You hit the right button on the right nail, if that means anything. You are absolutely on the same wave length I am on when it comes to wealth and all its bells and whistles. I’m glad you can see the illusions that many people who are rich can portray. They are living a fantasy.

These types of people act like they have everything and they probably do. But when a recession hits the fan, you will see which ones survive.

I am reminded of a businessman I saw on TV from somewhere in USA. He was earning a salary of about 700,00 a year with a beautiful mansion and rich lifestyle and all its trimmings. But when he lost his job he was now earning an measely wage delivering pizzas to customers. He was bearly surviving.

However Neil I am also mindful of the humble wealthy rich people who help others to build enthusiasm and who change the world. These are the type of people I like to rub shoulders with.
Helping destitute people will bring joy and definately happiness in your life. I have proven this works many times over. There is something that affects the human soul when goodness is shared around.
This brings me to the story of John D Rockerfellow. He was very rich and wealthy and a philanthropist. He had accumulated so much wealth to the point when he ended up in hospital during his 60′s. He could only drink milk and eat bread. At this point in his life he decided to start using his wealth to the benefit of others.
Because of his enormous philanthropy work he lived to 98 years old. What a testament to the phrase:”When you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your god”. Mosiah 2:17.
As to the living lifestyle. My home is a humble 3 bedroom home. Needs some repair here and there, but its only a house. What I have built over the years in my humble home is the rich spirit my wife and I have shared with my children with song, fun games and gatherings of all our close friends that mean a great deal to us. We read good books that sparkle the soul with richness. Positivity is my trademark I live each day coupled with service to others.Families are Forever is our motto.

Thanks again Neil for reminding me of who I am

Richard

Taxes will kill you alone, and once you start getting all those nice things, you will always want nicer things.

Some people spend all their money trying to look rich, the others just put it aware to build real wealth.

Funny thing is, if you understand the concept of Wholesale & Retails, these people trying to look rich are buying their stuff at Retails that if they tried to resell it a few days later they would experience a 30-50% drop in value.

The may be on good incomes but it you turn the income off they would only last a couple of weeks before the debt starts eating them alive.

Its a mindset, and I know some truly wealth people and some celebrities that are down to earth and humble and the best thing you can do it treat them like a wonderful person as its different from everyone else kissing up.

Like you say Neil, no use in spending all your income on a lifestyle, because in a few years time that income may cease and you’ll be left with nothing.

Much smarter to build long term wealth, so that if income were to cease tomorrow that person would be in a much better position…

My goal is to live of interest and spend it on hobbies. If I have the money to live in those lavish homes and it is less than the interest I am earning from my money then I will do it.

I think this is a smart way to live!