fidget spinners - seldom yielded genuine happiness.
"Those folks who found a 'higher' purpose in their lives," he explained, "were infinitely happier and more secure (richer, so to speak) than those interested in the acquisition of things or even experiences, in other words, something that poses enormous implications for how we all might choose to live our lives."
#9
New rich buy gaudy bulls**t. They'll buy the lambo and make it chrome. They'll buy "Supreme" bullshit, they'll pay $10,000 for a pair of sneakers. Etc. They are all about status symbols, big jewelry, and brand names plastered on everything. They are the type to "leave the tags on" to "prove it's new" or some bullshit lol.
Tuesday's child 2 years ago
Leaving the tags on things does NOT make you look richer, it looks like your going to return it once the partys over
Maureen Millett 2 years ago
I believe that all the flash and bling shown off by the newly rich is a sign of insecurity. A lot of them show off their wealth, in order to be the biggest cheese in the room.
Mistiekim 2 years ago
This one is situational. There are plenty of trust fund babies that love to flaunt their families wealth with flashy cars and clothes.
#10
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "Wearing head-to-toe logo mania — only buying designer items that CLEARLY have the name front and center. For example, my roommate got a pair of Burberry track pants that are a bright blue, sports material, button up the side, with only 'Burberry' written above one of the back pockets. Super cute for her, but she was out with a guy wearing a Burberry button-down who made some slick comment about her being dressed down. She said, 'Well, we both got the Burberry memo,' and he was too stunned to speak lol.
Tuesday's child 2 years ago
Went to the mall 2 day. I saw a family of three all wearing designer. The mom's outfit was the worst, black tracksuit with ginormous Versace logos all over it, the daughter was wearing this hideous orange giant logo gucci dress and the husband had I little too much Louis Vuitton. It looked absolutely ridiculous
L. Murphy 2 years ago
I do not understand why people are obsessed with clothes that advertise other people names, especially since most designers are tacky. Why do we think designers from these places have good taste?
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Carla Campbell 2 years ago
Worked with a woman who ALWAYS made sure everyone knew she was wearing Chanel. That stupid giant C. I think it stood for something else.
Ronnie Beaton 2 years ago
If Burberry is such an exclusive brand, then why did they make baseball caps?
Barbara Kelly 2 years ago
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: gold or silver money clip holding a fat wad of bills. A man I knew flashed such a clip, with $ 100 on the outside, stuffed with smaller denomination bills.
Jessiebean 2 years ago
I am not rich by any means and I abhor any clothing or accessories that have the brand name on prominent display. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $20 shirt with the brand on display for everyone to see or $2,000. I refuse to wear them. Printed anything unsettles my brain. It all comes down to personal preferences. I think those rich people who buy everything designer names all over them wouldn’t have a problem wearing cheap clothing with the brand name on display. I see them everywhere. But only the rich ones get noticed because of the designer labels, but if you are observant, you will also notice people wearing Nike, adidas, American Eagle, Juicy, Pink, or other logos all over their clothing!
Stolas 2 years ago
i wear nike and american eagle a lot because i've shopped those brands for so long i’m scared to branch out. where do you recommend buying from in the US?
Load More Replies...Throughout his research journey, which occasionally required going as an undercover millionaire, Samuel unearthed a captivating revelation: the realm of millionaires can be categorized into five distinct archetypes. Challenging the well-worn narrative of old money versus new money, Samuel concluded that this dichotomy has grown tiresome and oversimplified.
#11
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Connections would be the best way to insinuate old money. Being able to access back doors denied to other people, even if the individual was rich. Having relationships with other developed companies where favors could be found. An old money family would likely have a library of favors at their disposal, where problems could be easily solved by calling a number or making a passing comment.
#12
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "There’s a sense of classism that is different — it’s less a disdain for the poor than a disdain for poor behavior. Old money has more respect for a middle-class family who represent themselves well in behavior and manners than a very wealthy family who make their wealth obvious. In my hometown, the old money would disapprove of the newly rich because the newly rich wanted to show everyone how wealthy they were. The old money were secure enough not to show off.
