🪴An advice column hot take: 💸 finance isn't "personal"

what we don't talk about when we're talking about slow-living, minimalism, anti-consumerism

Hi friends. This is something different. Let me know what you think?

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Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about economics. My own, yes. But, also, communal. I’ve wanted to explore new things with you all in this Substack. However, it’s also really important for me that this feels authentic, not like a “product” that I’m “producing” in a traditional money in—> product out kind of way.

I want to challenge myself to write deeply and truthfully in a way that connects with you all, and myself, and the heart of what I’m trying to think about and grapple with here on this small life raft of the internet.

a letter from a subscriber asking how to align their life with some of their new low-buy practices…

So, let’s start with something a new subscriber (hi!) very kindly shared with me when I asked what was on their mind around slow living:

Hi Aviv,

Our friendship group is fairly affluent so enjoy new cars, moving home, luxury travel and significant purchases like art and jewelry. Compared to that we don't have much to report as we're actively trying to do the opposite! I suppose I feel like it's a lot about what I'm not doing and so missing out on if that makes sense?!

I'm also finding it a tricky subject to talk about as it's my experience that trying to reduce anything means some take it as a moral judgement on their own choices.

And finally, I find it hard to remain grateful for everything I already have. I feel ridiculous even typing that. […]I always end up thinking about all the stuff I don't have rather than focusing on everything I do.

Thanks,

Fear of FOMO

They also shared that there might be some feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and that they were trying to find fulfillment outside of capitalism.

getting “pilled”

First, Fear of FOMO, thanks for telling me what’s on your mind! I love getting to connect with the people who read this. (If anyone reading this feels inspired to write to me and tell me what’s on your mind, please do!)

I want to start with tackling your feelings of discongruity with your friend group.