In America, there is a sense that spending money wisely and privately can lead to freedom, as suggested by the quote. This implies that keeping financial matters discreet helps maintain independence and security in a society where appearances and hidden transactions might be crucial.
The quote from James Patterson's "The Beach House" reflects a broader idea that financial discretion is a valuable virtue. It hints at a lifestyle where careful and secretive spending allows individuals to live freely without external constraints or judgments.