Perceptions and attitudes to wealth creation

I would say most on here have positive perceptions and are quite encouraging of people's efforts to create wealth. How do you find this sits within your world?
For example I feel that it is ok to tell friends I am raising money for charity or training for a marathon - this is perceived by them as honourable. However, saying that I am looking to start a business to increase my income is perceived as selfish and something you shouldn't share.

 

For me personally I'm not interested in and actively avoid socializing with ppl of that mindset.

 

Leo that is exactly where I am at, at the moment. I have and am pulling away from those people.

 

I understand that mate and imo it's quite a normal thing to go through. The people we mix with regularly enough most definitely have an impact on our thoughts, behaviours, and most importantly of all, on our attitude.

 

Agree.

That and the invariable negative response as to why you shouldn't be investing in XYZ.

 

I for one delayed an investing journey mainly because I didn't have the knowledge or confidence. I was also wasting time and money for many years helping an ex with a business. I wish I had put that energy into building wealth through property. It would have been much less stressful.

My perspective now is to carefully share what I am doing. If people then genuinely express an interest in my investing, they will gradually ask more and I will share more about my journey. I'm just trying to help friends / family / colleagues help themselves, but I'm careful who I talk to about it.

 

I get asked about how many I own. I politely refuse to say now, and explain it's not a matter of trust nor that it's a secret, but rather it's not constructive or purposeful for anyone else to know.

 

Who cares what anyone thinks about your wealth building motives. If you want to get ahead then take action.

 

So how many, go on, you can tell us!

 

I'd rather not say as it's not a matter of trust nor that it's a secret, but rather it's not constructive or purposeful for anyone else to know.

 

i agree with you, for most people it's seen as bragging and even though they want to know the green eyed monster comes out.

In PC though I think it's different. We are all like minded, and people see numbers as making it tangible. If you said you had 50+ houses, then my reaction would be wow that's great, from reading your post the other day I understand you bought half and then built an extra house per property. It'd walk away thinking great that you achieved X homes and that affords you X income, I could do this too. It might be rude, but PC allows you to ask info you might be too shy to ask someone normally.

 

I think that is a very good point you raise @Owlet and something I have definitely experienced, I think sometimes it is people projecting their own fear/failings/inaction onto you. Also, perhaps they have a competitive 'scarcity' mentality rather than an 'abundance' mentality (i.e. you can be successful and so can I, there is enough to go around for all!)

The thing that most resonated with me when I first started reading on this forum is the overwhelmingly positive encouragement from others, both ahead and behind me on their investment journey. People trying to help each other figure out how to do achieve their goals rather than telling them all the reasons they can't/won't/shouldn't even try.

 

I'm at this stage now with family. The mrs tries to talk to her fam and I've told her to give up. They know what we're doing and if they want to learn or genuinely interested its all good. It's not worth the negativity or defending what we are doing to get ahead. Jealousy and lack of understanding plays a big part.
With friends i am reluctant. Some want to get started but haven't shown me any actual inclination to them starting

 

Sometimes people's perception of money can be based on fear and false pretenses. You can't afford to allow that to derail you and drag you down.
I used to walk away in the past but now I prefer to just have an attempt to bring people up by defining a definition of wealth that is positive.
Wealth = creating value x doing it for as many people as possible.

Have a listen to this, the speech within the book, it's a great outlook on wealth:

 

i think it's a fine line, here we are all interested in creating wealth via property, however in the real world not many will share this interest or passion.
Unfortunately, Enthusiasm and passion may also be perceived as gloating, bragging.....

We don't discuss assets etc. with family or friends, most would not be interested so why bore them.

Also on the flip side if all our friends shared our mindset/philosophy with regards to wealth creation would not necessarily make for harmonious relationships, it could actually lead to competition. Have seen this dynamic many times, we humans are a strange lot.

I really like having a mixture of friends who don't give a rats about investing, money etc, I find it helps to keep me grounded.

mtr

 

My family, friends (and most are left wing) are immensely pleased at my success. I don't hide stuff from them, if they ask, I tell them. This idea that someone is considered selfish for wanting to get ahead makes me shake my head.

 

Many people I know would love to start a business to increase their income, some already have a side business so I don't see an issue on that front. Are your friends the type who would think that you are selfish or is it mainly your fear? How you think they they would react might be different to how they would. Sometimes people can surprise you too, in a good way

I mention properties to some colleagues, to one that is interested and only when asked (i was looking stressed on tenant arrears). Family are not really interested and I dont really want them to know in details.

 

Oh it's definitely not something I'd hold back here on PC. I actually updated a post on the introductions page as a yearly update that I hold 8 properties now.
I think the crowd here are supportive and either keen to mentor or willing to listen and learn. It's a great place to be for property investing.

 

Other than here; I choose very carefully who I reveal what we do (don't do that much; but more than most Average Joes)...for some reason we have a healthy (?) tall poppy/resentment of the rich culture in Aus....

I have given up trying to help folks with their financial (and golf) situation because in many cases they don't really want to listen (unless they seek you out and ask the questions) and/or do the hard yards....many just want the immediate miracle cure.

 

These days i say nothing!!