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Episode 2112:

Helene Massicotte of FreeToPursue.com explores the psychological and financial turmoil stemming from the relentless pursuit of matching others' material success. Highlighting the severe consequences of such aspirational spending, including depression, strained relationships, and financial instability, Massicotte offers practical steps towards cultivating a life of gratitude and financial prudence, emphasizing the importance of valuing personal well-being over societal expectations.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.freetopursue.com/blog/2015/5/26/the-darker-side-of-keeping-up-with-the-joneses

Quotes to ponder:

"You spend more than you intend to because they make you want things you hadn't even considered important."

"Depression associated with seeking external validation of our self-worth; Financial worry caused by a large and/or growing debt load or insufficient savings."

"Becoming vulnerable to the lures of their lifestyle is easy if you feel you're not enough in your professional, personal, academic, family or social life."

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