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
Many of you seem to be forgetting: you don't get to be Old Money if you act like New Money. You blow it all on s**t and go bankrupt. Look at almost every lottery winner.
Nona Wolf 2 years ago
Good point. I would also add that Old Money took many years to build the fortune (think oil tycoons, railroads, et,,,) Those families worked hard to make it. Today we have streamers, athletes, and rappers who have literally made it overnight. Some of those new money people have never done middle class labor. We live in strange times.
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Thomas Ewing 2 years ago
Old money likes good manners; new money likes to show off and embarrass themselves.
Max Fox 2 years ago (edited)
No. Old Money do not like New Money, because the old money are classist, and don't believe that the New Money belong to their "class". There is also a lot of racism in the disdain that Old Money has for New Money. They don't like Middle Class, they like Middle CLass and Low Class who "know their place". They dislike New Mony, because they believe that New Money doesn't Know Their Place.
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
Classist not classicist. Sounds picky but the two words have completely different meanings. Being classicist can be a good thing being classist isn't.
Load More Replies...Referred to as "Coolionaires" by Samuel, these individuals epitomize the notion of wealth intertwined with aesthetics. "Coolionaires have a deep desire to surround themselves with beautiful things and experiences, viewing their wealth as the opportunity to express their status as a person of refinement and sophistication. For them, wealth is the means to dwell in and show off their sense of taste, like picking up a Basquiat or Banksy while at Art Basel Miami Beach," he said.
#13
Old money tend to never discuss money. If someone brings it up, they are masters at diverting the conversation.
insert name here 2 years ago
I wish I had that kind of skill, not for money but just in general.
Crazy Meerkat Lady 2 years ago
"Oh look!! An ostrich!!" Conversation diverted. You're welcome. 😉
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#14
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "Telling every single person they come into contact with how much they spent on something. A former employer of mine told me he had to send in this $8,000 heater from his second plane for a $2,000 service because it didn't get hot anymore. Like, I'm struggling to keep a roof over my head and food on my table, and this is the shit you're telling me?!
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Oh yes... the 'humble brag'... like they think that putting the "I spent this much" in a "I'm suffering so much!" light makes it okay. "oh my gawd... daddy only bought me a car that was LAST YEAR'S MODEL... uuughh... like...all the kids at the country club were laughing at me!" ... uh oh. uhm.. oh, right... boo-hoo, I... feel... so bad for you? is that what I'm supposed to say as I frantically look for enough change to take the bus?
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
Hmm, I'm not sure that one is a humble brag. Could be that he's annoyed because the service is a quarter of the price of a new one. If it's an annual service that'd be frustrating and I'd be complaining about it.
over it already 2 years ago
I also assume that anyone doing this is either patently lying or at least exaggerating every figure/price.
BJ Hage 2 years ago
Ah... sort of like "is it hers, is it his, is it really there at all?"
Load More Replies...Another intriguing category identified by Samuel is the group he calls "Wellionaires." As the name implies, these individuals prioritize channeling their riches towards nurturing their physical and mental well-being. "They use their wealth to convey to themselves and others that they are living lives in and of balance, perceiving a symbiotic relationship between themselves and the planet," Samuel said. They opt for vacation destinations abundant in nature, such as the Galapagos Islands or Machu Picchu, further emphasizing their inclination towards aligning with the natural world and fostering holistic well-being. Probably a regular at 'A-Fest', the annual super-elite, invite-only wellness festival.
#15
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Total comfort around domestic servants. Old money people have an incredible ability to treat the help as if they're part of the furniture; they will discuss deeply personal matters in front of the maid like it's no big deal. Middle-class families who hire a maid once a week will often be very awkward about having a conversation in front of them while they're working, while the rich are accustomed to having help.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I feel awkward when anyone is over doing a job and I'm brewing coffee. I have to ask if they want some, too, or it feels rude.
