Does spending less hurt anybody when you could be spending more? Some would argue that those with money not spending that money are greedy. For many, this is a sensitive issue.

These individuals claim that you have the privilege of choice. Claiming you are taking advantage of the poor by living like someone with no choice.

A claim you are profiting from poverty by spending less than you can. Remember, the majority of the planet is poor. The typical adult savings is less than two paychecks.

These individuals are idiots. As you'll see in today's podcast, you are responsible for your money. Claiming ‘poverty appropriations' against anyone with money who chooses simple living is more about jealousy than fact.

Episode, Is Intentional Thrift Poverty Appropriations?

It matters to you whether you spend or save your money. You ask yourself and your family whether you've been a good steward with your earnings.

Living in a smaller house, buying second-hand clothing, or living with less doesn't deprive anyone. Even if that buying pressure increases prices, there will always be low-priced options. A free market will adjust.

In today's cancel culture, they will criticize good behaviors as bad. That's because emotion rather than facts drive them.

Medium writer July Westhale writes about the so-called trendiness of poverty appropriation. Claiming that living on less takes away or appropriates a culture of poverty.

Other sources support consumerism: “Spending more is good for the economy.” Further claiming building your wealth means less money is available for others. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Most appropriation arguments are horse crap. If you can live on less, then good for you. Using fewer resources, investing your savings, and having a financial plan hurts none.

Intentional Thrift Is About Financial Stewardship

From an environmental perspective, living light, even minimalistic, takes fewer resources. It also allows you to leave for travel, vacation, or work where you like. Living in a tiny house doesn't take a small home away from the poor.

I would argue that intentional thrift is a reasonable way to build wealth. The key is focusing on capital use rather than saving money. Keeping your capital growing rather than consuming is an intelligent path to wealth.

The confusion around what it is to be wealthy creates a false narrative. Critics don't understand what keeps people poor. Transforming income into net worth requires wealth strategies that work rather than popular.

If what is popular worked, then everyone would be wealthy. Dive deep into historical methods, like living far below your means. Do you have what it takes?