Whenever I come across comments like these, I can’t help but smile. On one hand, sharing personal details online naturally invites misunderstandings. On the other, if critics could actually see the day-to-day lives of people living this way — not just mine, but many others — their theories would quickly fall apart, because this lifestyle simply works.
The core principles haven’t really changed. Over the past twelve years, my wealth has steadily grown. But just as importantly, my spending hasn’t drastically changed either — because I was already focused on living a life that felt good and fulfilling from the start.
Why have so many people found success? I believe it’s because we go beyond conventional financial advice:
Traditional advice tells you to cut expenses and make sacrifices to reach a savings goal — and after that, it’s just about personal choice. More income? Great, less sacrifice needed.
An alternative approach encourages a love for efficiency, creativity, self-awareness, and continuous improvement. This mindset helps enhance your entire life — even as you naturally spend less.
Here’s what that looks like in real life, using my own habits as examples — things I do for fun that also happen to save a lot of money. I’ll estimate the savings per decade, using the “rule of 172” (multiply any monthly cost by 172 to see its 10-year impact, assuming investment growth).
1. DIY Home Improvement (and helping friends)
I love beautiful, functional houses — and I enjoy fixing and redesigning old homes. I spend a lot of time doing this on my properties and for friends, while also teaching others to become self-sufficient in home maintenance.
Estimated savings: $287,000 per decade
2. Using Craigslist and Building Community
Instead of buying everything new, I enjoy swapping, sharing, and buying second-hand through platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, as well as through our local community group. It saves money and builds friendships.
Estimated savings: $42,000 per decade
3. Biking Instead of Driving
I still bike or walk for about 95% of my local trips. While it adds up to only about 2,000 miles per year, the savings — plus health benefits — are significant.
Estimated savings: $14,000 per decade
4. Choosing Muscle Over Motors
Whenever I have the choice, I opt for physical effort: stairs instead of elevators, shoveling snow, moving my own furniture. This keeps me healthy and reduces long-term healthcare costs.
Estimated savings: $140,000 per decade
5. Running My Home Like a Glamping Retreat
I enjoy tinkering around my home to optimize energy efficiency — outdoor showers with sun-heated water, line-drying clothes, outdoor cooking setups, and using Craigslist-sourced solar panels to charge my car. My energy costs are much lower than average, and I love the process.
Estimated savings: $30,000 per decade
Staying Local Instead of Constantly Traveling
By saying “no” to excessive travel and embracing local experiences, I nurture nearby friendships, save money, stay healthier, and spend more quality time at home. Occasional travel is great, but it’s all about balance.
Estimated savings: $143,000 per decade
Altogether, these simple lifestyle habits add up to Six hundred fifty-six thousand dollars in savings per decade — far more than what most Americans accumulate in a lifetime of work.