So much this. But I would like to add to it. Not only is it emotionally liberating to be better off, but it actually frees you up practically as well. Like you

So much this. But I would like to add to it. Not only is it emotionally liberating to be better off, but it actually frees you up practically as well. Like you said: count pennies, look for cheap alternatives, defer purchases. If I wanted to buy something when I was younger, I would save money for a year, then spend hours/days/weeks comparing prices, waiting for deals, etc. This lingered deep in me, and I had a hard time shaking it as an adult. It's only recently that I can decide to buy something, have a quick look at what's good and where it's cheapest, and then buy it. I never want to go the other direction and purely equate time with money, but to some extent any of the meaningless time I spent worrying about money I now can make money, and when I don't feel like it, I can have time off, without worrying. Sorry for the rant, but what I really wanted to get to is: Having money means having time and energy to learn more ~= making more money. IMHO this article is obviously true.