Brian Holden: Money doesn't always buy happiness

The usual home comforts don't cut it with some rich lifestylers. Photo / Supplied

All things considered, we at the And Another Thing headquarters are pretty happy with our lot. With a comfortable furnished home, a couple of sets of wheels and a bit put away for retirement, we are wanting for little. Sure, like the dreams of many, an extra couple of hundred grand in the bank would be nice, but only Lotto would turn that into reality. Not to worry, we're happy.

Sad to say, there are those out there who need a lot more - a hell of a lot more, to make their lives complete.

Like the sorry fellow who rose from a tenement block existence to become a multimillionaire only to fall, literally on the spikes of ruination. Making his fortune as a property developer and telecoms deal-maker, Scot Young achieved a net worth of 400 million ($807 million) and travelled the world by private jet.

He entertained at lavish properties in multimillion-pound mansions in Oxfordshire and Florida. The weekly shopping was delivered to the front door direct from Harrods.

The Ferrari-driving tycoon showered wife Michelle with a million pounds of jewellery for her 40th birthday. The couple partied hard, splashing out on lavish meals and holidays on a 3 million yacht, moored in Monaco. You could say life was good.

However after 11 years of marriage it all started to turn pear-shaped in 2006 when they split up and a bitter battle over money began. Young's estranged wife claimed half of his assets, which she believed to be much more than they were. The collapse of a 2 billion property deal was believed to have left Young with debts of 30 million, which reportedly resulted in eventual bankruptcy.

He refused to reveal details of his actual wealth, continuing to lead an opulent lifestyle and hooking up with a new supermodel girlfriend - as wealthy guys tend to do. After six years of litigation, Young was assessed to be worth 40 million and that his ex-wife was entitled to half.

As a result of being put through the wringer, his health deteriorated and he was "detained" in hospital under mental-health legislation. After a contempt of court as a result of failing to provide details of his assets, he was jailed for six months. On his release - either still disgustingly wealthy or broke I'm not sure - Young and his girlfriend continued the high life, sharing an expensive penthouse in a posh suburb in London.

It was from this apartment the Monday before last, that 52-year-old Young, in a probable act of suicide, took a dive to his death, impaling himself on the iron railings four storeys below.

Yet another sorry case in which money - even oodles of the stuff - does not always buy happiness. A comfortable home and a 10-year-old car with the odd holiday thrown in will do me just fine for now.

Ever had an urge to be a pirate, Darth Vader, Snow White or maybe Batman? For generations, ordinary people have acted out their fantasies by dressing up. After the And Another Thing's team's initial reluctance to go to a Glam and Oscars Christmas party last week, we finally decided "Oh to heck with it" and went.

Of course, this meant heading down to the costume hire in White St and trying on various outfits. We were astounded by the selection of clothing themes in which one could become absorbed. The two floors of the premises were jam-packed with costumes, masks, wigs and accessories.

Think of someone or something, and there's a good chance that they'll have a suitable costume tucked away somewhere. Obviously one's body features limits the choice somewhat. For example, someone of Kim Dotcom's stature would have trouble slipping on a Spiderman suit, but a good rummage through the racks will come up with just the outfit for you. It's fun, so go and do it!

-Brian Holden has lived in Rotorua for most of his life and has recently celebrated 10 years' writing And Another Thing.