[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fBYOIhgIL9UGc93jUFQQF7r6SP0_lFOP3pbULyJZ8Zlg":3,"$fPbij0eP_kYwvqLeFd9RjK1flOR3ePNHBRyNY4JJCBMk":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},7856,"Kristy Shen","K",2,null,"kristy-shen",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":48},[14,26],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":18,"source":19,"quote_tag":20,"commentary":9},637491,"Whenever someone did you a favor o lent you something, you were expected to repay them, either through political favors or with money. Over time, it became ingrained in the national psyche that being in debt to someone gives them power over you",false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[21],{"id":22,"tag":23},3283578,{"id":24,"tag_name":25},5586,"trustworthy",{"id":27,"quote_text":28,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":29,"source":30,"quote_tag":31,"commentary":47},27216,"The idea of relying on the government was laughable. The government's job isn't to help you! Their job is tofind new and creative ways of making your life immeasurably worse.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[32,37,42],{"id":33,"tag":34},197039,{"id":35,"tag_name":36},39,"wealth",{"id":38,"tag":39},197037,{"id":40,"tag_name":41},720,"finance",{"id":43,"tag":44},197038,{"id":45,"tag_name":46},4954,"government","**The Backstory**\nKristy Shen, a Canadian personal finance blogger, shared this quote in her book \"Save. Spend. Repeat.\" (2019), reflecting on her experiences with government bureaucracy and the importance of personal responsibility. At the time of writing, Shen was in her mid-30s, having navigated the challenges of saving for a down payment on a house and building a career. Her words capture the frustration many individuals face when dealing with government systems that seem more focused on regulating and taxing than supporting citizens.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth: that our reliance on the government can often be counterproductive, leading to increased bureaucratic red tape, higher taxes, and a loss of personal autonomy. By recognizing the government's primary role as a regulator, rather than a helper, individuals can begin to see the value in taking ownership of their financial and personal lives.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, individuals should focus on developing self-sufficiency and financial literacy, rather than relying on government programs or handouts. By taking control of their financial decisions and building a safety net, professionals and creatives can break free from the constraints of bureaucratic systems and unlock their full potential.",{"currentPage":49,"totalPages":49,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":50},1,10]