| The thought of living cheaply means sacrifice and | | | | saw the same shows; went to the same ports as the |
| depriving yourself to most people. We have lived | | | | folks in suites paying 3 times what we paid. We went |
| cheaply for so long it is second nature, but without | | | | to Las Vegas, stayed off the Strip, didn't gamble and |
| sacrifice and we certainly do not feel deprived. | | | | became fond of buffets. We didn't notice many smiles |
| Our friends do not think of us as hippies, stingy, or | | | | in the casinos...we were happy, we were living cheaply. |
| Spartan. They also know we will not waste money | | | | We used and use credit cards as a way to use other |
| either. | | | | peoples money free for a month and accumulate free |
| We have been retired for 14 years, since I was 49, by | | | | airline tickets...never to "reward ourselves" and buy |
| living cheaply and well. We have experienced living | | | | something we couldn't afford. We pay off our credit |
| aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean, living in an RV and | | | | cards every month; we have never paid a dime of |
| living overseas. All are much cheaper ways to live | | | | interest. So should you. |
| compared to a house and "traditional living". After all, | | | | Even then we thought living cheaply was the way to |
| what is considered "traditional" anymore after the | | | | go. Goodwill meant something then and now besides |
| erosion of assets in the last two years? | | | | being words in a Christmas carol. Before the internet |
| If these times of uncertainty have not made us all | | | | made comparison shopping easy, we did our research |
| open to living cheaply, you wonder what it will take. | | | | before buying anything. |
| Before retirement my wife and led the life of | | | | Coupons, outlet malls and buying in bulk were part of |
| DINK's...dual income no kids. We earned in the low 6 | | | | everyday life then and now. If you try living cheaply |
| figures. We had nice cars, a comfortable lifestyle | | | | you will soon find it second nature... and fun as well. |
| without waste. We resisted the urge to buy bigger and | | | | You too will hear from the checkout lady..."Everything |
| bigger houses and lived in our first house for 21 years. | | | | you bought was on sale or you had a coupon"...Duh! |
| We can say there was no sacrifice because we took | | | | Living cheaply is easily doable and allowed us to retire |
| regular vacations. For example, we took cruises and | | | | early and stay retired. If you make it a lifestyle you can |
| paid for the cheapest cabin. We ate the same food; | | | | do the same. Enjoy. |