I don't think it had to do anything with needing that money but rather with continuing his life style (he does the whole 100 belongings thing), getting rid of h

I don't think it had to do anything with needing that money but rather with continuing his life style (he does the whole 100 belongings thing), getting rid of his workstation and other stuff he wouldn't need / be capable of taking with him. After that, it immediately says that he used the money to buy a MacBook (side note: must be pretty beefed if it was the total 3K). Nowhere is stated that the 3K was a necessity to make the transition. I agree with your last point but have to add that the "how" part is complimentary to the "why" and both will give you a better understanding of the situation, goal and motivation.