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As recent as 8 years ago, we were borderline poor. Working class poor. On a household income at almost $150K/year, we had no cash in our wallets.

Then we changed things. We got on a zero-dollar budget, we made paying off debt our top priority and we eliminated unnecessary spending. In short, we started to live below not above our means, we finally grew up.

Today we are 100% debt free, mortgage paid off and we own everything we have in our possession. If we think we want something we think long and hard before spending the money.

In spite of much higher costs for consumer goods, we are saving north of 40% of our income. I’m maxing out on my 401K at the 50+ year old provision, spouse is putting 15% in her 403B total that is $44,000.00/year into our retirement accounts, another $18K into savings and our brokerage account. Next year we will buy a new (late model used) car paying in cash.

It’s all simple math to be honest. Simple math and common sense and a bit of old fashion self-control. And not residing in California!

As recent as 8 years ago, we were borderline poor. Working class poor. On a household income at almost $150K/year, we had no cash in our wallets.
Then we changed things. We got on a zero-dollar budget, we made paying off debt our top priority and we eliminated unnecessary spending. In short, we started to live below not above our means, we finally grew up.
Today we are 100% debt free, mortgage paid off and we own everything we have in our possession. If we think we want something we think long and hard before spending the money.
In spite of much higher costs for consumer goods, we are saving north of 40% of our income. I’m maxing out on my 401K at the 50+ year old provision, spouse is putting 15% in her 403B total that is $44,000.00/year into our retirement accounts, another $18K into savings and our brokerage account. Next year we will buy a new (late model used) car paying in cash.

It’s all simple math to be honest. Simple math and common sense and a bit of old fashion self-control. And not residing in California!

Watch out! The RATs will look at the results of all your hard work and think "Why, THAT's not fair!" Since their thinking is results-based and not performance-based, they'll want to tax you extra, to re-distribute your "ill gotten" gains. Oh, and your 401k / 403B, why, they'll just confiscate that and "let" you have Social Security for your retirement years.