The cold reality "Old Money" knows only too well

Photo: Ali Gordon ©Aligordon

In public, be discreet. Don’t brag. Avoid bling. Shift the conversation away from yourself. Ask others what’s new with them. Make every attempt in public to act like nothing has changed. Be slow to acquire new material possessions. If you buy new clothes, make sure they whisper Quality and don’t scream New Money. (If you’ve inherited your new-found wealth, don’t say a word about it to anyone. It’s not your place, since you didn’t earn it.)

And now, take stock of how you’re going to share your good news, and with whom, and when…or if at all. Remember, one of the most flattering comments someone can ever make about you is: “Wow. I didn’t know he had that much money.”

Inevitably, people you’ve confided in will spill the beans, despite the best of intentions and the most solemn of oaths. They’re human. Forgive them. Expectations and requests will be put forth, either subtly or boldly, when others find out. Part of your evolution will be in learning to handle these as diplomatically and effectively as you’ve handled your challenges in the business world.

And if you’re ever at a loss, you can always reach out to me. Been there, done that, and, in this regard, not much I haven’t seen.

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.