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What does "Wealth" mean to you

(45 Posts)
LilCatMomma83 Fri 23-Aug-24 11:58:12

The recent tragic sinking of a yacht and loss of so many lives got me thinking - even the wealthiest on the planet are not immune to tragedy. Let's be honest - most of us buy a Lotto ticket and hope....but actually what does "wealth" mean to you. I am financially comfortable - not "wealthy" as in multi millionaire status but after a lifetime of hard work, sacrifices and saving, I'm reaping the benefits of not worrying if I want to turn the heating up a notch. I have my health and my cats so that makes me "rich" as in happy and fulfilled. What's your take on "wealth" - is it financial or a richness of spirit and a well lived life?

Aveline Fri 23-Aug-24 12:12:28

I don't know. I'm content. Like many people we sometimes play the 'what if I won a million' game. I don't honestly know what I'd do if I did win such an amount. I can't imagine what it would've like to have such colossal fortunes as people I read about. So I must be wealthy in a way. Just content.

Oreo Fri 23-Aug-24 12:12:28

Wealth is usually understood to be having loads of money and valuables and property.
It doesn’t of itself bring happiness or contentment of course.
I could do with a bit more dosh tbh but am pretty contented all things considered.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 23-Aug-24 12:25:57

Wealth to me is my health along with the health and happiness of my family.

We are fortunate that our AC are working and financially stable, as are we.

If I were to win the lottery not sure what or how much difference it would make to my life going forward.

pascal30 Fri 23-Aug-24 12:33:42

wealth for me is having sufficient to be able to live simply but well and to be able to follow my interests.. this relies more on staying healthy and fit enough to do those really than having loads of money, which I've never had or wanted.

00opsidia Fri 23-Aug-24 12:38:36

True wealth is having all the things money can't buy, such as peace and love and enough leisure time to do what you want, whether that's enjoying things you have worked hard for with the ones you love, or on your own.

Sarnia Fri 23-Aug-24 12:40:05

I felt like a millionairess when I looked around at so many of my family all being together for a week this summer. Everyone of us healthy and enjoying life. I have never been dazzled by celebrity or wealth. It seems a shallow world to live in. Give me my family every time.

00opsidia Fri 23-Aug-24 12:49:05

True about health Sarnia.

There is nothing I'd replace than health, true joy and love. I have never been dazzled by celebrity or wealth either.

Cabbie21 Fri 23-Aug-24 12:53:24

I had the same thoughts as the OP when I heard of the yacht sinking.
In financial terms, I consider myself sufficiently comfortable, not wealthy, but it is all relative.
I have always lived fairly frugally, having had little money growing up and in much of my adult life, so I don’t spend without careful thought.
I don’t know what I would do with lottery winnings, not that I do the lottery. Give it away, probably.

I agree that health and family are more important than wealth.

keepingquiet Fri 23-Aug-24 13:52:04

My health is my wealth. However rich you are ill health is going to get you at some point.
I don't know if I am the only person rather tired of the media coverage of this tragedy, as if other people don't drown in small boats almost every day...

Norah Fri 23-Aug-24 13:57:52

Being happily married, good health, ability to afford what we wish to have - private medical care. food, our home interior temperature, paid help for tasks. Lovely children and grandchildren.

Judy54 Fri 23-Aug-24 14:07:48

Wealth can mean different things to different people. To me it is not about money and possessions but the people in my life. The greatest richness of all is to love and to be loved.

00opsidia Fri 23-Aug-24 14:21:34

A clear conscience is priceless.

AGAA4 Fri 23-Aug-24 14:27:31

If I consider just the money and assets side then I am not wealthy but have enough for my needs. Being wealthy to me means having a lot more than you actually need.
As others have said I value my family and health way above money.

Chocolatelovinggran Fri 23-Aug-24 16:57:31

I agree that true wealth is more than money, but that doesn't mean that money isn't important.
I have known tough times, as have many others here on GN, I'm sure.
I am happy to have reached a time when I no longer live in fear of an unexpected bill, and don't worry if the car develops a rattle, or something breaks ( kettle this week).
The freedom from anxiety about my finances makes me feel wealthy, although I continue to be thrifty rather than profligate, except for grandchildren expenses, of course...

JamesandJon33 Fri 23-Aug-24 17:05:34

Wealth, with a capital W, is money to enable you to do or be whatever you want.

Wealth for me, is enough to live without too much worry. My family, friends and DH and my good health. I ask for no more.
If , however I won a substantial amount, my children would get most of it.

NotSpaghetti Fri 23-Aug-24 17:08:00

Wealth is money/posessions in my thinking. I would never say "that man is wealthy" if he was struggling to buy food (even if he had an abundance of love at home).

If I wanted to use the word "wealth" some other way I'd have to clarify with other words.

Iam64 Fri 23-Aug-24 17:11:42

Interesting comments here. Initially I was reflecting on being fortunate to own my house and have a works pension after working long year to build it.
I’m rich in my two daughters, their chikdren, partners family and friends.
I was wealthy beyond measure in my 42 years with mr I. I thank heavens we had so many happy, interesting years together and got even closer as we aged. I have health stuff that made me believe my strong, healthy happy husband would long outlive me. It’s 22 months since he died. I count my many blessings and live positively. but there’s a big gap in my life where I wish he was 💙🙏🏽

janeainsworth Fri 23-Aug-24 17:33:52

It’s interesting how few people call themselves ‘wealthy’ when it’s used in its literal, financial sense, even if other people might consider them so.
It’s almost as if they’re ashamed of it, and the most they’ll admit to is being ‘comfortably off’.
But it’s a comparative and subjective term. My neighbour might think I’ve got enough money and assets to be considered wealthy, but someone else living in a bigger house and with a flashier car than me, might think I wasn’t wealthy at all.
Rachel Reeves obviously considers any old person not on Pension Credit to be a ‘wealthy pensioner’ who won’t notice the disappearance of their Winter Fuel Allowance, but many people would disagree with her!

mumofmadboys Fri 23-Aug-24 17:39:24

To me wealth means having choice.

dogsmother Fri 23-Aug-24 17:41:43

My goodness I’d love a go at being stinking rich with cash…….enough to have a huge house and garden in a setting of my choice. Multiple choice of vehicles too. Enough to but the latest of whatever.
But as I have a comfy little home a wonderful family who are nearby and all secure and happy too I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world.

silverlining48 Fri 23-Aug-24 17:44:52

I was just about to say that too mumofmadboys. Choice.

Babs03 Fri 23-Aug-24 18:25:46

I equate wealth with having loads of money.
We are not wealthy but happy enough with what we have.
I suppose there are a lot of rich people who are unhappy but tbh are a lot of poor people who are unhappy too and am sure they’d rather be unhappy in a mansion with staff catering to their every need.

AGAA4 Fri 23-Aug-24 18:32:52

Iam64

Interesting comments here. Initially I was reflecting on being fortunate to own my house and have a works pension after working long year to build it.
I’m rich in my two daughters, their chikdren, partners family and friends.
I was wealthy beyond measure in my 42 years with mr I. I thank heavens we had so many happy, interesting years together and got even closer as we aged. I have health stuff that made me believe my strong, healthy happy husband would long outlive me. It’s 22 months since he died. I count my many blessings and live positively. but there’s a big gap in my life where I wish he was 💙🙏🏽

💐 I have a gap too.

rafichagran Fri 23-Aug-24 18:51:45

Not wealthy in the financial sense, but do not worry about heating or food.
I own my house and have a older car which enables me to see my Grandchildren, I consider myself lucky. My new state pension and occupational pension takes pressure of me.