> Budget culture makes money all about you — your actions, responsibilities and mindset. But individual actions can’t overcome persistent pay gaps, generational

> Budget culture makes money all about you — your actions, responsibilities and mindset. But individual actions can’t overcome persistent pay gaps, generational trauma, systemic oppression and algorithmic bias. No money management method can square rising housing costs with stagnant wages. No amount of self control can make up for the costs of “professionalism” born by everyone who has to fit their hair, dress, gender presentation or family responsibilities into a box to keep their job. This paragraph has the subtle tone of a some sort of abuser seeking to keep the victim in thrall. "Reality is oppression! There is no escape from victimhood." The message of budgeting is that you can do what is of interest as long as the action is delibrate and responsible in context. Living thoughtlessly or hedonistically is the challenge to overcome.