Money and the City

NYSE

It’s been half a week full of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—some with my old WPO group, others catching up with friends from business school—and late-night ice cream, dinners, and subway rides with my daughter, who’s in the middle of Grammy Camp.

Summer in NYC is a paradox. It’s quieter than usual—most people are out of town—but the traffic? Still here.

New York is a wealthy city, and it has me wondering: can money buy happiness?

Over coffee, I ask a friend about Arthur Brooks’s theory of the four false idols:

money, fame, power, and pleasure.

Brooks argues that as strivers, we chase these things thinking they’ll make us happy

—but they rarely do.

Over time, we learn that the real sources of fulfillment are friends, family, faith, and meaningful work.

But my friend pushes back. He suggests we ignore Brooks’s advice. 

And I have to admit—he may be on to something.

- I wouldn’t want to write another book without at least a little desire to seek attention

(a leftover from my childhood of feeling ignored). 

- I wouldn’t run my business if I didn’t want to make money—for my clients and for myself.

(I enjoy the rewards of serving clients and growing )

So what’s wrong with chasing money, fame, or pleasure—especially if you’re providing something valuable to the world?

This week in NYC has reminded me of animal spirits—an old economics term for the forces that drive human behavior. 

There’s an energy here that pushes you to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that something extraordinary is possible.

At Grammy Camp, seasoned musicians and industry pros have spoken to my daughter’s group. They’ve shared hard-won truths about the business, the craft, and the resilience it takes to succeed. They are not pursuing their craft for the money but for the love.

And I’ve watched my daughter start to believe:

A career in music isn’t just a dream—it’s possible. 

She’s feeling it: "You always make it there, you make it anywhere

It's up to you, New York, New York"

The truth is, achieving “enough” money doesn’t make the what’s next? question any easier. 

In fact, it can make it harder. Without an obvious target, it’s easy to drift.

We all need something that we are working towards achieving. 

If you need a little inspiration, please reach out!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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