this post was submitted on 15 Jan 2024
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[โ€“] jet@hackertalks.com 11 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Remember luck is just the intersection of preparation and opportunity.

Saving 60% of my take-home pay was the smartest financial decision I ever made. Difficult to execute, but very rewarding long-term in the behaviors I developed.

Was saving 60% of my income the most impactful financial decision I ever made? No, I had some luck in other areas. But this level of self-discipline helped me develop the skills to handle good luck later

[โ€“] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

How in the actual hell do you save 60% of your take home? Do you have an exceptionally well paying job? Single and living a ramen noodles and tent lifestyle? Would love to hear more because I can't even fathom how an average person could achieve this level of saving. I struggle with saving just 20% after all the bills are paid, and I consider myself frugal. Sure I have a Netflix subscription, but I don't go on vacations or carry a car note, my wardrobe is fruit of the loom package teeshirts and simple jeans, my PC is from 2016... What's your secret?

[โ€“] jet@hackertalks.com 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

Living at home (free rent)

Eating only at work (free food), no fridge at home.

No car (public transit pass)

The percentage isn't the important thing, its developing the attitude that you can happily live below your means. FWIW it was 60% post-tax, not pre-tax

At some point it becomes a game, how little can you get by with.

[โ€“] CaptDust@sh.itjust.works 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Fair enough, cutting out housing and food expenses would definitely go a long way, that's easily the majority of my personal post-tax costs.

I'm glad those opportunities were available for you to get on your feet and built a cushion. My parents booted me out with 70k in student debt, though it's been a decade and I've dug myself out of it and built a life, it still feels like there's no escaping the treadmill.