$656,000 of Frugal Things I Still Love Doing

Introduction

"I used to read Mr. Money Mustache," some people say these days, "Until he got all rich and fancy so that he no longer understands the common person’s plight. Stash probably doesn’t even practice any of these money-saving things he preaches any more!" When I encounter such comments, I can’t help but laugh. It’s a paradox: when you share personal details online, misunderstandings are inevitable. Yet, if critics could glimpse our lives—not just mine but those of all Mustachians—they’d recognize the effectiveness of these principles.

Because the basics remain unchanged; many MMM readers, like me, have seen their total wealth grow steadily over the past twelve years. However, I haven’t altered my spending habits significantly because I’ve always aimed to live a fulfilling life.

Standard Advice vs. Mustachianism

Standard financial advice advocates sacrificing until reaching a specific savings percentage; beyond that, it’s all personal choice. In contrast, Mustachianism emphasizes cultivating a love for efficiency, creativity, self-awareness, and self-improvement. This approach enhances all aspects of life, enabling us to live better even as our monthly expenses decrease over time.

Practical Examples

Here are some frugal practices I enjoy, each saving significant money in the long run:

DIY Home Improvement:
- I believe in self-sufficiency and taking control of one’s life. I love redesigning old buildings and homes, both my own and friends’. This hobby not only saves on construction costs but also fosters a sense of accomplishment.
- Teaching others to fix and maintain their homes independently is another passion of mine. It empowers people to overcome fear and dependency on external contractors.
- Savings: Approximately $20,000 per year = $287,000 over a decade
Community Exchange:
- I am part of a coworking space where members frequently swap valuable free stuff through Craigslist or community forums. This practice is an eco-friendly and economical way to obtain goods and services. Savings: Variable, but considerable over time

… (and so on, from the original text)