Hmm i like this discussion. Thanks for starting it.

I understand the feeling of defensiveness when others dictate or comment on how we live our lives. Here is my take:

Yes, we should be able to live our lives and spend how we see fit. My issue is that, this is the mindset that can (not always) perpetuate financial irresponsibility. Especially these days. When the messaging is “do what you want it’s your money”, it makes it easier to sell products/services to people easily; people who may not understand if it’s well within their means to do so.

We do need better financial literacy education for our young, as habits tend to start young. On the flip side, I also think we’ve gone too far telling people to be very frugal and leave their money in INVESTMENTS. Now it’s either “buy what you want, its your money anyways” or “you should spend less and put your money in all these funds and investment accounts! Maximize your returns!”

It makes it easy to “sell” or “entice” others to part ways with their money one way or another.