[todsul]

  > the #1 reason for any "How I did <...>" is really, "I am cheap."

I couldn't disagree with this more. In fact, I find the opposite true. Living lightly and investing well on average creates much greater opportunity and enjoyment than indiscriminate spending.

Sure, some wealth comes with being cheap/frugal. But real wealth comes from investing your time & money well and spending intelligently. Notice I said "time & money". Discretionary items are just as much a time sink as they are a money sink.

Forget the self-help articles that harp on about minimalism and the latest lifestyle design fads. Try to live lightly and gauge the results for yourself. You won't miss anything, you'll have more time, you'll think clearer, and of course you'll have more money.

Then you'll decide to launch a startup and lose your mind :)

[TDL]

To piggyback on your comment. Being frugal allows people to have capital when opportunities come along. Being cheap is generally undercutting someone else in order to save a nickel or a dime. Being frugal is delaying gratification in order to save up for some specific purpose or to have capital when an opportunity presents itself.

Regards, TDL