I have always been a leftie, and sympathetic to socialism.
I live in a social democratic nordic country. Capitalism is the economic system.
I have thought that I should act like an economically rational entity, and make good financial decisions. Regardless of my beliefs.
I have bought an apartment with my wife, and we have started invested a significant portion in index funds to prepare for retirement in the future.
We both work ethical jobs that contribute positively to society. This was a requirement for the both of us.
Our rationalisation is that we should not sacrifice our own lives that significantly, but instead be politically active, donate a significant amount of money to the socialist party and educate people. We can contribute to change, but by not participating in the capitalist economy, we will hurt ourselves in the long run, without actually changing anything.
We have no plans of becoming “rich” by our country’s standard. But the end goal is living off the pension from the government and our investments in the future.
I just feel that it is a contradictory way of living life, but we at least try to support socialist causes a lot more financially.
I come from a middle-upper class family in my country. Studied a Master’s at the best private university in the country and I’m very well economically.
Do you know what this privilege gives me the most? Time. Not money.
I am now a communist party member here. And do regular organizing.
Want to use your privilege to improve the world? Spend your time building it. Cause most people are too busy finding how to survive day to day to try and take action against the current order of things. That is the true privilege of being well off.