Beth H 2 years ago
I do the same no matter who is at my home. Whether it's cable guys, landscaper.
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censorshipsucks 2 years ago
No we've had servants in three generations of my family and we do not discuss personal stuff in front of them because they gossip and it passes to the neighbour's servants who then pass it to the neighbours. Bad idea.
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
My wife used to do home care for the matriarch of one of Australia's large retail families and I can attest to this.
Tuesday's child 2 years ago
I remember having long conversations with the housekeeper when I was about 10 😅
adelaamarante 2 years ago
At 5 I was helping clean houses with my uncle (and maybe 2 other siblings) for cash. Some people say "poverty" in the US is different from other countries; I assure the masses, this USAmerican knows poverty. At 25 I needed (*required*) someone to come over to clean my house as I was bedridden for a bit. (MS is a beast.) Living in a tiny home, around 300sqft then, my bed is *boom* smack in the middle of everything and I'm just supposed to *WATCH* this woman scrub my floor?! Hell no. I felt SOO unbelievably uncomfortable. I swear, hand to science, I never recovered faster. I couldn't stand (pun) to watch her slave away inches from me and NOT try to help. I have a bigger place now, 400sqft, that needs massive repair (shout out to my ex-husband) I cannot physically endure nor financially afford since I am no longer able to work but I'm still out there trying to lug a 2X4 into the kitchen to "help" whomever had 10 minutes that day to try to help me put my home back together.
Mama Penguin 2 years ago (edited)
My family has always had domestic servants and they were treated like family. But certain topics were never discussed in front of them.
#16
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: Adherence to old-school traditions and notions of politeness. I would get handwritten invitations to dinner at my friends' houses, and a handwritten thank-you note for any birthday or Christmas gifts, regardless of how little they cost. My rich friends are very big on thank-you notes, formal greetings, and never turning up to an event empty-handed. They always knew who you were supposed to tip and how much was appropriate. Again, I saw a lot more open snobbery in my hometown — my truly wealthy friends showed the same level of politeness with everyone
Sandy Kavanaugh 2 years ago
Good manners know no income levels. Writing thank you notes, sending sympathy cards, etc., is just good manners.
tabithapaquette98 2 years ago
I grew up poor, but my mom taught me to say please and thank you. It's so simple, but for some people it seems really hard.
lla 2 years ago
In fact, no matter rich or poor, one is aware of being a member of a whole, and that includes all forms of life sharing our wee planet. Kindness is the real wealth.
Load More Replies...However, he found that "Thrillionaires" are the closest to "new money" rich. "I found most of the 'Thrillionaires' I encountered were less than enlightened people. The irony is that I saw no evidence that spending huge sums of money on mostly frivolous things and experiences made these folks any happier as, of course, there’s always something bigger or better to buy." The newly affluent millionaires, in particular, possessed considerable wealth but had yet to grasp the notion that fostering the welfare of others holds the key to personal fulfillment.
#17
Old money runs the big charity events, new money gets to donate.
Max Fox 2 years ago
Old Money also makes money off the Charity event, either directly or indirectly.
Libstak 2 years ago (edited)
Yes, all that networking with the haves will do wonders for their reputation and standing in their society. That will lead to investment advice, or others readily investing in their business ventures. It will also add to more freebies because such an upstanding citizen will be seen as well healed in the best brands and that is free advertising for the brand.
Load More Replies... #18
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Fluency in another language is much more likely (due to a better general education). I'm from the UK, so we may have slightly different customs, but we have a lot of very old and wealthy families here with hereditary titles and historic family homes. In the UK, they'd usually be fluent in French or German. Knowledge of Latin and Greek used to be more common; your older family members will be better versed in these subjects, but it's still taught well in the public schools. The kids will not study dippy subjects at uni but will be encouraged towards things like law, medicine, and classics. If they are into music, they will go to a conservatoire. Even if they never intend to practice these things, it's mainly for their parents' approval, and so that they are not seen as academically mediocre.
