Category: Getting Started

But I Am Not That Frugal

The first step in recovery is recognition you have a problem. I found the rabbit hole of the financial independence community and became inspired by those getting off the hamster wheel. But many of the stories involved people who were born savers, frugal to the point where they suddenly found themselves able to work a few more years and then retiring.

But that was not me. I did everything wrong. Bought the “dream” house straight out of residency, bought two cars brand new. My giant student loans seemed so big I just figured I would pay them off while I was working until 70. Then I found myself unhappy and unfulfilled. Do I really want to do this until I am 70?

No this was not my first house

The emphatic answer was No! So what was I going to do different? I needed to become frugal-the other f-word.

As I focused on what was most important to me, my time and freedom, I was able to see a bigger picture and realign my actions with my values. For me being frugal was not going to be biking 20 miles to work or living with roommates. For me it was going to start with baby steps of eliminating what was not truly adding to my quality of life.

 

ACTION STEP: Write down what is most important to you. Consider using font/writing size to display the gravity of it. Are your daily, weekly, monthly actions/spending in align with your values?

The Bumpy Road to FI

I dreamed of one day being a doctor. I worked my tail off to get there with a goal of someday living the good life. I was not just in it for the money, as I was well aware there were much easier ways to make a buck. But I did it all wrong.

I took out too many students loans and racked up credit card debt. I bought the big house and new cars. Honestly, in the moment, I did not feel I was outside of the norm or extravagant. But little by little I was consumed by consumerism and slowly became a slave to the daily grind.

It was unconsciousness living and before I knew it, the job I loved became a chore, my marriage suffered and I was unhappy.

I began searching for a more mindful, healthy way of living. After all, I am trained to be a  healer, right? I ate healthy, I exercised, but something was missing.

I realized that my financial health had been suffering and it was taking a toll. Money should be working for me, not me for money. By living more intentionally, I am righting my wrongs on a path to financial freedom.

Join me as I travel The Bumpy Road To Financial Independence.