: I am about to write a book entitled, LIVING HAPPILY ON NEARLY NO
: MONEY.

Here here! put me down for a copy.
Rule number one to How to live like a millionaire:
You don't need a million dollars. In fact it's an impediment.
(Most people in the US who've become millionaires have accomplished this by being tightfisted and buying real estate (apartment buildings and managing them.) When you're rich enough to hire assistants, your life isn't easier--you've just become middle management. Want to know the joys of a personal assistant? Manage a MacDonalds for a week.)

Follow your passion, never stop learning, difficult challenges are better than taking it easy.

: Cashmere can usually be bartered for paintings.

I've got a respectable art collection--from working with artists, trading for photography, and making my own.

Another thing I've noticed. People with a lot of money want to hang out with artists, artists want to hang out with other artists-but will associate with the wealthy to sell art.
There are more car commercials with kayaks on top than anything else. Smart people skip the car dealer and get the 'yak.