"Many have to work hard in order to impress their parents and maintain their approval; this isn't because the parents are harsh, but usually because they are aware of their wealth and privilege and try to ensure the kids don't grow up too spoiled and entitled. Enforcing rigorous household rules, good manners, and humility and pushing for academic success is a good way to ensure that the children don't just get an easy ride to inherited wealth, and that they hopefully grow up polite and appreciative of what they have. This doesn't always work out, though.
Nizumi 2 years ago
This depends heavily on where you live. Where I am, there was no choice about learning French in school - it's literally the law. Families of any other cultural heritage all tend to speak at least three languages - generally, natal language at home, English with friends outside school, French in school.
Max Fox 2 years ago
Oh. My. God. This person is either paid b Old Money as their PR person, or worships them for being rich. Old Money absolutely REEK of privilege, and do not even know it. Their parents are usually super harsh, and are focused on their "reputation" among the other super wealthy. Kids are not allowed to follow their interests and passions, but are expected to follow the path set out for them by their parents. This path generally involves getting a career which helps preserve the wealth and influence of the family.
BJ Hage 2 years ago
pretty broad brush there Max Fox. I know plenty of OM who do not fit your stereotypes AT ALL.
Load More Replies...Personality, then, is exactly what inspired Dr. Johannes König's expansive research on a millionaire's personality traits. "Since personality is a major determinant of people's way of thinking and because the rich are influential in business and in politics, it made sense to get a clear picture of the 'rich personality'," König explained to Bored Panda in an email, noting that no such large-scale study was previously done.
#19
Whispers old money: The quality of the English and vocabulary used.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
Not old money here, I feel like crying at some of the comments here just because of the written decline in evidence.
#20
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "Flashy behavior. Old money WILL NOT flaunt it in an obvious way. New money often finds old money style to be boring — it is. It is deliberately boring because being tacky is déclassé. Anyone you see who evokes the response, 'Wow, I bet they’re rich' is almost certainly NOT old money
Nona Wolf 2 years ago (edited)
Old Money families built empires they could pass down to their children and grandchildren. They wanted to keep the dynasty intact for future generations. A lot of New Money people are planning just the opposite. Some are quite vocal about the fact that "This is MY money - let my kids go out and make their own." Here is a very interesting list of rich people that will not pass fortunes to their kids: https://www.everplans.com/articles/10-rich-people-who-arent-leaving-their-fortunes-to-their-kids
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
Interesting. But we're still talking sums that most people will never see.
Load More Replies..."The fact that there is a distinct personality profile of the rich is very fascinating," he said. "It suggests that those with large societal influence think very differently compared to the rest of the population, which may be important for the political process." According to his findings, millionaires tend to be more risk-loving, more emotionally stable, more open to new experiences, more extroverted and more diligent.
#21
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Old money is impeccably kept, but in a different fashion — hair, clothes, skin are nice, but not obvious. Plastic surgery (the obvious kind) is gauche, as is dyeing one's hair long past the age where it is plausible. Less importance on perfectly done manicures — more emphasis on well-groomed nails and skin
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
A person is entitled to dye their hair whenever they want, as long as they want. I never have, but why is it anyone else's business?
Crystal Ruiz 2 years ago
It isn't anyone's business, this is just pointing out that old money tends to not do so after a certain point, not that anyone cares about it.
Load More Replies...
#22
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "If they've attended an Ivy League school, they say the town or city where they went to school instead of the school's name. For example, if you say, 'Where did you go to school?' they would reply, 'New Haven' instead of Yale, or 'Cambridge' instead of Harvard
Thierry De Saint Clar 2 years ago
I'm afraid it's another snobbish question. It's like being asked about your bank account. The real values that are important, for a member of a true old money family , are education, tradition and respect. If you want more details about someone's life, it's because you lack some of these values. Unfortunately, some people in these families forget these basics.
