@gearmom re “The kid sounded downright savvy and thoughtful to me. Utilizing libraries rather than buying unnecessary books to help his family. Maybe he’s had more practical skills and savvy than all of us.”
Had to chuckle at this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve yelled, “JUST BUY THE DAMN THING ALREADY!” from another room when he’s supposed to be buying something online.
Just before his 6th birthday, he famously announced he would no longer be accepting birthday gifts. Instead, he said “I will only be accepting small and medium donations to my environmental funds, causes and issues.” (It’s the only quote I ever wrote down.) He defined “small” as $1.29 and “medium” as $3.45 or something like that (i can’t remember the exact amounts). His birthday party guests literally brought the exact amounts in Ziploc baggies. 
And despite the fact that his parents are former foodies who love eating out, he also makes all his own food, mostly soups from scratch. Why waste money on restaurants, he says. I just hope he’ll find a mate who agrees with him!