[token8791]

I feel everyone who's in a bad place now, uncertain about the future.

My approach has been often to take a mixed-risk approach, and it seems to work out well. First, no debt. Second, long-cash. After working for about ten years in relatively low paying roles I have something like a runway of about 25 years - that is I would not need to take on any job for 25 years while keeping mostly my current standard of living (plus be happier, as I would have more time).

I plan to work for about 5 more years, then switch from a high-stress environment to cool projects that do not need to make lots of money.

The key has been to continue to live like a student, we have a small cheap flat, go out eating maybe once a month, no car, no expensive hobby, little distractions.

With a faang salary, I probably could have achieved that not in ten, but in two years.

That's why I'm a bit curious why people are so stressed out.

[OliverGilan]

This falls apart when you want to get married and have kids? It’s certainly possible to find a frugal partner but kids still cost a lot of money in general

[LVB]

I agree but IMO there is still a huge amount of discretion involved. My wife and I are routinely stunned at what other families spend on their kids clothing, hobbies, family vacations, etc. We hear a lot of grumbling from our kids about it too, but we both feel it is better both for our wallets and the kid’s upbringing.

[Knifa]

Life feels too short/uncertain to not make use of the cash you've got, is the other perspective I guess.

[token8791]

Well, I use cash - I buy good food, for example. But just knowing that I can just say bye to any job, if it gets to the point is quite a value to me.

[themitigating]

70 to 100 years is short? You could spend your entire savings in a month if you wanted so I don't understand your advice

[xputer]

For many people the main concern is not money, but maintaining visa status.

[UncleOxidant]

Yep. Living frugal has big advantages. You can just walk away if you need to. I don't have 25 years saved up (well, maybe I do counting retirement savings and I am getting pretty close to that 59.5 age where I can access them) but I can go a good while without working. Our cars are 20+ years old and still going strong, our mortgage on our very modest house will be paid off in a month or two. You have to be willing to trade status symbols for freedom.

[gahara31]

Feeling enough is something that money can't buy. I'm happy for you.