However, just like Samuel, König soon discovered a notable difference between those who made their wealth and those who inherited it. "The self-made rich were on average much more in agreement with the rich personality profile, while inheritors were much more like the non-rich population. This suggests that personality may be an important driver in self-made wealth creation," he explained. "Further, when people were more in agreement with the prototypical rich personality profile, they tended to be richer. This was true among the rich but also among the non-rich."
#23
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "People who come into money quickly can have a tendency to go overboard. They get the biggest, best, shiniest everything. They aren't satisfied with the lifestyle. They used to be like you. Now they're better. It's not enough to be rich — they want you to know they're rich. That comes across as tacky and lacking in class.
#24
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "Investing. Many old money families retain their wealth by being conservative (both with money and in other ways). Most of their members don't make exceptional money; they are lawyers or doctors earning good but not wild amounts of money. I imagine that they wouldn't go on heaps of expensive trips to places, but instead have a summer home that they go to for holidays. They would go to expensive private schools and drive secondhand cars. A lot of their hobbies would be based around property in the right places, like dressage or rowing — they aren't necessarily expensive sports, but they require a river or lake or land for horses
Zephyr343 2 years ago
Dressage can be expensive. Especially transporting the horse around the country for competitions
GoGoPDX 2 years ago
Having a horse in general is expensive, let alone competing in any form.
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Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
There are ways to do it on a budget. I should now. Don't ask how, that's just a Yiddish expression.
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#25
Screams new money: A green Lamborghini
Sandy Kavanaugh 2 years ago
Also screams bad taste. What ya wanna bet they can't drive a stick?!
Robert T 2 years ago
Modern lamborghinis don't have a stick. They are semi-automatic with pappy fladdles.
Load More Replies... Maureen Millett 2 years ago
Screams new money: a Mcmansion that looks like all the other matching Mcmansions, in the neighborhood
#26
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "A Range Rover sport. Totally misses the point — it's a classy vehicle dumbed down for the wrong type of owner.
Boris Long-Johnson 2 years ago
Before it was a footballers bauble the full sized Range Rover was classy. Yes it indicated you had money as they’re expensive to buy and run but you could be a farmer or a royal and anything in between.
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#27
I know some children of very rich families and from just seeing them on the street you wouldn't think they were anything but normal teenagers. Other kids can be spoilt and just go for designer clothes.
#28
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: "I have noticed that my extremely wealthy friends have a slight discomfort or bemusement with establishments generally considered a bit down-market (places like McDonald's and ones in the UK like Poundland, Wetherspoons, etc.). hey are always extremely polite and usually able to get into the spirit of the thing, but I remember taking one woman on her first trip to McDonald's (at age 23) and the kind of awkward, slightly bewildered way she reacted.
Diolla 2 years ago
Suppose I'm old money then. I was in a fast food place the other day and had no idea I had to order at a screen instead of with a person.
WindySwede 2 years ago
Always the screen! 👍 You can se everything they have, see possible changes you can make, pricing and almost no queue there.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 2 years ago
Can confirm, exwife was a countess and this is how she reacted. Yes, literally. Expat from the EU.
tabithapaquette98 2 years ago
I love McDonald's! I have ever since I was a (poor) kid. There french fries are the best! Dang it, now I want some.
Der Kommissar 2 years ago
I have a friend who is poor but feels uncomfortable in fast food restaurants. He just thinks he's too high-class to eat at them.
#29
The thing about old money is that you probably know a lot of people from old money families, without knowing it. It isn’t flashy, the kids aren’t spoilt (or at least, are taught a solid work ethic), and in my experience it’s a lot less judgemental (seeing people/places as ‘below’ them). The reason old money exists in the first place is exactly because people aren’t flashy with it. They tend to live reasonably normal lives, it just turns out when you go round to visit they have a country manor with some horses in the stables.
Tee Rat 2 years ago
Old money families can't go out and spend at leisure. There is somebody within the family that controls the purse strings.
