He is in Denmark, where there is social democracy, high taxes and all encompassing social programs to protect people from the ravages of the Randian market. Of course he lived a sheltered life. But its not a fault on his side. People in countries with Randian realities not being protected from the ravages of the economy is where the fault is at.

To me, it sounds more like they have lived a European life, not a sheltered life. Outside of the UK, there aren’t any European countries I know of that use e.g. credit cards on a daily basis. We are taught to avoid taking on debt and are financially risk-averse.

Credit cards are used in Europe too, but the credit part not so much, most people pay it in full end of month (or whenever their next bill comes)

Isn't that how most people use their credit cards everywhere, or at least everywhere in the developed world? I thought the 20%+ interest was just a way to take advantage of you if you mess up and rack up too big a bill, or forget to pay your bill.

Anecdata, but I know multiple people that I associate with do caray a balance on their cards and by paying minimums. I don’t understand it, but then again I’m fortunate enough to have a software job that allows me to keep up with my social lifestyle without incurring debt.

How is “buy what you can pay “ mentality a result of a “sheltered life”？ It is probably the opposite. Although I would add BNPL is largely embedded in US culture and education. Geez, we even apply that to our education..

Parasites like... BNPL schemes?

"Everyone is ready to take money from poor people and that's why your racist (or whatever) if you don't let poor people give their money to people ready to take it from them!!!1!"

Also the notion that successful people should not be giving advice to people who are less successful, because then... what, the less successful people might become more like the successful people? -- anyways, that notion is completely backward. One could only endorse it if one really wanted the less successful people to remain down in life.