I'm sort of (really a lot) fascinated by how people spend their money
I've been spending a fair amount of time lately browsing realtor.com and utahrealestate.com. Last night I found this little number for sale in Alpine, UT.
Dang it. I don't know how to make these images larger. Can anyone advise me? Seriously, though, check out this palatial residence. Look at the pantry, the master closet, the laundry room. The house has 28,000 square feet, a ballroom, a Louis Vuitton chandelier. I am fascinated.
Tell me you're not fascinated and don't want to know more about these people.
Also, not to draw comparisons or be judgmental, but I'm also fascinated by the rich person in this scenario: anonymous donor gives $100 million to charities in Erie, PA, population of 102,000. Wow.
Incidentally, if any of you are ever bugged or offended because I like to talk about money and watch what people do with their money, I'm sorry. But if by chance you think people should be more open about money because half the universe doesn't know what they're doing and could use some frank discussion and tips, and because it's a fascinating topic, I'd love to talk. I seriously love the observations brought about by money. It is (cannot justify finding a different adjective to use here) fascinating!
Not that I necessarily love money or am obsessed with it, but I would rather watch the pundits analyze the stock market than watch HGTV. Which is probably why I don't know how to rearrange furniture. So when we make an offer on that house (we'll probably low-ball it, see what they say), will somebody come over and help me decorate the library and the music room?
Dang it. I don't know how to make these images larger. Can anyone advise me? Seriously, though, check out this palatial residence. Look at the pantry, the master closet, the laundry room. The house has 28,000 square feet, a ballroom, a Louis Vuitton chandelier. I am fascinated.
Tell me you're not fascinated and don't want to know more about these people.
Also, not to draw comparisons or be judgmental, but I'm also fascinated by the rich person in this scenario: anonymous donor gives $100 million to charities in Erie, PA, population of 102,000. Wow.
Incidentally, if any of you are ever bugged or offended because I like to talk about money and watch what people do with their money, I'm sorry. But if by chance you think people should be more open about money because half the universe doesn't know what they're doing and could use some frank discussion and tips, and because it's a fascinating topic, I'd love to talk. I seriously love the observations brought about by money. It is (cannot justify finding a different adjective to use here) fascinating!
Not that I necessarily love money or am obsessed with it, but I would rather watch the pundits analyze the stock market than watch HGTV. Which is probably why I don't know how to rearrange furniture. So when we make an offer on that house (we'll probably low-ball it, see what they say), will somebody come over and help me decorate the library and the music room?
Comments
I agree with you--a lifestyle like that is very intriging to me and I'm always curious how they make their money, etc.
And before you "move on up" to this mansion, could you email me your current address? I'm trying to update my address book for Christmas cards--my email is dixonha@cox.net
And I don't think anyone is offended with generic money talk. I like that you are frank with friends about how to have a budget, etc. People who are looking for help know where to turn. You should charge a one-time service fee. And put that in the budget.
If you bought that house you could throw a Sound of Music-style ball and wave goodbye to your guests from the top of the staircase.
I'm fascinated by the way people spend their money, too--and am trying to turn that same fiscal attention to my own spending. I've been thinking a lot lately about living (and spending) deliberately. I guess it's easy to look at that palatial estate and think, "what a selfish indulgence! And to think that money could have gone to philanthropy!" -- but i think it's equally important that we analyze our own spending (ie the little ticky tacky treasures I "can't resist" at Target) I know that's on a much smaller scale, are the principles not the same? I dunno. Just food for thought. I'm here. Let's talk money. (although, i'm not sure I can keep up with you and the pundits; I like HGTV :)
That house was molding run amok and I don't think my sofa would exactly fit in with the French chateau decor.
Why are they selling? Maybe they over built????
Let's just hope we are all donating to charities, too.
And you are awesome with money and we love that you love the pundits!
On the other hand, "Anonymous Friend" has the right idea.
On a more serious note, seeing such ridiculous purchases like this one does make me scrutinize how I spend my money, and it makes me feel better to know that even if I did have enough money to do something like this I never would. I don't want to have to use an intercom to find my husband in my own house.
But the benefits are great.
Anyway, does anyone know if the watermelon comes with the fridge?
Most people don't want to talk about money and sex because they are spending too much of one and are afraid they're not having enough of the other. True? True.
p.s. On an unrelated note... Did you start a book group? Is there room for one more? It's worth an ask, I figure.
FYI, I calculated the mortgage payments & they'd be just over $85,000 a month. I don't even want to think about what it costs to heat the place. . .
Chelle (Cjane and I spoke kindly of you last night and I now know your name is pronounced like Shellie), there is a group of cool girls who have talked about doing an online sort of book club, although it hasn't really taken off yet. You are certainly welcome and can go here for a little more info. We're reading The History of Love. However, I would still really, really love to get a meet-in-person-have-lunch-and-discuss kind of monthly book club going. It would be fun to do it with you!
Neil, that was a lovely song. What does it mean?
Natalie, absolutely! I'm a good budgeter. Email me if you want some tips, seriously. emilygcraig@hotmail.com.
Alyssa, yeah, that's probably why Steve was right and we'd have to flip the house fast. We'd probably default on the mortgage in the first month.
Everybody else, your comments and opinions and conversation are always delightful to come upon. Thanks! Now (as I wave from the balcony), "Good-BBBBYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Just call me Leisel.
The largest home I have ever been in was 12,000 square feet and it felt like you would never find the end of it. This one is more than twice as big. You'd need a Segway just to get around the interior.