Supirittofurūtsu 2 years ago
I'm actually learning quite a lot of stuff on this thread. Thanks.
Load More Replies... #30
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "An overall cocky attitude — because they are new to the whole scene. Old money is often synonymous with class, style, intelligent investing, etc., while new money is typically associated with rich jackasses who buy $300,000 cars with their first large sum of money attained and make other frivolous purchases
#31
Screams new money: Diamond grills
UpupaEpops 2 years ago
Those weird bejewelled fake teeth some rappers are wearing.
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#32
Whispers old money: Taking pride in family trees and family coats of arms. Also having family coats of arms in the first place - most people either don't have that or don't know what theirs is (you'd be surprised which surnames do have one)
tony konrath 2 years ago
Only families have coats of arms. Surnames don't entitle you to use one.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
And often living in multigenerational households. There’s room for all of them in the one house—-and all the other houses.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
My family tree ends with my grandparents, it simply wasn't a consideration when they came to this country.
#33
Whispers old money: They probably own old real estate. Maybe a countryside mansion. That's probably the best symbol of it. This would of course be in addition to the hyper modern flat in the city.
#34
Whispers old money: they have more leisure time- often “flying here, boating there, visiting friends” at the most random not vacation times as other people in society.
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
Interestingly enough smart (but not rich) people holiday in off peak times too. Avoiding peaks like Christmas (or pick your countries favourite holiday) mean you save money and have less competition for seats, accommodation etc. Depends on the type of holiday of course, since you can't snow ski without snow, or lay on the beach sunbaking if it's 3 degrees.
#35
Whispers old money: Family nights out to the opera, to the childrens' performances (orchestras, choirs, ballet, etc.), and expensive family holidays skiing, safaris, etc. Much less likely to book a package holiday or cruise, more likely to arrange their own activities and stay in an expensive hotel with a lot of amenities. Quite likely to own a holiday home in a sunny country (in the UK this would usually be somewhere in Europe such as France or Spain) or a ski place, and very likely to own more than one family home in the UK. Normally this might be a place in the city (London) and a place in the country (likely Hampshire or Dorset) and they go between them. They are also likely to have some form of staff, usually not a 'full' set, but some combination of maid, gardener, cook, butler, or nanny. The children (when not at boarding school) may also have private tutors who come to their house to help them with various subjects.
#36
Whispers old money: if they are in their mid 20s (so the kids), don't know when the rush hour is, look rested (no financial stress can see it on the eyes) and are relaxed
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Like Lady Violet said in Downton Abbey, “What is a ‘weekend’?” Because every day (well, except Sunday) is a Saturday to someone like her.
#37
Whispers old money: They might know about special vineyards that make rare but not necessarily famous or particularly expensive wines. Same kind of niche preferences may apply for food, music, whatever.
#38
Screams new money: Maybe its because of where I live but those brand new lifted pickup trucks with the smoke stacks, light bars, etc. They don't scream billionaire money but when you have a 70k truck with a 12k lift kit, etc. you know the owner isn't exactly broke
Geoffrey Scott 2 years ago
If you have a 70k truck and you devalue it by putting ridiculous stacks behind the cab through the bed. Owner may not be broke, but he will be.
rumple slunkskin 2 years ago
I work at a farm supply store and these guys come in all the talking loudly about their trucks and always buy the status brands like yeti coolers and carhart t shirts. I can't decide whether to laugh or gag when I see them.
#39
WHISPERS OLD MONEY: They might be a real stickler for everyday expenses but still pay vast amounts for holidays or cars.
#40
Whispers old money: Being well read/having seen many plays and such and also if there are kids/teenagers/young adults making them idealistic and ambitious which crosses over to a naivety based in a rich upbringing
#41
Whispers old money: Family name, knowing exactly where is it that one comes from, honoring the family name.
#42
Whispers old money: Reference institutional links. For example knowing a prestigious judge, bankers or deans of universities, or with that, reference the links to OM characters as friends made through prestigious institutions like universities.
