> Poverty mindset is maladaptive because it teaches you only money is worth anything, so you hoard it. But in truth time is also worth a lot and sometimes it’s wise to use money to buy time.

This is something I've observed in overly frugal family. Stuff/money is worth too much to them.

You can't gift them anything "nice" because they will put it on the shelf and never open it (don't want to damage it).

Gifting them consumables with an expiration date also doesn't work as they'll "save it" until the expiration date lapses and then eat expired food.

Taking them out is weird because they'll insist on taking leftovers home off every other persons plate at the table, including stuff they don't normally eat.

They'll fill up 2 bedrooms in their home with 40 year old cheap clothes & furniture that is worth so little we'll need to pay someone to haul it away. They won't donate it because they think the people who receive it will waste it. So they'll pay money to ship some of the 40 year old cheap clothing to poorer family back home who it doesn't fit and could just buy cheap clothes there with the money they paid for shipping.

Owning multiple 30+ year old cars until the mechanic literally refuses to work on them anymore telling you they are too rusted out to repair or drive.

This from people who are wealth enough to own multiple properties, have retired early, have government pensions, etc.

A deep and thoughtful piece, thanks for sharing.

I'm wondering at this point what are known methods of overcoming "mindset inequality". Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks for the article, I really enjoyed it!

[dead]