{
  "id": 7522972,
  "title": "Friendflation: Warum Geld in Beziehungen relevanter wird",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/friendflation-warum-geld-in-beziehungen-relevanter-wird",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T09:54:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geld-warum-finanzen-eine-immer-wichtigere-rolle-in-freundschaften-einnehmen/100154689.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "In recent times, money has become an increasingly significant factor in friendships, according to Wolfgang Krüger, a psychotherapist, business economist, and author of books on money and relationships. He explains that as the gap between the rich and poor widens, and as we live in uncertain times, money plays a more significant role in defining our lives. Krüger believes that it is essential to recognize when friendships with differing financial backgrounds may struggle and that someone with more money should take responsibility for such situations without feeling embarrassed. Friendflation, a term coined by the Financial Times, refers to the rising costs of maintaining friendships, including expensive bachelor parties, café visits, dinners at restaurants, and movie trips. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the hospitality industry, which has seen significant price increases due to factors such as increased value-added tax and inflation. While it may be possible to substitute some products in the hospitality industry, the experience of dining at a restaurant or café is less easily replaced, and alternatives are limited. The issue of money in friendships is not universal, but it can become a significant problem when it becomes a central part of our value system, such as when defining ourselves by expensive possessions like a Porsche or Rolex watch. Krüger stresses that the importance of money in friendships depends on the individual's financial mindset, which is shaped by their upbringing. However, discussing financial differences within a group of friends can be challenging, as money is still a taboo topic in society. When someone with less money feels uncomfortable addressing this issue, it can lead to distancing themselves from wealthier friends. To maintain healthy friendships, Krüger advises acknowledging and discussing financial differences, allowing individuals to redefine themselves beyond material possessions and emphasizing that good friendships contribute significantly to a longer life.",
  "summary": "Wer gute Freunde hat, kommt leichter durchs Leben, hat eine bessere Beziehung und verringert sein Sterberisiko. Nur was, wenn die Freundschaft am Geld scheitert?",
  "key_points": [
    "Money increasingly significant in friendships, says Wolfgang Krüger",
    "Friendflation term for rising costs of maintaining friendships",
    "Discussing financial differences challenging due to taboo nature"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}