#43
Old money children will also tend to be enrolled in a lot of activities such as musical instruments with a classical focus, orchestras, ballet, and of course typical sports of the gentry such as riding, shooting, fencing, lacrosse, rugby (which originated Rugby the public school). Adult men may be members of the fox hunt and the women will usually have a wide social circle and will be in charge of making the family's social arrangements (which are many, and many of which are a formality rather than something that anyone actually want to go to).
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
Fox hunting is an abomination. And is a lot harder than you'd think. There are plenty of ways to enjoy riding cross country without hunting foxes. But before you condemn every hunt, here's a tidbit you might not know. In many cases a member of the hunt drags a fake fox scent for the hounds to follow. All the enjoyment, and the foxes can sit back and enjoy the parade.
#44
SCREAMS NEW MONEY: "New money knows what it is like to be poor or middle class.
Tee Rat 2 years ago (edited)
Old money couldn't understand the concept seeing how they've earned their wealth off the backs of the middle class and poor.
Nicole Brookus 2 years ago
And yet new money will treat members of those classes exceptionally poorly.
Shannon Mallory 2 years ago
Then why do they treat the poor and middle class people they interact with so abominably??
#45
Whispers old money: they are wearing a custom suit is to unbutton one button on the cuff of the jacket
Thierry De Saint Clar 2 years ago
Not really.In fact , those who unbutton the last cuff button want to show, that it is a custom made suit. Similarly, having a jacket lining in bright colours - pink, green, blue - that don't exist in the shops is a way of showing that you're wearing a custom made suit. Although many people do it, it goes against the old money ethos of discretion. They'll wear a custom made suit with a grey lining, and button all the sleeve buttons, even if they're functional. The real 'old money' is used to custom suits enough that he'll see the difference between a classical suit, and a custom made, anyway, without anyone trying to rub his nose in it? Karl Lagerfeld, director of Chanel, once said: "I could recognise a Cifonelli shoulder from a hundred metres away" Cifonelli makes the best made-to-measure suits in Paris.
Stay Off My Lawn 2 years ago
Excuse me while I grab some cheese to sprinkle on that word salad
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What do you think ?
SG 2 years ago (edited)
This article seems to present "old money" as classy and sophisticated without any criticism of the fact it's easy to be all of those things when you don't have any middleclass preoccupations. It just seems to underline that poor and middle class people can never even dream to belong to that class even if they do acquire wealth. Not only that, "new money" is seen in the most pejorative disdainful light because how dare they think acquiring wealth will allow them into this very elite exclusive circle that is "old money". Basically, classism wins regardless of whether or not you succeed financially, and this article very much supports that notion.
JK Rowling 2 years ago
Seriously. Just gives a big 'How DARE these people SPEND the money they have EARNED in the way THEY want!?' vibes. Also completely ignores that New Money would have been middle-lower class before coming into wealth. They don't just poof into existence.
Load More Replies...
The Short Lady 2 years ago
And, for an instant, she stared directly into those soft blue eyes and knew, with an instinctive mammalian certainty, that the exceedingly rich were no longer even remotely human. --William Gibson
Jenelen Jenelen 2 years ago
You know your country has a turbulent history when the concept of "old money vs new money" just didn't exist here. Major social, political and economical upheavals in almost every generation - oups, now all the money is new money. With all the flashy stuff that comes with it.
Joe Blowe 2 years ago
I have worked with new money and old money families. Old money families tend to dress down when they are out. New money, like it states above, flashy logos everywhere. I remember a time when the grandfather of an old money family and I went shopping and I was dressed nicer than him and I was wearing construction job clothes. Most of the store clerks ignored us until it was obvious he was going to spend 6 figures in the store. Put it all on black AmEx card without batting an eye.
Ueda 2 years ago
And there you have it in your second to last sentence. Even if they don’t dress fancy, people from rich families know they will always have people at their feet. It’s way more obscene than the behaviour of the new rich imho.
