What do wealthy people buy, that ordinary people know nothing about? (2015)

What the Question Misses

• Many argue the prompt is misframed: there aren’t many “secret products” the ultra‑rich buy that others haven’t heard of.
• The real differences are in how money is used: time, freedom, access, staff, and insulation from hassle and consequences, not exotic gadgets.

Spectrum of Wealthy Lifestyles

• Commenters describe a range: some billionaires live modestly and avoid attention; others (or their heirs) are entitled, ostentatious, and destructive.
• “Old money” culture often downplays visible wealth (old Volvos, plain clothes), while still quietly spending on elite schools, legacy vacation homes, and private travel.
• Several mention the “third‑generation curse”: founders are frugal, their children mixed, grandchildren often spoiled.

Access, Staff, and Problem‑Solving

• Key differentiator: access. Calls get returned, doors open, politicians and CEOs take meetings.
• At higher tiers, “family offices” and concierge services pay bills, manage investments, book travel, and smooth logistics; some see this as “Being Rich as a Service.”
• Wealth buys people more than things: housekeepers, nannies/governesses, drivers, chefs, lawyers, “fixers.” Problems are delegated instead of personally handled.
• In some countries, even middle‑class households employ multiple domestic workers; there’s debate whether this is necessary support or status‑driven exploitation.

Goods, Experiences, and Status

• Ultra‑rich do buy jets, yachts, art, multiple vacation homes, private concerts, day‑and‑date home cinema, VIP Disney tours, private museum and theme‑park access.
• High‑end hotels (Four Seasons, St. Regis, etc.) are seen less as better rooms and more as “say it once and it happens” service.
• Yet many point out rich and upper‑middle class share the same consumer tech; smartphones are a great leveller.
• Expensive goods often shift quickly from “better” to mostly positional: paying for brand, exclusivity, and social signaling.

Time, Work, and Financial Freedom

• For some, real wealth starts when you no longer need to sell time for money and can walk away from bad jobs or situations.
• A few describe modest net worth (low 7–8 figures) as enough to stop working, live comfortably, and “not care what others think.”
• Others note many billionaires never stop working, have messy personal lives, and feel trapped managing money and businesses.

Love, Happiness, and Limits of Money

• Several argue money can’t buy love, youth, or health; others counter that wealth can heavily improve odds via therapy, coaching, healthcare, and flexible time.
• There’s sharp disagreement over “money doesn’t buy happiness”: some call it cope for the poor; others say money buys comfort and options, not guaranteed joy.

Status Signaling and Privacy

• Status goods (luxury hotels, fashion, cars) are criticized as zero‑sum, but others note signaling helps form and maintain groups.
• Some claim truly powerful people under‑signal (plain clothes, no obvious luxury), using status quietly; others see lavish consumption as deliberate “peacocking.”
• Several say the best part of being rich is privacy and the ability to ignore status games while still knowing you could win them.

Inequality, Tax, and Philanthropy

• Strong debate on wealth caps and high marginal tax rates vs. property rights and incentives.
• Some want caps at the point where private wealth can distort democracy; others say past attempts failed and prefer progressive taxes and modest wealth taxes.
• Philanthropy by billionaires is contested: some highlight huge health gains; others see it as tax‑optimization and unaccountable political influence.
• There’s concern that public cynicism about billionaire charity may actually discourage doing good.

Power, Law, and Politics

• Several argue the biggest thing extreme wealth buys is de facto immunity: ability to shape law, buy influence, move to corrupt jurisdictions, and avoid consequences ordinary people face.
• Others push back with counterexamples of rich people jailed, but acknowledge that legal and political “tilt” toward the wealthy is real.

Knowledge Gaps and Moving Up

• A subthread notes many who grow up poor never learn basics of investing, 401(k)s, or using services (cleaners, lawn care, travel), even after higher earnings.
• Some see this as “unknown unknowns” transmitted via family and class: middle‑class kids get informal training in how to use money to buy time and quality, not just stuff.