Episode #47
47 Why We Feel Poor Even When We’re Not: The Psychology of Comparison, Money & “Enough”
Why do so many of us feel like we’re falling behind financially — even when the numbers say we’re doing fine? In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li unpack the growing phenomenon of “subjective poverty”: the emotional, psychological, and social forces that make us feel poor, regardless of our actual income. Drawing on new research from McGill University, global well‑being studies, behavioural economics, neuroscience, and the realities of today’s cost‑of‑living pressures, this episode explores why comparison has become one of the most powerful drivers of financial anxiety — and what we can do to break the cycle. You’ll learn: Why people with the same income can feel dramatically different about their financial security How social comparison — especially online — warps our sense of “enough” Why inflation feels worse than the data suggests How dopamine, hedonic adaptation, and loss aversion fuel lifestyle creep Why social media reshapes our expectations and makes us feel left behind How our brains create loops of worry, rumination, and financial insecurity Why relative poverty often hurts more than objective financial strain How gratitude, values‑based living, and controlled comparison can reset your internal baseline Why defining your own version of “enough” is one of the most powerful financial skills you can build If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “Why do I feel behind when I know I’m doing okay?”, this episode will help you understand the forces at play — and how to reclaim your sense of stability, satisfaction, and financial confidence. Good talk.