Load More Replies... D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Essentially the difference being that often (not always, we're talking trends here) each 'type' behaves in a way that reflects how the wealth was obtained - and if it's truly old money, chances are everyone was raised (or attempted to raise) to uphold their internal family 'tradition' (no, I don't mean that odd thing that's a family quirk... I mean things like being polite - maybe overly so, even when it's ineffectual - or staying 'classy'' - doesn't always work, of course - however, a massive factor is, of course, time. New money acts like a bunch of trash? Yeah... they're new? They haven't had generations and generations to have the embarrassment of their actions come back to smack them and have them go "oh, maybe we should try to stop that" - haven't had a chance to 'settle in' to the new way of being... not terribly surprising (still annoying, just not surprising)
Gene Perry 2 years ago
Old Money: Family Names. Passed on through generations. Winston III. No new trendy names. Old Money kids are not named apple or Banjo.
Stay Off My Lawn 2 years ago
Old money: “Have you ever tried not being poor?” New money: “I got mine, you better figure out to get yours.” No money: *makes dank memes about the Titanic tour submarine*
SG 2 years ago (edited)
This article seems to present "old money" as classy and sophisticated without any criticism of the fact it's easy to be all of those things when you don't have any middleclass preoccupations. It just seems to underline that poor and middle class people can never even dream to belong to that class even if they do acquire wealth. Not only that, "new money" is seen in the most pejorative disdainful light because how dare they think acquiring wealth will allow them into this very elite exclusive circle that is "old money". Basically, classism wins regardless of whether or not you succeed financially, and this article very much supports that notion.
JK Rowling 2 years ago
Seriously. Just gives a big 'How DARE these people SPEND the money they have EARNED in the way THEY want!?' vibes. Also completely ignores that New Money would have been middle-lower class before coming into wealth. They don't just poof into existence.
Load More Replies... The Short Lady 2 years ago
And, for an instant, she stared directly into those soft blue eyes and knew, with an instinctive mammalian certainty, that the exceedingly rich were no longer even remotely human. --William Gibson
Jenelen Jenelen 2 years ago
You know your country has a turbulent history when the concept of "old money vs new money" just didn't exist here. Major social, political and economical upheavals in almost every generation - oups, now all the money is new money. With all the flashy stuff that comes with it.
Joe Blowe 2 years ago
I have worked with new money and old money families. Old money families tend to dress down when they are out. New money, like it states above, flashy logos everywhere. I remember a time when the grandfather of an old money family and I went shopping and I was dressed nicer than him and I was wearing construction job clothes. Most of the store clerks ignored us until it was obvious he was going to spend 6 figures in the store. Put it all on black AmEx card without batting an eye.
Ueda 2 years ago
And there you have it in your second to last sentence. Even if they don’t dress fancy, people from rich families know they will always have people at their feet. It’s way more obscene than the behaviour of the new rich imho.
Load More Replies... D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Essentially the difference being that often (not always, we're talking trends here) each 'type' behaves in a way that reflects how the wealth was obtained - and if it's truly old money, chances are everyone was raised (or attempted to raise) to uphold their internal family 'tradition' (no, I don't mean that odd thing that's a family quirk... I mean things like being polite - maybe overly so, even when it's ineffectual - or staying 'classy'' - doesn't always work, of course - however, a massive factor is, of course, time. New money acts like a bunch of trash? Yeah... they're new? They haven't had generations and generations to have the embarrassment of their actions come back to smack them and have them go "oh, maybe we should try to stop that" - haven't had a chance to 'settle in' to the new way of being... not terribly surprising (still annoying, just not surprising)
Gene Perry 2 years ago
Old Money: Family Names. Passed on through generations. Winston III. No new trendy names. Old Money kids are not named apple or Banjo.
Stay Off My Lawn 2 years ago
Old money: “Have you ever tried not being poor?” New money: “I got mine, you better figure out to get yours.” No money: *makes dank memes about the Titanic tour submarine*
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