'Give the man a break': Man's candid revelation sparks discussions among Aussie workforce

In a world where the cost of living seems to be perpetually on the rise, the dream of home ownership is slipping further away for many Australians.

There are times when financial advice from those who have 'made it' are eagerly sought after.

However, one man's advice struck a nerve and opened discussions about the economic realities of Australians, even seniors, today.


Recently, an 83-year-old man was stopped on the streets by homebuyer assistance company, Coposit.

The interviewer asked about the man's financial status.

His response, captured in a video, was nothing short of astonishing.

'I have assets of about $40 million,' he declared.


compressed-Coposit.jpeg
The street interview now has over 110,000 views online. Image Credit: TikTok/Coposit


The interviewer, naturally curious, asked about how he accumulated such wealth.

'Work hard,' the man—a former lawyer turned property investor and hotelier—replied.

When the interviewer asked for money-saving tips, he suggested that young people should cut out unnecessary expenses like daily coffee and eating out.

'Just watch how you spend your pennies, that's the main thing,' he advised.


While the man's advice was short and sweet, it sparked multiple conversations among viewers.

Many pointed out that the economic landscape has drastically changed over the decades, making it much harder for young people to achieve financial stability.

'Why is it that they always think that by skipping coffee, people will suddenly have tens of thousands of extra dollars lying around?' one viewer asked.

'Buying up real estate, leveraging off that to buy more is not working hard; it's called greed,' another pointed out.

'The asset class denies entry by pushing up prices,' a third lamented.

'No one needs more than one house to live in or $40 million.'

'He is going to pass on $40 million of assets tax-free. We need to reward work by taxing inheritances,' a fourth argued.


Yet, not everyone was critical of the older man's perspective.

Some defended the man's viewpoint and compared today's spending habits with the past.

'Our generations didn't do Euro summers, Afterpay, Ubereats, credit cards, subscriptions, new cars, designer brands, expensive gym memberships, tap and go. It all adds up,' a woman claimed.

Watch the man's full interview here:

Source: @coposit_street/TikTok

'He said he worked hard. Give the man a break, jealous people here,' another shared his opinion.

'People hear the same thing time and time again but fail to listen and act and just want to play the victim,' another argued.

The conversation around the man's wealth and advice showed several changes in Australian society, especially the changing nature of work and wealth.

The man's interview raised essential questions about how people value work, the impact of economic policy over time, and the advice seniors pass on to their future generations.
Key Takeaways

  • An 83-year-old man sparked outrage on social media by suggesting young Australians to cut out non-essential spending.
  • The man, who has amassed a $40 million fortune, revealed his wealth while being interviewed for a social media post.
  • Critics argued that his advice was out of touch with the current economic challenges facing younger generations.
  • Meanwhile, some defended his views and pointed out the lifestyle choices that could impact savings.
What do you think about this man's answer, and what do you think about the discussions surrounding this video? Please share your thoughts about this financial conundrum with us in the comments section below.
 

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this man is right. We were taught to look after the pennies and the pounds would look after themselves. Young people today spend a fortune on bloody phones, games, gambling, booze, vapes etc then scream poor. We didn't have pensions unless HUSBAND had died, NO superannuation, childcare cost a fortune and so many of us didn't own a car let alone the latest model. I get so sick of hearing how "tough" life is for the poor little dears. So many of them don't even get off their butts to look for work. I worked 3 jobs at once, had 3 sick kids and nobody gave me handouts and I've survived to being 83 today. Our welfare society began back in the early 70s and has got worse ever since. By the way, we didn't even get Unemployment Benefits and I've had 2 so called holidays in over 60 years. The first when eldest son was 6 months old and he's almost 63years old.
 
this man is right. We were taught to look after the pennies and the pounds would look after themselves. Young people today spend a fortune on bloody phones, games, gambling, booze, vapes etc then scream poor. We didn't have pensions unless HUSBAND had died, NO superannuation, childcare cost a fortune and so many of us didn't own a car let alone the latest model. I get so sick of hearing how "tough" life is for the poor little dears. So many of them don't even get off their butts to look for work. I worked 3 jobs at once, had 3 sick kids and nobody gave me handouts and I've survived to being 83 today. Our welfare society began back in the early 70s and has got worse ever since. By the way, we didn't even get Unemployment Benefits and I've had 2 so called holidays in over 60 years. The first when eldest son was 6 months old and he's almost 63years old.
yep exactly. Sheets at the windows. Laminate or tiles and not granite/marble tops. When TV came in, only the one and not in every room. Stereo was a luxury. computers and phones come in and every member of the household has one. It all adds up over time. Lived away from cities as was also cheaper. No handouts/schemes to help buy anything. If you didn't have the cash then you didn't buy- there were no credit cards...........and so it goes on.
 
