From the author: Many are busy looking for who is to blame. Few people think about where they are going. The other day I remembered how 10 years ago my interlocutor looked at my mobile phone, and his face slightly (barely noticeable, but clearly for me) changed. A year later, our economy “collapsed” under the pressure of the global financial crisis, which soon became known as the “Second Great Depression.” We still nostalgically recall the era of the “well-fed” 2000s (with their prohibitively high oil prices): Then everything grew by leaps and bounds. There were enough oil dollars for everyone - even those who were not directly connected with the oil industry. It was then that many of our people began to consider themselves “middle class”, felt a taste for life and an irresistible craving for luxury goods and expensive accessories. That is why 10 years ago (even before the crisis) my interlocutor’s face changed so much when he saw my very simple (at that time push-button) mobile phone. History repeats itself... (and teaches us nothing) I am surprised by the latest iPhone series (and other “Apple” products) in the hands of people who are barely making ends meet financially. They, in turn, are quite surprised by my modest mobile phone. By the way, they say that Vertu (a manufacturer of prohibitively expensive, luxury mobile phones) is on the verge of bankruptcy. By the way, what phone do you use? - write below in the comments. And why did you choose him? I am not a supporter of asceticism. It hardly makes sense to completely abandon the joys of life and expensive things that increase the comfort of our lives. After all, this is precisely why we earn money - to enjoy life and enjoy the benefits of civilization. I am for a healthy balance and financial literacy (with the PLUS sign). This is exactly what I talk about in my articles and books. It is this approach that I practice in my life. And this is what so greatly surprises my interlocutors and irritates my readers who lead a “chaotic” financial life. I believe that you should buy Vertu, iPhone and other attributes of a “well-fed” life only after you have formed your a significant “financial cushion”. What do you think about this? And what phone do you use? - write in the comments. PS I made a selection of books on personal finance - they will help you “make friends” with your money!