I've taught myself to reduce the "things" in my life (impulse items and expensive distraction "things" like cable subscriptions) and to do a lot more cooking at

I've taught myself to reduce the "things" in my life (impulse items and expensive distraction "things" like cable subscriptions) and to do a lot more cooking at home (fun and a big savings in and of itself). I'd say that at the end of the month I'm likely spending a little less than I would if I were a huge impulse purchaser/had to have every little subscription possible, but the things -> experiences trade has a far better ROI. Here are the differences I've found over the past year and a half: 1. I am traveling more. Unlimited vacation + not insisting on having multiple $x00 payments (like a fancy new car) means a $300 round trip ticket isn't even something I have to plan to purchase. I'm averaging a trip by plane every three months and a smaller weekend road trip once per month. My buddy has a big fancy truck and he pays the equivalent of two round trip tickets per month but his average round trip commute is about 2 miles. I'll never understand this (if for no other reason than my love of the bicycle). 2. When I go to dinner I eat at better (healthier) restaurants. I've never been a picky eater but I've definitely found myself turning my nose up at food I would have enjoyed six months ago. I have probably only eaten at fast food places maybe 7 times in that period. This so far has been my favorite plus. 3. When I do buy things, I have no reason not to buy the nicer of two items. 4. I can afford a gym membership and personal training sessions. Actually where I go it pretty much works out that if you brown bag your lunch every day you can afford the membership + 3 sessions per week. 5. My apartment looks huge without all the clutter. My aunt lives in the same building and has the same apartment layout but you'd assume mine was at least 50% larger.