How do cultural perceptions of success influence personal financial behavior, and what ways can individuals resist such norms to forge their own fiscal paths?

ANSWER: Cultural norms often equate success with material wealth, pushing people towards excessive spending to showcase status. This can lead to debt and financial insecurity. To resist, individuals can define personal success based on their values, set financial goals independent of societal pressures, practice mindful spending, and emphasize savings and investment over consumption. Education on personal finance and connecting with like-minded individuals can also reinforce one's commitment to a self-determined financial journey.