Early Retirement Extreme Forums

Hey guys,

I knew about this blog (and MMM) years ago and kick myself thinking about all the money I've spent on dumb stuff, but hitting 30ish was sort of a wakeup call that I'm not all that likely to earn more money per year or really advance my situation dramatically. So it's a good time to take cutting back seriously.

I've read most of the blog but the still working my way through the book. Both are really good and I don't want to hurry anything.

The repair forum looks amazing too.

I don't really want to reveal a lot of personal details but one accomplishment I am happy about is paying off all my student loan debt a few years ago. Have also been dumping a lot in the 401k at work and trying to make consistent contributions to a personal brokerage.

One takeaway I have learned in the last few months is how hard it is to say no to buying things. It gets a little easier the less you care about other people's opinions but like many things, there is a learning curve to getting around some consumer spending.

Happy to be here and wish you all the best.

Welcome to the forum!

octopus wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 27, 2025 4:38 pm

there is a learning curve to getting around some consumer spending.

Indeed it is! Some things that worked for me:

• Think of the cost in terms of the hours you need to work to buy it (from Your Money Or Your Life)
• Think of the last time you bought a similar item and how happy you are about that now
• You don't need it now. Only buy if you think it's a good idea for one or two weeks
• Nurture hatred for the blackmail of offers and advertisements, like limited time or numbers ("Only 1 left!")
• Have a budget, so you become more aware of how buying one thing means letting go of another opportunity (scarcity mindset)