Money, what is it good for? Turns out quite a lot, actually. There was a time back in the ‘80s when serious money seemed to go hand-in-hand with pinstriped suits, fat cigars and greedy stockbrokers with Gordon Gecko complexes. Greed was good and the bigger the bank balance the better. Then came the more spiritual ‘90s and faster than you could say self-awareness Zen workshop, money was derided as the root of all evil. But as welcomed in the new millienium, a funny thing happened. A sense of pragmatism took hold and suddenly money was seen in a different light – as a device that could be used to create change, a necessary part of modern life and (heaven forbid) something that you could actually have fun with! These days it's okay to actively seek wealth, but wealth in the noughties doesn't only refer to money. Sure, making money is fashionable again – all you have to do is take a look at the enormous popularity of TV programs such as The Block, Survivor and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire as evidence of the trend – but the fiscal feeling seems to be that money is now valued for the choices it affords. Feel like volunteering in Africa or sailing around the world? Hard to do without a ready reserve of serious cash. Today's heroes are the self-made wealthy – think Dick Smith, Anita Roddick and Richard Branson – but we admire them for many reasons, not simply because they are cashed up. They're passionate, motivated individuals who make the most of their lives in every aspect: financially, socially, physically and emotionally. We raise a glass not only to their success but also for the way they spend and share their wealth. Donating millions each year to charities and needy groups, building businesses with unique values, handsomely rewarding their staff and retaining a personal lifestyle are all reasons for a big thumbs-up. Being rich does not automatically mean one is wealthy, argues Hans Jakobi, wealth coach and author of How To Be Rich & Happy On Your Income (Wealth Dynamics International, rrp $24.95). “Dick Smith and Richard Branson are seen as mavericks. They love life. They have attitude in their voice and are passionate about what they do,” he says. Dick Smith has his own theories on wealth. “I'm very fortunate, I won the lottery of life,” the legendary Australian entrepreneur says. “I was born and bred in Australia after the second World War. I've never had to go to war so I'm incredibly fortunate. I've always loved the outdoors and my greatest enjoyment is to jump into my helicopter and fly to the Blue Mountains, land in the Megalong Valley and go bushwalking.” “But I believe I'll be working until I drop dead. I'm an adventurer and every business I've ever run has been a great adventure,” he continues. “I still have more business plans. I'd like to put more back into this country because I've done so well out of it.” Smith's Australian Geographic business has given away millions to worthy causes, and his Dick Smith Foods business has donated over $2.5 million so far, in addition to supporting Australian farmers. Clearly, Smith's immense job satisfaction comes not only from his own adventures but also from the knowledge that he's passing something on to others. Sean Ashby, 35, echoes this sentiment. As the founder of aussieBum, makers of men's nylon swimwear, his business has grown to an annual turnover of $3 million per year. He's thrilled not only by the satisfaction and freedom of owning and growing his own business, but also by the chance to help others. “I was recently in Queensland photographing a surf life saver, Jamie Mitchell, wearing our swimwear,” Ashby explains. “He often travels to national and international events to compete, but has to pay his own way. Because of aussieBum's success we were able to transfer money into his account to cover a few airfares and help him compete. We now make donations to a few lifesaving clubs around Australia. I've got to share the company's success, because at the end of the day a business has to be, at least in part, about helping others.” Dr Mariah Evans is a Senior Research Fellow at the Melbourne Institute and co-author of Australian Economy & Society (Federation Press, RRP $75). She has been studying trends and attitudes for almost two decades. Money, she says, has a lot more to do with rank and hierarchy than we realise. “Humans are extraordinarily hierarchical animals and there are now very few ways of showing your place on that social ladder,” she explains. “It used to have to do with strength, size and courage in battle. We don't have those things any more so wealth is one of the main factors that remain. Wealth is also an indicator of security. We believe: ‘I have turned income into these possessions – I can count on them.'” Money was not the driving force when Sarah Lorden decided to establish her own real estate firm. In 1996, at the age of 29, Lorden and her younger sister Kate went out on their own with the simple desire to work for themselves. With no initial finds to speak of Sarah Lorden Real Estate now sells over $280 million of property each year. After years of 15-hour days and “constantly running on nervous energy” Lorden now has the lifestyle she'd always hoped for – in the office around four days each week and structuring her days to spend more quality time with her family. As well as having built an extremely successful organisation and creating jobs for 30 team members, Lorden's satisfaction comes from the wealth she is able to share with her loved ones. Financial abundance has been a pleasant by-product of business success. “I've just brought my mum and stepdad on holidays with my family to Noosa and we sent mum off to Europe for two months for her 60 th birthday. Wealth means you can help people whenever they need it - and even when they don't.” So admit it. You'd love to have a fat bank balance and freedom to live your dreams – and why shouldn't you? There's no denying money does make life better in many ways. Just remember that wealth in the noughties is about satisfaction, purpose and security. Enjoy!
WEALTHY & WISE Founder: Sean Ashby Founder: Dick Smith Founder: Justin Herald Founder: Tim Pethick Founder: Sarah & Kate Lorden © Chris Sheedy/the hard word |
