[serniebanders]

I actually donated all of my income this year, all the money I earned after paying for food and rent. That amounted to about 300k. Saved my ass during taxes yesterday. Owed the government around 80k, but then after I put my charitable donations it looks like I may actually get some money back from the government (which again, I would be donating).

[scanny]

Wow, what promped you to give it all away?

[serniebanders]

I realize my dependence on comforts made me mentally weak. I become easily irritable and feel exposed and vulnerable when I'm not around my comforts.

Ultimately, it started feeling like I'm paying to become mentally weaker so now I opt to live a life with nothing to lose.

After I no longer care about my income, I can now fearlessly call people out on their bullshit at work and challenge their decisions. It helped me focus more at work and make the right decisions instead of the easy ones.

[loquor]

That's amazing. What did you do about retirement, health insurance, emergency funds?

[serniebanders]

Health insurance is standard high deductible provided by my company. I don't care about retirement and emergency funds. 3 years ago I cleaned out my 401 and donated it and it actually wasn't so bad. I'm doing the max for tax deductible so that I get some company matching and no taxes but after I quit my job I plan to clean it out again and donate them like I did 3 years ago.

Imo, if you are truly happy, you can find happiness no matter how bad your situation is. So I don't care about the distant future. I optimize for the impact I can make today.