Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy? Everywhere you look, people seem to be living incredibly expensive, flawless lives filled with luxury travel, designer shopping, and perfect morning routines. But is it real? In this episode, Kiki Astor breaks down the jarring difference between influencer wealth and actual wealth. We explore the history of performative wealth, from ancient Rome and the Court of Versailles to the Gilded Age and the 1990s, and explain how social media has turned the appearance of wealth into a highly lucrative business model. We also discuss why the "Old Money" aesthetic is trending, how to spot the red flags of aspirational performance (including a look at the Becca Bloom conversation), and most importantly, how to consume social media without letting it ruin your peace of mind. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a genuinely rich life that doesn't need an audience. Key Takeaways: - The Illusion of Online Wealth: Why keeping up with online influencers is fundamentally different (and more damaging) than keeping up with the Joneses. - The History of Status: How wealth has been performed throughout history, comparing modern social media feeds to the Royal Court of Versailles and the Gilded Age. - The Influencer Economy: How the algorithm rewards visibility and creates a cycle where presenting an aspirational lifestyle is a mandatory part of the job. - Real Wealth vs. Fake Wealth: The true markers of old money and real wealth, which include control over your time, multi-generational thinking, discretion, and lived-in continuity, not unboxing videos. - Protecting Your Peace: Actionable advice on how to view social media as entertainment rather than a benchmark for your own life and financial stability. Quotes from the Episode: "The goal of that whole world of online wealthy influencers is not really stability... It's about visibility." "A lifestyle develops slowly... Content is designed to work instantly, and it is meant to be visible." "The best luxury isn't bought or posted. It's lived exactly on your own terms." About the Host: Kiki Astor is a romance author, former rich person, and your resident old money and etiquette expert. She helps listeners navigate the modern world with historical context, grace, and a healthy dose of reality. Visit http://www.kikiastor.com for books, merchandise, and advisory services via Cameo. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners and leave us a review! Share this episode with a friend who might need a reminder that real life is far more beautiful than a curated feed.

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