FabSwingers.com forum: How much stuff

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Do we actually need?

New gadgets, clothes, home improvements etc ..

Could you survive on a very small budget and give up all of these things?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Haven’t bought myself anything new in years. Clothes, home improvements etc. Only thing is my phone, which I pay monthly and upgrade every few years. Everything we own is ‘outdated’

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By *luebell888Woman
over a year ago

Glasgowish

My wages pay my mortgage, bills and car so i am always left with a small budget so spend very little on me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve found during these COVID times that I haven’t needed anything but roof over my head food in my belly and a surfboard

Although it has been annoying and restricted it has thought me that I haven’t excess and extravagance

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By *tephanjMan
over a year ago

Kettering

I can do without most things apart from my PS4,TV and my phone I rarely buy clothes most of them are at least 10years old

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By *hunky GentMan
over a year ago

Maldon and Peterborough

No - i like stuff. Im normally making something or buying a new tool/gadget.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Haven’t bought myself anything new in years. Clothes, home improvements etc. Only thing is my phone, which I pay monthly and upgrade every few years. Everything we own is ‘outdated’

I also have a very small budget, as I don’t work anymore

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By *asilyled1Man
over a year ago

ogmore valley

As long as I have a roof over my head,bills paid,and my kid is happy,that’s all I need.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I do live on a small budget, I live a Minimalist lifestyle, if I buy a material possession, I have to justify it. I’m not a consumer, I don’t buy crap for the sake of it, I take more pleasure knowing I could buy something but don’t.

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By *he Mac LassWoman
over a year ago

Hefty Hideaway

My phone, laptop, hairdryer, vibrating things and coffee machine are essential. The rest can go.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Already live frugally, don't have many gadgets. But have loads of "shite" accumulated over the years. Slowly getting rid of it, if I had my way, I'd just hire a skip

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All I have is my yurt, my hammock, my ukulele and the truth, that’s all I need.

Sent from i phone

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"All I have is my yurt, my hammock, my ukulele and the truth, that’s all I need.

Sent from i phone "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"All I have is my yurt, my hammock, my ukulele and the truth, that’s all I need.

Sent from i phone "

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

I’m not really a shopper, I buy what I need for the house and the lad, rare I buy something for myself unless it’s a new sketch pad.

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"My wages pay my mortgage, bills and car so i am always left with a small budget so spend very little on me."

What about holidays and nights out?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have stopped buying Unnecessary stuff which i can live with out it and only buy stuff which i really need. I like to keep it simple and enjoy my self

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By *asilyled1Man
over a year ago

ogmore valley

"I’m not really a shopper, I buy what I need for the house and the lad, rare I buy something for myself unless it’s a new sketch pad.

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it "

I’m the same at Xmas. I have enough mugs and socks to set up my own shop!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That’s the thing we base happiness on material goods. Take the iPhone. You go out get the latest. You are very happy. Then suddenly there’s a new iPhone you want it and you won’t be happy until you get it. Then repeat over and over. The realisation is you’ll never be happy. Now take when you go on holiday. All you need is sun peace and relaxation. We value shit that means fuck all. Such a diamond lol

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"That’s the thing we base happiness on material goods. Take the iPhone. You go out get the latest. You are very happy. Then suddenly there’s a new iPhone you want it and you won’t be happy until you get it. Then repeat over and over. The realisation is you’ll never be happy. Now take when you go on holiday. All you need is sun peace and relaxation. We value shit that means fuck all. Such a diamond lol"

Its all a conspiracy to keep us slaving away until we're old and broken.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I want to get rid of everything. Nearly everything. I dont want stuff anymore and think I could get by on really a very little amount. I think of when I go camping and the little bit you need to survive and think well what is all the rest of this junk for in the house. I quite like having a solid roof, but pretty much all the rest I could leave behind.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Although it will never happen because I already have too many commitments, friends, family and other stuff. I do sometimes think about how it would be to live a much simpler life, maybe in a cabin up in the mountains somewhere. Not totally off grid, I’d still want water & electricity etc. But I think it would be amazing to get away from the grindstone and be totally self sufficient.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I want to get rid of everything. Nearly everything. I dont want stuff anymore and think I could get by on really a very little amount. I think of when I go camping and the little bit you need to survive and think well what is all the rest of this junk for in the house. I quite like having a solid roof, but pretty much all the rest I could leave behind. "

I moved in December- I used it as an opportunity to get rid of nearly all of it.

