Mr. Money Mustache: Are you a Mustachian?

[MetroMPG]

But I bet the ATS doesn't roll like a North Sea trawler.

[ME_Andy]

My worldview has changed a lot since I started reading MMM. Thanks to the OP. I'm going to get serious about retiring in 9 years. Which is great, but the car mods are going to be delayed. No rims and no lithium battery until the mortgage is paid off, at least...

[Daox]

Hah, yep. Thats one reason I'm driving a Metro vs an i-MiEV, Leaf or Volt right now. Its not because I can't afford it... I choose not to. I have higher priorities. Plus, the Metro does get some pretty ridiculous mileage. I do enjoy modding it though.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I've been following him for a few years now, and have been gradually changing my habits and how I think about things. Despite how much I like MMM's articles, I largely avoid the forums. A good percentage of the clowns on there are of the opinion that everyone has equal opportunity in this world, and anyone failing financially is completely liable for their own failures, and that aid for people who fall through the cracks of society should be abolished.

It's a useful mindset to apply to one's self (in most cases), that you're really the only one who can help you, but I don't have the social conscience for the rest of it. It ignores people like Chineka, who applied for an office position at the dental office I was working at a few years back, and was denied the position because of her name. "I can't hire someone with a black sounding name, because I have a lot of old, white, possibly racist clients. They'll go elsewhere for their dental care if they hear 'Welcome to X dental, this is Chineka speaking, how can I help you?'". Or, my sister-in-law, who has a chronic illness and has managed to rack up a million dollars in medical expenses by the age of 23, and is medically unable to consistently hold a job.

That's how I feel about MMM too. The ideas are great, and good for him for being able to retire in his 30s. But at the same time, he and his wife held down fairly lucrative jobs, making six figures a year, for nearly a decade which, along with their frugality and saving, allowed them to get where they are. The majority of people will not be so fortunate, and while frugality will improve anyone's situation, the reality is most people won't be able to get where MMM is in spite of their efforts.

[MetroMPG]

Possibly true, but almost every person can afford (pun intended) a financial tune-up, at the very least.

Financial independence in our 30's may not be possible, but I think he might argue that it's better to work toward some goal of financial control rather than blazing through life in the consumer/debt fast lane as many (most?) people do.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Possibly true, but almost every person can afford (pun intended) a financial tune-up, at the very least.

Financial independence in our 30's may not be possible, but I think he might argue that it's better to work toward some goal of financial control rather than blazing through life in the consumer/debt fast lane as many (most?) people do.

Oh, for sure. I just feel the same way about MMM as I do about Dave Ramsey's overly-rosy projections whenever he talks about the stock market, or Cd .10 solar cars that will never see production.

Actually, that's a fairly apt analogy, now that I think about it some more. We all modify our cars in an attempt to lower drag coefficients, knowing that these ultra-efficient cars are out there and emulating some of the ideas implemented on them; we can modify financial behaviors too. But if you're starting with a 30-year-old Silverado, you'll never make it to 100mpg no matter how much you do.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by Vman455

if you're starting with a 30-year-old Silverado, you'll never make it to 100mpg no matter how much you do.

Make it electric!