Mom Was Wrong About Money

Grant Cardone

6,489 views • yesterday Save 3 min 4 min read

Video Summary

The speaker recounts the profound and complex influence of his mother, Consetta, a petite Italian woman who was his best friend and a constant source of grounding advice. Despite his immense success, including becoming a millionaire at 31, Consetta’s primary response to his achievements was often cautionary, emphasizing that “money’s not everything” and encouraging him to remain as he is. This perspective, stemming from her own life experiences, including a father who lived in hiding due to his immigration status and engaged in illicit activities, shaped her view on ambition and change.

He shares a vivid memory of taking his ailing mother on a gambling trip to the Bellagio, where he pushed her to play blackjack for 12 hours straight before an early morning flight. The trip culminated in a humorous encounter on the plane with a prostitute, which his mother wryly observed as her son “running an ad.” Consetta’s unique blend of unconditional love and a cautious outlook on worldly success profoundly impacted the speaker, shaping his understanding of ambition, family, and the inherent selfishness in wanting loved ones to stay the same.

Short Highlights

Mother's Influence: Consetta, a small Italian woman, was the speaker's best friend and a significant influence, offering advice that often tempered his ambition.
Financial Success vs. Mother's Views: Despite becoming a millionaire at 31, his mother consistently advised that "money's not everything" and encouraged him not to change.
Gambling Trip: He recounts taking his mother on an intense 12-hour blackjack gambling trip to the Bellagio, culminating in a humorous flight encounter.
Family Background: His mother's side had a history of "dark secrets" and living in hiding, contrasting with his educated father's side.
"Mama's Boy" Identity: The speaker identified as a "mama's boy," noting his mother's ability to make both him and his brother feel important.
Real Estate Ambitions: His mother was initially hesitant about his decision to enter the real estate business, questioning the appeal of midnight phone calls from tenants.

Key Details

Early Childhood Trauma and Dependence [00:00:00]

The speaker reflects on losing his father at age nine, a traumatic event that led to intense dependence on his mother.
For weeks after his father's death, he would check on his sleeping mother to ensure she was still alive, fearing further loss.
He struggled to accept his father's death, even months later, while mowing the lawn and wearing suspenders without a shirt.

"Because I was so dependent, bro. Like, like I was like, OK, I cannot lose another parent. I don't think I think it was probably. Months before I even actually. Accepted the idea that my dad was really dead."

Mother's Role as Best Friend and Confidante [00:01:30]

Consetta, described as a four-foot-eleven Italian woman, was the speaker's best friend and a constant presence in his life.
He felt a strong connection to his mother, admitting to being a "mama's boy" and believing he was her favorite, though she made both him and his brother feel important.
His mother's advice, while loving, often carried a cautionary tone, especially regarding his achievements.

"She was always there for me. I mean, I grew up with her, you know, when you lose your dad."

Ambition vs. Mother's Cautionary Advice [00:03:00]

When the speaker achieved financial success, like making $30,000 or later becoming a millionaire at 31, his mother's response was consistently reserved.
She would often say, "money's not everything" and "I love you just the way you are," which he interpreted as a desire for him not to change or grow.
He recounts his decision to enter the real estate business at 31, which his mother questioned, highlighting the potential downsides like midnight calls from tenants.

"Mom, I just did a deal. I just did a deal and I just made $30,000, you know, and she'd be like, money's not everything."

The Bellagio Gambling Trip and Humorous Encounter [00:06:00]

The speaker took his mother, Consetta, on a gambling trip to the Bellagio, knowing she loved to gamble.
Despite her being unwell and tired, he insisted they play blackjack for 12 hours straight, an "all-nighter" before an early morning flight.
On the flight back, a prostitute sitting across from them began "advertising" to the speaker, a moment his mother found hilarious and commented on.

"And the prostitute, she's, she's advertising to me. Oh God. And my mom's sitting next to me saying, she's running an ad on you right now."