[Porsche-O-Phile]

Hey Matt, I think we're more or less saying the same thing in different ways. The truth is definitely in the middle. As I said before choosing the path of miserly self-depravation or the path of hedonistic excess will lead to a wasted life. There needs to be a sensible balance of living and preparing. Unfortunately we live in a society that glorifies consumption as evidenced by pathetic savings rates. This doesn't help when it comes to retirement. Far said, I think it's critically important to enjoy life while you can (within reason) because tomorrow could be (likely WILL BE) too late.

I'm a lot like ckelly78z - I can't stand paying people for stuff I can do myself. It's a waste of money. I didn't just my ass in school to get "A" grades just so I could hand over my money to the kids who screwed off and got "C" or "D" grades because I can't be bothered to pick up a wrench or screwdriver or paintbrush. This is to a point of course - my time is worth something to me and if it's a gigantic PITA I'll sometimes opt to hire someone and let them suffer through it.

I suspect some of the mindset we see here comes from ingrained Judaeo-Christian thinking - that somehow suffering leads to salvation. I reject that belief - suffering simply leads to more suffering (and misery, and discontent, and jealousy...) By contrast, learning to be accepting of situations and looking for ways to improve them is helpful. Thinking that seeking out more suffering and self-deprivation will make one's life better is really kind of foolish. That said there is a place for frugality and sensible planning - just not to the extremes suggested here (or even some of the ones suggested in "The Millionaire Next Door").

I guess what I'm saying is don't be afraid to live life a little when it matters. You only go around the block once. Don't waste it worrying about tomorrow too much. Plan, prepare and don't be stupid or reckless, but don't throw away your most useful and valuable commodities - time and youth.