Having stuff and spending money is a way for people to show their value to society because personal success equals financial success and stuff equals financial success. Dig into that a bit and there’s really no connection between spending money and being successful or having value.

There’s some sensitivity around money because it’s complex. Not understanding how finance works can create a barrier for people to discuss money. But only when you talk about it, ask for help, and believe you can learn, do you grow past that barrier.

Being frugal and embarking on a FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) journey can be isolating because a consumer-culture promotes spending, not saving. But when you discuss money with your friends, you find that you’re not alone in your thinking, and together you can improve your finances through talking about money together.