Consumerism, Death Aversion, and Aging

“The quality of your life pretty much exists outside of the realm of money.” That’s a quote from today’s guest and we’re going to spend a good amount of time talking about everything BUT money! Personal finance and handling your money effectively is important of course, but don’t confuse the means to the end, with the end itself. Money is simply a tool, and like the adage about dying with ‘the most toys,’ it’s easy to see how taking the approach of maximizing your wealth accumulation would leave you wanting. Vicki Robin is all about helping folks change their relationship to money. She unknowingly sparked the FIRE movement back in 1992 with her co-author Joe Domniguez when they released the book Your Money or Your Life. We discuss of number of topics in this episode including: 

• How money is a tool, but not the only one
• Consciousness in spending can lower consumption
• Community relationships are essential for support
• Aging can bring new opportunities and perspectives
• Consumer culture often breaks community bonds
• Financial independence should include a sense of service
• The ‘backpressure’ cause by the fear of death
• And much more!

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

• Vicki: read her latest writings over on Substack, Coming of Aging. And the book that started it all, Your Money or Your Life.
• Credit card perks: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
• Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
• Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
• Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
• MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

Best friends out!

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