I’d rather be rich than not, but I disagree with your premise because money alone cannot make your life fulfilling. And while people speak out comfort and security wherever they go, without fulfillment it is not a life well lived.

Mostly I feel wealth is often wasted on people with little to no character, who squander the gift of financial security because they do not understand how to live lives rich with meaning. Even much of the charitable work rich people do is done out of insecurity and this not as fulfilling or meaningful for them as it could be. If you spend a lot of time around wealthy people, you discover many of them are quite troubled, using their wealth to numb or hide deep damage instead of processing it so they can transcend it.

In this way, I have met people who are not wealthy who truly are happier and more fulfilled than many of the rich people I’ve met. Could these people be even happier if they did not have to worry about mortgages or rent, stress about providing for their kids, or could live out their dearest fantasies of travel or charitable work? Sure. But they are still happier than many rich people, indicating that it is strong character, a purpose, the ability to self motivate and problem solve, that is the true key to happiness. Not wealth.

Wealth is very nice though. Just not meaningful after your basic needs are met (including the basic need for comfort and leisure).

Anonymous wrote:There's plenty of rich people with screwed up kids, drug addictions, infidelity, depression, suicide, etc.

There's also plenty of poor people with screwed up kids, drug addictions, infidelity, depression, suicide, etc. Now back the topic of downsides of having money ...

Anonymous wrote:I will say this: there are lot of things money can but, some things it cannot.

Yes, but that is a reality of life, not a downside of having money.

There's plenty of rich people with screwed up kids, drug addictions, infidelity, depression, suicide, etc.

Yawn. In other news, it turns out that it's better to be healthy than sick, and most people actually would prefer to be younger than older.

One of the downsides to having money is that everyone all around is constantly begging for money. When you have a lot, you spend a huge amount of time blocking and fending off requests for money. Most people with a lot of money donate to charities at some level and once you do, you get on lists and many charities sell their lists and you get harrassed and hounded by every means possible for donations, support, etc. In addition, family and friends always think you are a source for "loans" which in reality are gifts. Sometimes it's hard to know who are friends for your money and who are not. How much do you spend on family? When is enough, enough?

Trying to balance your own life vs being the life preserver for everyone within 3 degrees of separation is time consuming and sometimes hard to navigate.

Being wealthy while working 90 hours a week? Count me out. Being wealthy due to inherited wealth or other means and only working part time? Sign me up.

I will say this: there are lot of things money can but, some things it cannot.

Doesn't it depend on how you came upon your fortune? If you are talking great wealth with no strings attached, count me in.

Anonymous wrote:The only possible downside is maybe worrying people are only friends or getting involved with you for your money. Of course, if you're super rich maybe you don't care. In any event, I think the point in the last sentence of your first paragraph is really important and means a lot

But rich people rarely mingle with or befriend poor people so there’s little chance of making an acquaintance with someone who could use you for your wealth.

Yep

^edit I meant third paragraph.

Being rich doesn't solve all of your problems but it solves a lot of them.

The only possible downside is maybe worrying people are only friends or getting involved with you for your money. Of course, if you're super rich maybe you don't care. In any event, I think the point in the last sentence of your first paragraph is really important and means a lot

People with limited financial means final various creative ways to mentally come to terms with not having money. They justify their less than luxurious existence by claiming nobility in the struggle for survival in this world. They say that more money creates or what have you.

But truly, the rich live better lives than the rest of us. They get better life experiences whether it be living in a nicer neighborhood, mingling with more educated and cultured people, have access to the best the world has to offer, attain the best educational opportunities for their children and themselves, wear them best quality clothes and eat then eat food.

In addition, the casual confidence with which they roam the earth knowing that no matter the misfortune that befalls them, they have the resources and networks in place to rise to the occasion.

What can really be the downside?We are all just spinning out wheels trying to make our miserable existence bearable.