Nearly a year ago I was looking after a disabled friend with mental health issues and facing homelessness. I had to leave London (no way to stay sane housing two in a tiny studio) and was out of money, so appealed to my newsletter readers. They sent £15k (about $18k), which sounds like a lot, but I needed it. Airbnbs, hotels, rental car, fuel, medical kit to buy, eating out, etc — it added up quickly, and I had other stuff to pay for too.

While I don't have much to my name financially, I have far more "social security" than someone who has loads of shares and cash. Their assets can be taken away in a flash, but I can get a meal and roof pretty much anywhere from patriots who value my efforts. It's a different kind of wealth; a sense of safety that I will be OK even if things around me are very off kilter.

In a way the saddest thing about being a bit poor is lacking resources to help others in need. One friend really needs it right now; I can't afford to bail him out.