I like the idiot who commented accumulating real estate wasn't hard work.
How do you accumulate the wealth in the first place , to buy the real estate. without working hard.
After my husband got out of the army we went picking tomatoes for three months. I t was backbreaking work and we were the only people that lasted the season.
Most left after a couple of days, some a couple of hours.
This gave us the deposit on our first home in the country. Our friends thought we were mad. But while they stayed in the city, renting flats, and wasting money we were building equity in our own modest home.

With the difference in the value of property in those days, between the eastern states and the west, after about two years, we were able to sell our house in Victoria at a nice profit and move to WA where we were able to build a new home and pay cash.

All our friends were still renting.
 
this man is right. We were taught to look after the pennies and the pounds would look after themselves. Young people today spend a fortune on bloody phones, games, gambling, booze, vapes etc then scream poor. We didn't have pensions unless HUSBAND had died, NO superannuation, childcare cost a fortune and so many of us didn't own a car let alone the latest model. I get so sick of hearing how "tough" life is for the poor little dears. So many of them don't even get off their butts to look for work. I worked 3 jobs at once, had 3 sick kids and nobody gave me handouts and I've survived to being 83 today. Our welfare society began back in the early 70s and has got worse ever since. By the way, we didn't even get Unemployment Benefits and I've had 2 so called holidays in over 60 years. The first when eldest son was 6 months old and he's almost 63years old.
I was going to reply to agreeing to what the man said as he was completely spot-on about the young people. Your reply is brilliant and sums it all up. That is how we lived and we went without everything with no child support, superannuation, unemployment, etc. These days the young ones want EVERYTHING but don't want to work for it and also want the Government to give them money to live the lifestyle they want. There is no cost of living crisis as times were just as tough when I was young and we had 17% home interest rates at one point many years ago so we went without and didn't have any handouts from the Government. It makes me so angry that everyone blames the cost of living crisis which isn't the problem at all, just these young ones who refuse to give up their luxuries, e.g. new cars, dining out every night, holidays, tattoos, drinking, gambling, latest mobile phones and technology, etc. etc. etc. but refuse to work harder for them or save their money to be able to afford them. So frustrating and makes me angry.
 
Many people may have considerable assets but have they been paid for or have a huge debt.
Many years ago we had neighbours who kept getting new stuff because a relative did. After they sold and moved a debt collector asked us if we knew where they had moved to. They even had a lot of money owing on the garage they had built
 
I was going to reply to agreeing to what the man said as he was completely spot-on about the young people. Your reply is brilliant and sums it all up. That is how we lived and we went without everything with no child support, superannuation, unemployment, etc. These days the young ones want EVERYTHING but don't want to work for it and also want the Government to give them money to live the lifestyle they want. There is no cost of living crisis as times were just as tough when I was young and we had 17% home interest rates at one point many years ago so we went without and didn't have any handouts from the Government. It makes me so angry that everyone blames the cost of living crisis which isn't the problem at all, just these young ones who refuse to give up their luxuries, e.g. new cars, dining out every night, holidays, tattoos, drinking, gambling, latest mobile phones and technology, etc. etc. etc. but refuse to work harder for them or save their money to be able to afford them. So frustrating and makes me angry.
sorry to tell you but I, Gamiry, am very much female but I'll forgive you and laugh along with you 👄 Yep I remember when the interest rates went up to 17%. I'd just moved into a home I thought I'd eventually own. I'd bought it at 11% and 6 weeks later the rates went up to actually 18%. the rest of the story is even more horrendous.
 
Don't get me started. I decided to buy my own home whrn I was a solo mum with two kids. Never had coffee out, or take away meals. Didn't own a car. No hand outs to assist with child care. Walked my kids to where they were looked after, jumped on a bus to work. After work went to the supermarket to get enough groceries that I could carry thrn picked up my daughters and we walked home rain hail or shine. And that was most days. Can you imagine mum's doing that today. I had no choice and just did it. Cooked dinner when I got home and baked after that for lunch boxes. A busy life. But slowly worked my way up and saved and then got a car. No debt apart from the mortgage.
 
