
Your Move:
- Reframe, reframe, reframe. When dealing with financial jealousy, think about “self-worth vs. net worth,” says Macksoud. Pull yourself out of a comparison spiral by identifying what truly matters to you, such as meaningful friendships, compelling work, or a growing family.
- Remember, you don’t have the receipts. That house with the pool looks amazing, but you don’t know how someone bought their home or what it took to get there. Maybe they have a massive mortgage or a high-paying, but high-pressure job they hate. Real life is often much more complicated than it seems in photos — even for millionaires.
- Use self-exploration. If you’re caught up in a friend’s promotion, or annoyed they can buy a house while you’re barely scraping by paying rent, get curious about why. For example, promotion jealousy may be a sign to level up your job search or consider a shift to a new industry.
- Be honest. If you get jealous when your well-paid friend constantly invites you to expensive dinners, tell them you’re watching your budget. They may simply be unaware of your financial reality.