Well yes, it kind of changes you. I made a small fortune in the crash of 2007–2008. So I splurged on the following

• Paid off the mortgage
• Took the family skiing to a top resort
• Looked for a bigger plot of land to build a house on, but gave up as I really like my neighbourhood
• Investigated trading in my beaten-up Touran (but she's a reliable family member so in the end I didn't)
• Bought a new fridge and washing machine. It really made a big difference as they are used daily
• Invested in property to provide a small income.

I have a friend who is significantly wealthier than me who has a good life doing as he pleases. I asked myself if I wanted that lifestyle but after careful consideration I didn't. I freelance for a living and although I could have stopped work, I love being forced into new situations and meeting new people. If I retired this would stop. Randomness and serendipity can be such fun.

But what really makes wealth fun is giving. No, really! It does. As long as it's done with love.

For example, I gave my aunt money to get her teeth fixed.I offered it once and she refused. I then invested the money she refused, which made more money, so I thrust that upon her. She was truly overcome. I loved that feeling of seeing pure happiness on her face. It was a totally unexpected gift for her which made the giving feeling even better.

Ive just returned from Copenhagen where I was sitting in a cafe with my brother and his family. His son, who is a wonderfully kind,lovely and gentle person, was trying to work out how to take his gf to New York this summer. He's working in a supermarket to help pay for this trip for her. On the spot I offered to cover half the cost for his 18th birthday. I visibly saw a weight lift from his shoulders. He was gobsmacked.

I recently made a friend of a struggling artist who is hugely talented. She had an upcoming exhibition so I mentioned she should try and look as professional as possible and wear a suit for the event.

She agreed and then thought of what clothes she could sell to buy a suit. To save her pride, I loaned her money to buy a suit (sometimes a gift must be disguised to save face) . The expression on her face was priceless; disbelief, joy, gratitude all in one face. She has had a really tough life and couldn't believe someone would do that for her.

Relatively small amounts of money can make a huge difference to the ones you love.

They say you can't take it with you when you go. But what I can take with me is the memory of these individuals faces after receiving the gift.

For me, that's how life changes by being wealthy.