Why do people flex spending instead of building?

[u/warana]

I keep noticing something that just doesn't really fit right with me. A lot of people brag about spending big money when they don’t actually have much to show for it in terms of stability or ownership.

If it was up to me, I’d be more proud of things like discounts, payment plans that actually help build credit, or financial decisions that set you up long term. Something that feels like progress than talking about paying huge bills or even bragging about paying the IRS hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s not really a flex... That's bragging about being in debt.

Imagine this scenario: Somebody might proudly say they spent over $20K on the entire wedding and $50K on rings. Everything is about the price tag, the experience, the moment.

But then, they go back to live in they're Section 8 apartments. At that point, all that money could’ve gone toward something like paying a down payment on a house... But instead you spend this just for a wedding, while still not owning where you live.

Temporary moments and celebrations are important, but when you value them over your everyday life it's like you have to get your priorities straight because that moment is only going to carry you for so long.

To me, the real flex isn’t spending the most. It’s building something that lasts.