Money Talks, Wealth Whispers
There are two types of rich people– the ones who love to show off their money and the others who live a pretty basic life. For example, the Kardashians and Warren Buffet lead very different lifestyles.
Case 1.
“I live in a neighborhood where you can play “millionaire or homeless.” If you see someone on the streets that looks slovenly, even if they are stinky-drunk and on a bender, it’s a coin toss if they are a millionaire or homeless.
The tell-tale sign is the teeth. Always the teeth.
I played this game the other day at the park with my wife. I guessed that the haggard old lady was a millionaire based on the teeth. I almost had doubt here. She had sun damaged skin, stained and worn joggers and dirty distressed sneakers. My wife pointed out that the shoes are some fashionable brand I’ve never heard of and sell for over $1,000. They come distressed and dirty.”
Case 2.
“I live in a city full of wealthy landowners, and let me tell, you, you’ll never see the rich folks flaunt their wealth, they always wear the simplest clothes, and wear only a watch ( a simple necklace if they’re women), but the moment you meet them, you know they’re rich without them having to show it to you.”
Case 3.
“They spend money if it saves them time. Time is more valuable than money.”
Case 4.
“In a church setting, the person will use an envelope and discreetly place it in the dish. Other people will make a show of openly their wallets.”
Case 5.
“I’ve heard it said, a wealthy person doesn’t need everyone in the room to know he is wealthy.”
Case 6.
“They will never complain about the cost of something, but will nitpick the quality of work to death.”
Case 7.
“Rich people (and wannabe rich) buy T Shirts with big bold letters of designer brands to broadcast they spent $500 for their shirt. Wealthy people might buy the same brand shirt as the rich guy but it has no logos.”
Case 8.
I’m on the Bogleheads forum, which is the best place anyone trying to find investing success should be on. Almost everyone over there is worth $5 mil or more yet drives a 12 year old used car because they know that frugality and avoiding debt and living beneath one’s means while always investing in index funds is the way to wealth.
Case 9.
“Their skin. If you see someone with amazing skin and teeth chances are they can afford to take care of it. Atleast thats one subtle sign in the Philippines.”
“They have good, healthy food — always. Healthy, quality food costs a LOT of money.”
Case 10.
“They don’t brag about their money. Mostly because there are loads of people who are gold diggers and will expect them to pay for their stuff. Knew a millionaire who was sick and tired of being invited out to lunch but he was expected to pay the bill, long story short he lost a lot of friends when he refused.”
Case 11.
“Not even asking to look at luxury items or asking the price, just wanting to buy.
My God Sister was friends with a princess, one day they went shopping while the princess was on the downlow and she had to buy presents for her friends. They went to a luxury store where she just pointed out the stuff she wanted and the staff looked at her and laughed, she tried to buy again and they told her she “may want to look in her price range” as soon as they found out who she was they basically all shat themselves
(no idk who she is, I remember I was told the name but I can’t remember her for the life of me and this was years ago).”
Case 12.
“I live in an area in the U.K. where everyone is wealthy. Landowners, financiers etc. Let me tell you, the richer they are the more busted their car is, they get it fixed but won’t buy a new one. Usually hoarders of some capacity, clothes are just kinda shabby and they have all the time in the world to pursue what actually interests them and that’s normally something niche that costs a bit to maintain the hobby. The more busted they look the richer they are usually.”
The phrase "money talks and wealth whispers" conveys the idea that people with significant wealth or money have a way of exerting influence and power in various situations. The phrase highlights the difference in how money and wealth are used to achieve certain objectives.
"Money talks" suggests that money can be used openly and directly to achieve desired outcomes. It implies that individuals or entities with substantial financial resources can use their money to get things done, influence decisions, or gain advantages in business, politics, or other aspects of life.
On the other hand, "wealth whispers" implies a more discreet or subtle use of influence. Wealthy individuals may not openly flaunt their riches but can still exert significant power through connections, networks, and behind-the-scenes influence. They may use their wealth to build relationships, support causes, or foster connections that can indirectly lead to favorable outcomes.
The phrase suggests that both money and wealth can be powerful tools, but they are wielded differently – one overtly, and the other more subtly. It's a commentary on the impact of financial resources in various spheres of life.