This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
I Spend In Select Categories And Invest Above All Else
People make fun of me, but my method works 🙂
You always wear the same clothes when you can buy a new wardrobe.
Why don’t you splurge a bit more?
Why do you live the way you do?
You could buy a new car.
You could buy a house.
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How I Live Is Modest
If you walk into my house, you will immediately notice something; it’s very minimal.
I barely have any decor (actually, nothing is on my walls as we speak).
I have little furniture and still don’t have any TVs. I’ll pull the trigger at some point, but I’m faring pretty damn well in the meantime.
Storage is a complete waste of money, so if something can’t fit in my house, it’s got to go.
How I Shop Is Modest
When I buy clothes, it’s intentional. Sometimes I question my shopping choices afterward because I end up wearing the same outfits a majority of the time. However, social life sometimes calls for at least a few different options, and it doesn’t hurt to dress appropriately.
People have made fun of my clothes, too. One of my friends asked me, “Do you only have one pair of jeans?” At the time, I only had two pairs of jeans, and I wore those jeans until they transitioned into the final stages: dust.
But I didn’t allow their comment to change my relationship with clothes. I still shop sparingly and have kept the same clothes for decades.
How My Shopping Works While Traveling
I went on a two-month trip to over ten countries and bought two shirts and some earrings on the entire trip.
I used never to buy loved one’s souvenirs because doing so contrasted with my minimalistic values. However, I’ve taken a turn and decided to get a few select items.
Interestingly enough, I lost the items I bought for others on a recent trip. It just wasn’t meant to be…
Shopping In General
Whenever I see something cool, I ask myself, “I understand I like and appreciate this item, but how much do I realllllllly want it, and how much do I need it?”
Frequently my responses don’t warrant enough valid reasoning or desire to follow through on the purchase.
How I Drive Is Modest
Writing articles about how much waste of money cars are is one of my favorite topics to write about because cars financially ensnare people too frequently.
I’ve been driving the same car for the last ten years, and it’s one of the best frickin decisions I’ve made. I bought my first car ten years ago and still drive it.
When I bought the vehicle, I was a bit regretful because I felt I overpaid for a car with 100k miles on it, but it’s lasted through the years and has treated me kindly.
Do I plan on getting a new one? Yes, eventually, at the right time. When it makes sense to do so, and the desire is present.
How I Travel Is Not Modest
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. It’s also the category of spending that I allow myself to freestyle and, for the most part, and do as I please.
This kind of leniency doesn’t bite me in the ass because I don’t spend lavishly in other categories or live above my means.
Notice there is really only one category where I spend lavishly.
How I Invest Is Not Modest
The one thing I consistently do, no matter what is invest.
Investing is what ensures my net worth continues increasing 24/7.
I don’t spend too much time tracking dividends, returns, losses, and profits.
Instead, I focus on investing a certain amount every month. I don’t invest percentages; I’m more dollar-amount-based, which is always above the average recommendation.
The more aggressively you invest now, the less you will need to invest later in life. However, I invest in a way that won’t hurt me now because I still want to enjoy life now. Tomorrow isn’t promised.
Use Retirement Account Limits As A Baseline
I strongly encourage readers to invest the max contribution limit of the 401k and the ROTH IRA limits set in place each year.
The max retirement account (401k and ROTH IRA) limits are baseline numbers that will provide you with a healthy savings balance in the future, and if that is currently too much for you, then work your way toward that.
Once you cancan max out these two accounts, determine how much it will take to build the invest/save the amount of money you desire by a certain age and up the amount you invest.
Don’t be shy when it comes to investing. If you’re concerned about risk, then choose a less risky investment. It’s always better to invest than to keep your money in low-interest-bearing accounts.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.