Money Talks in Caviar Affair Magazine

CAVIAR AFFAIR MAGAZINE (November 2007) -- The old saying among psychiatrists is that it’s easier to talk about sex than money, and Michael Sonnenfeldt is firmly with the shrinks on this one.  Issues of wealth, says the former real estate developer, often can be “impossible to explore with associates and family members in an environment of trust.”  To remedy this, Sonnenfeldt co-founded Tiger 21 eight years ago in New York City (the name is an acronym for The Investment Group for Exceptional Returns in the 21st Century, a hybrid investment club/peer group tailored to individuals with more than $10 million in investable assets. 
The group recently expanded to Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.  Sonnenfeldt says the appeal of the monthly meetings is twofold, the first of which is easier to quantify: investment wisdom and opportunities that generally boost returns 1 to 3 percent. 
But perhaps even more valuable, he says, is the “new perspective on money” the group can provide.  Through guest speakers (presenters have included James Stewart, Ace Greenberg and Gary Hart) and intense examinations of individual portfolios, members achieve a more nuanced appreciation of the challenges surrounding their wealth. 
That process, especially the airing of sensitive financial details, can be daunting.  Prospective members must undergo extensive interview to ensure they’re a good fit.  “We look for people who want to share with others and have a sense of integrity,” Sonnenfeldt says. “It’s not for everyone.” 
www.tiger21.com