Of course, I’d do all the obvious things, such as getting a bigger house, a newer car, and quitting work, but beyond that, I have no interest in an extravagant lifestyle—or at least that’s what I tell myself.
By a bigger house, I mean one typical of upper-middle-class living. I’ve watched plenty of videos of people touring million-dollar mansions, and they all look too big, open, and sterile to me. I’ve seen cozier tiny homes than those. And by a newer car, I mean a 2017 model or so instead of the 2007 one I drive now.
Really, give me a nice cottage by the lake with some land and a big garage for all my tools and toys, and I’m all set. I much prefer the idea of “hidden wealth” over showing it off. I’m just kind of worried that I wouldn’t be able to live up to my own expectations if push comes to shove, and there’s really no way of testing that. Am I just kidding myself here?
I feel the same way about fame. Many people aspire to become successful YouTubers or such, but the idea of people recognizing me on the street sounds awful.
Definitions matter, 18% of American households are millionaires. Many of them live just as you describe.
Ultra wealthy is likely much higher. Let’s say $100 million or more. This is unlikely to happen overnight (in the literal sense.)
I don’t see how it wouldn’t change you. Even giving the money away would change your time use. (If I gave away $10 million, I would be checking on how it is used. And be very critical.)
Even just removing annoyances will change you. A nicer car, then why deal with traffic. Food prep turns into no going to the store, which turns into not knowing about advances in checkout scanners (see George HW Bush during some election.)
Maybe it is not your not changing. The world always changes. Will you change with it?