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I had no idea that my friend is a multi millionaire!!

383 replies

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:37

Been friends for 35+ years. Both from "normal" working class backgrounds. I found out today, that her DH's business turned over £100 Million last year. Yes, One Hundred Million, it's not a typo.

They have a nice house in the South East, worth maybe £700k. There are no obvious signs of such wealth. They are not big spenders. We were at a party with them last month, and they were (as usual) quite slow to get the drinks in when it was their turn. We definitely got in more rounds. Gifts at Christmas are especially frugal, I normally receive something that has obviously been recycled as it's so bizarre, or it's obviously a freebie with another purchase.

I had been feeling quite good recently about money, as we pay off our mortgage later this year (house worth about £340k for context), and we will have a reasonable amount in savings. Now I just feel a bit Meh, as we will never attain anything like this. Just one million would do me, lol. I know comparison is the thief of joy, but I feel absolutely positively green with envy.

They will be able to do things for their 3 daughters when the time comes, like buy them homes outright - something we can't do.

We are all in our 50's, if that's of any relevance.

OP posts:
Hatty65 · 18/04/2026 17:54

You don't actually sound like a very nice friend, to be honest. We've just paid our mortgage off (our house is worth considerably less than yours) and I'm chuffed to bits.

We will never be able to buy our kids a house - or even lend them the money for a deposit. I know people who are very well off, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. Why should it? It doesn't affect my life in any way.

I'd be pleased for one of my friends if I suddenly discovered they were very rich or they had just won the lottery. It would not make me feel jealous or fed up with my own life.

Why aren't you pleased for her, instead of being annoyed that you will never attain that? Why would you care?

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:54

I'm pretty sure most people would find this a shock, tbh, if it was your friend and you had no clue.

OP posts:
Confuserr · 18/04/2026 17:53

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:50

Can you explain it to me then?

Agree with others, get your nose out of their (literal) business.

Roads · 18/04/2026 17:52

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:50

Can you explain it to me then?

Why? Honestly stop for a second and ask why on earth do you need to know? Why does it matter and most importantly why do you care so much about their finances?

Random321 · 18/04/2026 17:52

Well it's no wonder they didn't tell you given your reaction.
Looking up their financial accounts and posting about it online doesn't seem like the action of a friend.

It also sounds like you don't understand the accounts either.

newornotnew · 18/04/2026 17:51

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:50

Can you explain it to me then?

It would be better for you to just say 'I hope my friends are healthy and happy' and then go back to focusing on your own family.

Blogswife · 18/04/2026 17:51

It doesn’t matter how much she’s got , you can still be satisfied with your own life. There’s more to happiness than money !
Im sure the business has taken a toll on them as well as bringing a decent living ( if it has of course - turnover is not an indication of profit)

Dunnocantthinkofone · 18/04/2026 17:50

Sorry I can’t quite get past you investigating them via Companies House. That’s very bloody nosy
Apart from fuelling your petty jealousy, what were you hoping to achieve?

ColdAsAWitches · 18/04/2026 17:50

You're not much of a friend and you don't like her very much if you're going through their Companies House records. You are ruining your so-called friendship.

ThePlatypusAlwaysTriumphs · 18/04/2026 17:50

As long as you have enough , why do you care?
I had a friend who was absolutely loaded. Her day to day issues were the same as mine (kids, husband, dogs!) She lived in a better house (actually a castle) but apart from that, no difference. I dont get why people get so wound up about money

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:50

Swiftie1878 · 18/04/2026 17:48

Sorry, but you clearly don’t understand this.

Can you explain it to me then?

OP posts:
Starzinsky · 18/04/2026 17:50

So how do you know they are personally multi millionaires?

Swiftie1878 · 18/04/2026 17:48

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:46

Yeah obviously. They'd have to sell all assets, repay all debts, I get it....but when all is said and done, they could do that and just sit back with £20M

Sorry, but you clearly don’t understand this.

newornotnew · 18/04/2026 17:48

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:45

It's all on-line for anyone to see. Someone told me, I very much doubted them so looked on Gov website.

I think you need to have a good think about why you're gossiping about this friend's business and researching their accounts.

Is this new knowledge making you happy? Is it helping you? No.

Step away and do something healthier.

Keepoffmyartichokes · 18/04/2026 17:47

But why do you think they will buy their daughter's houses outright surely that's the worst thing to do. My dad's best friend is a multi millionaire and lives in a nice house with very nice cars but that's it, he's just a normal man. His son and daughter have both had to work for a living and buy their own houses. I also know one of Eric Clapton's daughters and she's also had to buy her own house 🤣

StudyinBlue · 18/04/2026 17:47

Have you not heard of the term ‘asset rich, cash poor’?

Roads · 18/04/2026 17:47

You don't sound like you like them very much to be honest. Why does it matter if they have lost of money you didn't know about?

IsItSummerSoon · 18/04/2026 17:47

The things you’re mentioning don’t necessarily have anything to do with how much money they have. They personally could be in massive debt for all you know.

Chocolateteabag · 18/04/2026 17:47

”Net worth”? Do you mean value in the business? As in spend it and it’s gone?

it’s not like that all sits in their personal bank accounts ready to spend - a business needs cash to operate day to day

Weird post - how have you found this out? Companies House only have the short version of accounts - really just tells you an asset position on a certain day

pikkumyy77 · 18/04/2026 17:47

Pollqueen · 18/04/2026 17:41

This and most v wealthy people I have met are extremely stingy, thats part of the reason why they are so wealthy

They would like you to think so.

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:46

Swiftie1878 · 18/04/2026 17:45

And you also know that net worth does not equal cash in the bank? How did you calculate net worth i.e. value their shareholding?

Edited

Yeah obviously. They'd have to sell all assets, repay all debts, I get it....but when all is said and done, they could do that and just sit back with £20M

OP posts:
Floatingdownriver · 18/04/2026 17:46

It sounds like they’re tight. Perhaps th money isn’t bringing them joy or freedom! Enjoy what you have op…

Swiftie1878 · 18/04/2026 17:45

shockedpuppy · 18/04/2026 17:43

Yes. The net worth is circa £20M

And you also know that net worth does not equal cash in the bank? How did you calculate net worth i.e. value their shareholding?

Blimms · 18/04/2026 17:45

You definitely don’t understand how businesses work.

SoSadSoSadSoSad · 18/04/2026 17:45

So they’re rich.

You are also doing well.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Just enjoy your own sense of security. You have done well. You have a roof over your head. You have a future. Your stomach is full. You are safe. Warm.