5 ms·

I see someone already mentioned Mr Money Mustache, which is great. But for really getting to "independently poor" you can't beat Early Retirement Extreme: http:

I see someone already mentioned Mr Money Mustache, which is great. But for really getting to "independently poor" you can't beat Early Retirement Extreme: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/ http://earlyretirementextreme.com/ Similar idea, but he got his living expenses down to something under $10k/year (initially, I think they've risen a bit since) so that he could retire a lot earlier. At various points he talks a lot about how having the skills to support yourself is worth more than having money to buy things, a topic briefly touched on in the linked article. I just wish his English was a little more grammatical and properly spellchecked, but I guess you can't have everything. :)

hbien 13y ago
I'd like to also recommend this book. For people who think the $10k/year figure is only possible in cheap places to live, the author lives in SF Bay Area. Here's some more details: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/how-i-live-on-7000-per-year.html http://earlyretirementextreme.com/how-i-live-on-7000-per-yea...
judk 13y ago
Retire to a (parked) RV to live on rice and lentils and not get medical care or have children. Such an inspiring way to live...
- breischl 13y ago
  You're exaggerating somewhat, though not a ton. It's definitely not a lifestyle for everyone - I'm definitely not aiming for that. But a lot of the concepts can be applied to living a less Spartan lifestyle while still spending very little. Knowing how to make and maintain as many things as possible, live well in a small space by minimizing extraneous possessions, keep yourself in shape so you don't need medical care, cook tasty meals with inexpensive ingedients, that sort of thing. And you have to admit, being financially independent at the age of 30 is worth a lot. Not having to work 2000+ hours a year makes up for a lot of little inconveniences.

hbien 13y ago

I'd like to also recommend this book. For people who think the $10k/year figure is only possible in cheap places to live, the author lives in SF Bay Area. Here's some more details: http://earlyretirementextreme.com/how-i-live-on-7000-per-year.html http://earlyretirementextreme.com/how-i-live-on-7000-per-yea...

judk 13y ago

Retire to a (parked) RV to live on rice and lentils and not get medical care or have children. Such an inspiring way to live...

breischl 13y ago
You're exaggerating somewhat, though not a ton. It's definitely not a lifestyle for everyone - I'm definitely not aiming for that. But a lot of the concepts can be applied to living a less Spartan lifestyle while still spending very little. Knowing how to make and maintain as many things as possible, live well in a small space by minimizing extraneous possessions, keep yourself in shape so you don't need medical care, cook tasty meals with inexpensive ingedients, that sort of thing. And you have to admit, being financially independent at the age of 30 is worth a lot. Not having to work 2000+ hours a year makes up for a lot of little inconveniences.