Thanks - I do think that's coherent and not combative at all, and appreciate hearing a similar, but different experience. I think the crux of where I would disagree is on how hard it is to start a business and/or invest. Growing up, I saw my dad go from lower middle class house painter to upper middle class IT work by taking night classes and self-teaching, so that informs my experience. I could see less fortunate middle class stories having a less optimistic view. I see that's subjective somewhat. But I think I'm on solid ground to say it's never been easier or cheaper, especially for a definition of "business" that includes 10-50k/year side projects to supplement a day job.
Similar with investing. Robinhood, et al have huge issues for sure (as we recently learned), but anybody can dollar-cost-average into some index funds and do better on average than sticking cash in the bank.
It's not so much that I don't _care_ about others less fortunate (I really do, and put my money where my mouth is on that). But I also genuinely think that one big way to help people is to help them have successful small businesses and invest, and encourage a mentality of self-education. I have definitely had that conversation with less financially stable peers. I don't push it on them, but if they are interested, we do brainstorm business ideas and talk about next steps, investing philosophy, interesting books and sites, etc.
Similar with investing. Robinhood, et al have huge issues for sure (as we recently learned), but anybody can dollar-cost-average into some index funds and do better on average than sticking cash in the bank.
It's not so much that I don't _care_ about others less fortunate (I really do, and put my money where my mouth is on that). But I also genuinely think that one big way to help people is to help them have successful small businesses and invest, and encourage a mentality of self-education. I have definitely had that conversation with less financially stable peers. I don't push it on them, but if they are interested, we do brainstorm business ideas and talk about next steps, investing philosophy, interesting books and sites, etc.