How A Book About Old Money Changed my Life: Embracing the Old Money Lifestyle as a Wife and Mother

A few months ago, I picked up The Old Money Book by Byron Tully, and it completely changed how I see my family's lifestyle, finances, and values. As a wife and mother, I’ve always wanted to create a stable, enriching, and meaningful life for my family, and the principles of Old Money—focused on discretion, education, financial prudence, and cultural depth—deeply resonated with me. Here’s how we’ve started applying these principles in our daily lives.

I would first like to disclose that the book is not a manual on how to get rich or wealthy. The book emphasis the principles that Old Money lives by and how they are able to afford a life worth living based on a set of ideals. It is both practical and straightforward and I believe anyone, at any financial level, can apply the tips in order to change the way they are currently living. 

1. Education: A Lifelong Priority

One of the key takeaways from The Old Money Book is that education is not just about degrees but about lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. My husband and I have made it a priority to foster a love of knowledge in our children by investing in high-quality books, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and emphasizing critical thinking rather than just grades. This is easy for us to implement as a homeschool family. Instead of focusing solely on expensive private schools, we prioritize rigorous academic enrichment at home, museum visits, and travel experiences that expose our kids to history, art, and different cultures.

2. Marriage as a Thoughtful Commitment

One thing that struck me in the book was the emphasis on marrying well—not just financially but in terms of shared values, stability, and long-term compatibility. Looking back, I appreciate that my husband and I built our relationship on mutual respect, similar outlooks on money and parenting, and a commitment to growth. For young women, I’d advise choosing a man who aligns with your fundamental beliefs rather than being swept away by surface-level attraction or temporary excitement. A strong marriage provides the foundation for a stable, fulfilling family life. This book brings home the idea that marriage is one of the most, if not most important, decision that we make in our lives.

3. Privacy Over Flashiness

In today’s social media-driven world, where oversharing is the norm, The Old Money Book emphasizes discretion—something I have come to value immensely. We no longer post every detail of our lives on social media. Instead, we cherish private family moments and avoid publicizing our financial status or purchases. This not only fosters a sense of security but also teaches our children that true wealth is quiet and self-assured, not about showing off for others.

4. Financial Decisions: Living Below Our Means

One of the biggest changes we made after reading the book was in how we handle money. Old Money families prioritize financial independence over fleeting luxuries, so we have embraced a more frugal (not cheap or deprived) and intentional approach to spending. One of the best decisions we made was to stop financing cars we could not afford. Instead of taking on unnecessary debt for a depreciating asset, we now save and purchase vehicles outright, opting for quality, reliability, and longevity rather than newness or status symbols. This shift has freed up more money for investments, travel, and meaningful experiences.

5. Prioritizing Travel for Enrichment

Rather than spending on fleeting material possessions, Old Money prioritizes travel as a way to gain cultural and historical perspective. This mindset has reshaped our family's vacations. Instead of extravagant resort stays, we seek meaningful experiences—exploring cities with deep history, visiting art museums, and immersing ourselves in different traditions. Travel is now a tool for education and personal growth, not just leisure and relaxation (which honestly, can be achieved at home).

Reading The Old Money Book has been a game-changer in how we approach life as a family. It reinforced the idea that true wealth isn’t about flashy cars, designer labels, or social status—it’s about education, financial wisdom, strong relationships, and meaningful experiences. By embracing these principles, I feel more confident that we are building a life of substance, security, and enrichment for our children.

Have you read The Old Money Book? Grab it here.