Time Travel to 1900: How Would You Spend 500GBP and Your Phone?
Imagine waking up in 1900 with nothing but your smartphone, 500GBP, and all your memories from the present day. What would you do first?
While your smartphone is of no practical use, the 500GBP you have is worth roughly 77,000GBP today, adjusted for inflation. In 1900, that would mean you could live like a king. In fact, you could even make a name for yourself in the emerging genre of hard rock music—surely, it wouldn't be out of place in the early 20th century!
Securing Your Safety and Shelters
Assuming the transition was smooth enough, you find yourself in a modest house built around 1995. Living in such a structure in 1900 would mean having a home that is neither too tall nor excessively luxurious. Adding to this, the property is not too far from a farmhouse or a manor. This location could serve as a quick escape route or provide you with the means to blend in.
Your next priority is to ensure your safety and secure a temporary dwelling. The nearest towns are Newbury and Thatcham. You would likely need to secure some temporary accommodations and find a way to exchange a small portion of your funds for proper clothing. A pound or two for secondhand items might be sufficient, but be wary of unscrupulous individuals who might take advantage of such situations. Hiding the majority of your wealth might be the best tactic until you can secure a more personal place to keep it.
Planning for the Future
Your primary goal should be to create a stable life for the remainder of the century. This would involve finding employment and securing long-term housing. Additionally, you might consider making some strategic investments in bricks and mortar, as well as in certain areas that historically performed well before World War I, the Spanish Flu, and other significant events. Engaging with governmental departments such as the MOD (Ministry of Defence) might be a viable option, but it also carries the risk of altering the timeline.
Funding your long-term plans could include setting up a trust for your partner and children. You would leave them well-funded, along with a note explaining your sudden absence and apologizing for the inconvenience it might cause. This plan ensures that you secure your legacy and financial comfort well into the future.
Embracing the Past
If you had a phone in 1900, it would look very different from the one you currently possess. In 1900, home phones were small boxes with a crank for the operator to answer. Making a call required you to turn the crank to get their attention. Only the upper-class residents in good neighborhoods could afford a home phone. And even then, not many people owned one, so there would be very few people you could call. This makes your digital phone, if kept, a technological marvel that could come in handy for communication or as a curiosity.
With so much wealth at your disposal, you could live an exorbitant lifestyle, indulging in the finer things. The 400GBP you have is the equivalent of several years of wages. You are wealthy, and you have the opportunity to live it up. Consider investing in properties, stocks, and artistic ventures that have historically performed well, ensuring that you leave a lasting legacy.
Final Thoughts
Your phone and 500GBP provide you with a unique opportunity to shape the 20th century. Embrace the past, but remember the importance of careful planning. Whether you decide to live like a king, build a legacy, or navigate the political landscape of early 20th-century Britain, your choices will determine your success.