Don't get me started. I decided to buy my own home whrn I was a solo mum with two kids. Never had coffee out, or take away meals. Didn't own a car. No hand outs to assist with child care. Walked my kids to where they were looked after, jumped on a bus to work. After work went to the supermarket to get enough groceries that I could carry thrn picked up my daughters and we walked home rain hail or shine. And that was most days. Can you imagine mum's doing that today. I had no choice and just did it. Cooked dinner when I got home and baked after that for lunch boxes. A busy life. But slowly worked my way up and saved and then got a car. No debt apart from the mortgage.
👍😍
 
I totally agree 100% with what the man said.
Our generation did work bloody hard & long hours to save money to buy our house, furniture & a car. We didn’t have a phone & our laundry & toilet was outside. Just a modest 3 bedroom house with one small bathroom, but to us it was our castle.
Young ones today want everything, plus more.
We only went out once a month for a counter-meal, & we felt just so special to be able to afford it.
It’s such a shame that the young ones don’t value money like we do.
To them it’s just normal to buy coffees when out, have the latest mobile phones,
the latest in fashions & uber meals delivered….let alone the biggest house in the street with all to modern furniture.
I shudder to think of what our Grandchildren’s future will be like.
 
It's a shame that many of younger generation won't take heed of the old man's advice. I always enjoy my daily cup of coffee at home made with a trusty old percolator. The occasional cup of coffee bought when I am out is never quite as satisfying. If the cost of buying one of more cups of coffee everyday for a week was tallied up it would probably leave a sour taste. The old adage " Look after your pennies and the pounds will look after themselves" was never so true.
 
We didn't start with a 4 bedroom home with ensuite, media room, 80" TV with surround sound, kids inside play area, air cons, swimming pool, shed for a boat, motor bike, 2 cars, camper trailer or caravan, latest phone, iPads, computers(for every member of the family). Some of these things are essentials for todays living but not all of it. I still watch how & where I spend my money. Habit I guess.
 
He started, as we all do, working hard in a job, then built up his estate over many decades. Good on him.

I bet he watched each penny along the way. He, like us, didn't make easy money online (there was no online) as a so-called "influencer", getting paid large sums for basically doing nothing.

Like my mum said "Watch the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves". EG: daily coffee expenses.

Nothing has really changed in that regard. Except it's now cents and dollars.
 
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bloody hell, so many jealous people who obviously bought too many coffees.
so hard that so many people can't say good on you. you are aware that money does multiply!!!!!! and the jealous remarks about how he made his money is just plain jealousy. I say GOOD ON YA MATE and enjoy your money it is yours to do what you like with. Not these ignorant lot.
 
sorry to tell you but I, Gamiry, am very much female but I'll forgive you and laugh along with you 👄 Yep I remember when the interest rates went up to 17%. I'd just moved into a home I thought I'd eventually own. I'd bought it at 11% and 6 weeks later the rates went up to actually 18%. the rest of the story is even more horrendous.
imagine these ones in their 1million plus homes paying that off at 18%? I can here them saying help me government.
 
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I don’t like using the old 17% analogy yes it was tough but you could buy a house for $30000 or you could buy a Holden A9x for $10000 or three of them for the price of a house. 3 Toyota klugas is no where close to the price of a house today just saying.
 
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Remember way back when women saved string . Took it off parcels and rolled into a big ball.
My nan said look after the pennies and they will turn into pounds. Whatever little bit you save is more than you had before. I know an elderly ladies on a strict income who turns the water off the toilet takes her bucket to her small tank and uses it to flush her toilet. That’s a lot of water saving there
 
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this man is right. We were taught to look after the pennies and the pounds would look after themselves. Young people today spend a fortune on bloody phones, games, gambling, booze, vapes etc then scream poor. We didn't have pensions unless HUSBAND had died, NO superannuation, childcare cost a fortune and so many of us didn't own a car let alone the latest model. I get so sick of hearing how "tough" life is for the poor little dears. So many of them don't even get off their butts to look for work. I worked 3 jobs at once, had 3 sick kids and nobody gave me handouts and I've survived to being 83 today. Our welfare society began back in the early 70s and has got worse ever since. By the way, we didn't even get Unemployment Benefits and I've had 2 so called holidays in over 60 years. The first when eldest son was 6 months old and he's almost 63years old.
And child endowment was 50 cents a week, nothing was handed to us on a platter. We worked hard for what we have.
We didn't start with a 4 bedroom home with ensuite, media room, 80" TV with surround sound, kids inside play area, air cons, swimming pool, shed for a boat, motor bike, 2 cars, camper trailer or caravan, latest phone, iPads, computers(for every member of the family). Some of these things are essentials for todays living but not all of it. I still watch how & where I spend my money. Habit I guess.
in those days we were paid 50 cents a week endowment, saved for what we wanted no putting it in the credit card they didn’t exist, I still have a drawer I put odd things in just in case they will come in handy, I’m sure most Of the ladies on the forum have one.
 

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