As my wife and I talked about our slow travel vacation plans in Italy, she mentioned the usual places to visit like Rome, Florence, and Milan. However when she brought up Lake Como, her face brightened with excitement. As I shared with friends in conversations the places we would visit, Lake Como was mentioned as “Oh that’s where George Clooney lives”. I was certainly intrigued because not only is he a famous actor but a successful businessman who I would describe as simply saying he has George Clooney money.
The best example that I can think of to describe Lake Como, Italy is a rich man’s Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Lake Como is a short train ride from Milan and also border to Switzerland. Lake Geneva borders Wisconsin and is a short car ride from Chicago where the wealthy can often be seen driving their BMW’s and Range Rovers to go up North and escape the city life.
Fishermen and Tourists
While we were here having dinner on Lake Como our waiter described two sides of the lake. One that is for the fisherman and the other for the tourists.
What was interesting to me was the fact that we were actually staying on the fisherman side. The beauty in the lake was still the same, but the sun dazzled on the tourist side or should I say the George Clooney money side all day.
The fisherman side however has beautiful sunsets and houses rise higher into the hills and mountains. Everything has its own beauty despite the context in which everything is framed. If I were to buy an Italian home, it would most likely be on the “fisherman” side. Something moderately priced but with the same beautiful views and surrounding lake.
My trip to Lake Como has been wonderful as I enjoy the beauty without much of the price tag. The price tag of a villa on the other side of the lake however requires an extra large bank account, one that Clooney happens to have.
George Clooney Money
Growing up I had seen George Clooney in ER, a popular television show. Later on in Batman, and Dusk till Dawn as movies I enjoyed. As someone who has spent some time gambling in a casino, I especially loved Ocean’s Eleven. I enjoyed him as an actor and he always came across as someone who is smart and down to earth.
My celebrity knowledge is very low as I don’t follow or read much about Hollywood. In fact I do my best to avoid knowing celebrity gossip on who’s dating who and what’s the latest scandal. I urge you to do the same, but that’s another discussion.
What I do remember while living and working in Chicago was seeing Clooney’s face on local delivery trucks advertising what I later learned was his own tequila. I didn’t think much of it, in fact the only thing that crossed my mind was “George Clooney rides a motorcycle, well I’ll be.”
George Clooney Money and Business
As someone who follows personal finance and business in most aspects I do remember reading a headline that George Clooney sold his tequila brand CasaAmigos for 1 billion dollars.
While selling a company for 1 billion dollars certainly is a headline grabber, I came across a story a little while back that I was more impressed with.
In 2013, Clooney gave 1 million dollars to his friends. The money was a thank you for the times when he had struggled as an actor. The generosity his friends showed him during his most difficult times was repaid. Each friend, 14 in total received 1 million dollars for the sacrifices they made and the friendship and loyalty they provided over the years.
These are the stories I enjoy reading. It also made me realize, it’s unlikely that I’m going to have George Clooney money. Sorry good friends your luggage cases will not be filled with a million dollars, maybe I can get you a six pack of Pfeiffer’s famous beer instead.
According to Men’s Health, Clooney’s net worth is to the tune of approximately $500 million. It’s not a knock on Even Steven Money, it’s more of statement of reality.
Even Steven Money
I bring up this rather large total of $500 million with the understanding that unless I play the lottery(which I don’t), build a rather large business and sell it (Even Steven Money), or begin to build a real estate empire that I won’t be worth that kind of money in my lifetime.
I’ve thought about this many times and I’m entirely comfortable with someday having a net worth of between 1 and 10 million dollars. Now I won’t be buying villas in Laglio Italy with George Clooney money, but I can certainly enjoy some nice things and great experiences with those I care about.
Purchasing Time without George Clooney Money
I’m not even sure what my money will buy. Maybe I do. For me it will buy time. Since I’ve been in Italy I have purchased this time.
I’m not taking a private plane or my own motorcycle(I’d buy a Vespa anyways) but I’m taking a train from Milan to Como and exploring all of the little towns in Italy. I’m taking a bus to explore by land. A ferry to see even more from the water. The ultimate exploring is when you get out on our own two feet.
It’s a different feel to buy your time. My wife and I are not staying in luxury villas, but rather local accommodations found on Booking.com. We didn’t invite former presidents or princes for holiday, instead we are making friends with the local market owner. It’s the people and the experiences that make the most difference.
I don’t have George Clooney money and there is a legitimate chance that I will not in my lifetime. However putting myself in a position to have financial freedom today, financial independence in the near future, and the ability to slow travel and visit new places with my wife is more valuable than I will ever need.