Reply to Spinoff: How do you live below your means?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Here's what I did/do

My parents paid for most of my college so I had very little debt that I paid off quickly.

I never went to grad school because no one (parents, employer) was paying for it and I didn't want school debt.

I paid myself first when I started working. The amount was small but I invested in a traditional IRA. Roth didn't exist then.

I bought a modest house in a safe but not hip or trendy neighborhood in DC when I moved here, instead of renting. I made capital improvements to it over time. Still live in it.

I buy gently used nice cars that I drive a min. of 10 years. I take care of them.

I am divorced and childless so no kids or deadbeat spouse sucking up my income.

I max out 403b. I have the traditional IRA mentioned earlier, and a Roth IRA.

I have savings go into an account I can't touch automatically drafted from my paycheck.

I don't drink coffee regularly and when I do want it I can make it at home. I drink decaf anyway.

I travel to far away locales and stay in nice places because I am a single woman and sketchy isn't an option.

I DO eat out -- not regularly but when I want to. I DO buy clothes and make up and shoes but not frequently. I like to look nice, I take pride in my appearance and life is too short to pinch pennies in every area of life.

I am not deferring every pleasure in hopes that I will be able to live some grand life in my old age because not everyone lives long enough to get old. Tomorrow is not promised. My mother retired at 55 lived her best life spending time with my niece, volunteering at her school, traveling and spending time with my grandmother. She turned 65 in October, had a stroke in Dec. and died in January. My grandmother (her mom) was in her 90s, with living siblings, and it had never occurred to me -- or anyone else -- that my mom wouldn't live to some ripe old age, too. Life is for living and should just be tolerated until you die.

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I'm happy that you at least spend some of your $$ on your appearance.  Otherwise, you have a sorry life. [/quote]

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