The "Old Money" Value: Privacy

You have the same options with your purchases and what you show, or don’t show, to the public. If you show nothing, people know nothing. They can speculate that you were raised well by the vocabulary use and the manners you exhibit. They can imagine that you have good taste as they size up a classic, quality wardrobe that changes little over time. But they will, in the end, probably have little real idea about the money you do or do not have just bey looking at you.

Good. This is a real advantage, not just for those of you trying to avoid the attention of criminals: people will most likely judge you for who you are, not what you have. Merit and sincerity will trump material possessions and ‘status’, whatever that is. People will be more curious about the book you’re reading rather than the label you’re wearing. Conversations will center around current events and ideas, rather than gossip and shopping.

Friends of mine who’ve ditched the latest fashions and sold the expensive sports cars have commented on the slow, subtle, but very rewarding shift in their lives: they attract less immediate attention from the public, but more enduring relationships from fewer, more interesting people. They’ve also learned no small amount about themselves.

As one of the commented recently, tongue firmly planted in cheek, “Being private can be so revealing.”

About Byron Tully (right)

Grandson of a newspaper publisher and son of an oil industry executive, Byron Tully is an author who also writes for the entertainment industry. His nonfiction debut, "The Old Money Book," was published in April of 2013 to excellent reviews and enjoys consistently strong sales worldwide. His other works include "The Old Money Guide To Marriage", "Old Money, New Woman: How To Manage Your Money and Your Life", and "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition".

Byron regularly contributes to its blog, www.theoldmoneybook.com, which has been visited by over 1 million readers since 2014.

In February of 2020, "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition" was published by Acorn Street Press. This fourth book in the Old Money series reveals the fundamentals of dressing well in a classic and timeless style. In November of 2020, Byron published a 2nd Edition of "The Old Money Book", which expands on his original classic. This 2nd Edition includes vital information and insights for readers as they navigate a very different, post-pandemic world.

Byron speaks frequently about the culture and values of Old Money. He has been interviewed by KABC New York's Financial Quarterback Show, The Huffington Post, and The Simple Dollar, among others.

He lives in Paris and is happily married to an Old Money Gal from Boston.