Personally I think gyms are a waste of money, I enjoy walking my dog in my neighborhood for free, out in the fresh air and sunshine, greeting the other people and dogs in my neighborhood. In the summer I can buy an outdoor pool pass for $75.

I find self help books a waste of money and time; you can distill any one of them down to just start doing the things you want to do and stop wasting your time and money on things that don't bring you happiness or fulfillment. Walk away from the bad and towards the good.

I have used my money to improve the beauty of my beautiful home but I can still afford therapy because I have good insurance. And of course therapy varies from psychologist to psychologist, that's why I don't hire idiots and instead hire a professional capable of coming along while I improve my self care and my life. Therapy has been worth it for me, even during the brief periods where I was uninsured and paid out of pocket.

I do agree with the principles you've laid out, especially in using one's money for sanctuary and rest. In my world, therapy is a sanctuary because it is free of the judgmental b.s. and other people's ideas about how I should live my life and spend my money. It is a rest from other people's values and intrusiveness, including people who think they know better than anyone else what's right for them, or who have a political perspective on therapy or a mean-spirited drive to take it away from other people.

I'm well aware of my power to leave therapy anytime I deem it is no longer worth the time or the money. Those who don't think it's worth it or who have graduated from it who spend theirs some other way that's good for them, I'm happy they have found what works for them. I'm satisfied with what works for me and in the knowledge that a good employer offers mental health benefits along with medical insurance.