It felt great

Dooooo it!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Although it will never happen because I already have too many commitments, friends, family and other stuff. I do sometimes think about how it would be to live a much simpler life, maybe in a cabin up in the mountains somewhere. Not totally off grid, I’d still want water & electricity etc. But I think it would be amazing to get away from the grindstone and be totally self sufficient."

Most people want to run away.

But after a few weeks you would be bored

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I moved in December- I used it as an opportunity to get rid of nearly all of it.

It felt great

Dooooo it!

I bet that felt amazing. It all feels like its just hanging round your neck gathering dust.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've cut back on purchasing stuff unless I really need it. About the only thing I buy regularly is my vape juice.

Only buy new clothes when something is worn out, always buy second hand mobile phones (I'm still using Android 6 and will keep the phone until it stops working), only buy second hand books. Use streaming services only for music/TV/movies (generally have money for birthdays/christmas which pays for those).

Have stuff accumulated which I'm slowly selling off on eBay. Apart from essentials the only thing I couldn't live without is books.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I dont have gadgets. Ive never used a computer let alone owned one. My bikes,classic cars,clothes and fetish for eating & cooking with top chefs around the world though... no theyre part of me and that hobby keeps me grafting and getting up each day... ive never been one to bumble along i like the best i can afford. Thats the reward for my hard work.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Need? Need is so different from want, or desire.

Almost everything material that I own, I could life without. Some things I most likely wouldn't miss, while the absence of other things would make life more difficult. Having come back from a near toll wipeout over a decade ago, I know first hand that the important things in life aren't things.

I need Food (to survive) Shelter (to stay safe) Communication (to keep in touch with people) Transport (to travel and meet people) and most of all people.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Need, very little.

Want, very little.

People matter more to me than stuff

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Do we actually need?

New gadgets, clothes, home improvements etc ..

Could you survive on a very small budget and give up all of these things?

Yes, always clothes. Work clothes. Everyday wear. Evening wear. Shoes. New gadget was a slap chop. It chops every kind of nut.

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By *rghYeTimbersMan
over a year ago

Ipswich

"Do we actually need?

New gadgets, clothes, home improvements etc ..

Could you survive on a very small budget and give up all of these things?

I lass come swab me decks n live in the brig

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By *estofbothCouple
over a year ago

Cardiff

We had this conversation just yesterday, we’re lucky to have plenty of disposable income, everything we have we own houses included. However we were saying that as nice as it is, it doesn’t really feel like an achievement as much as just something less to worry about.

We also feel a bit silly when we think of the amount we’ve wasted on things we don’t really need or necessarily want. as we’ve got a little bit older we’ve realised it’s mostly just stuff for the sake of stuff.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"We had this conversation just yesterday, we’re lucky to have plenty of disposable income, everything we have we own houses included. However we were saying that as nice as it is, it doesn’t really feel like an achievement as much as just something less to worry about.

But could you live without it- would you want to?

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it "

Definitely this, have asked them to do a donation to a local food bank for the last couple of years..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

But my take on life is when im old and fucked i want to reflect on the things ive done and had, places ive seen, share experiences ive had, not things i would like to have done or seen. Thoses things that you see as a 'waste' it was what you wanted at the time and its better to have had that experience than never have had it. Ive spent ludicrous amounts in my life on cooking experiences with top chefs.. some people see that as a waste of money but to me it was a unforgettable experience.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

We could survive on a very small budget, we did it for a long time, out of necessity. I don't ever want to do it again, there's nothing about worrying how to pay the mortgage or buy shoes for the kids that I find remotely appealing or virtuous.

We have "stuff" and quite a lot of it. We've worked for it and most of it enhances our lives. We know how lucky we are that we can live how we do but we're not ashamed of it and probably don't have half the things lots of people claim they can't live without.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Most people want to run away.

But after a few weeks you would be bored

No, you’d always have something to do. Making furniture, growing veg, sorting animals etc. Plus in the right location there’s all kinds of activities. As I said though I wouldn’t want to be totally cut off. A small town with a bar nearby would be good!

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By *asilyled1Man
over a year ago

ogmore valley

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it

Definitely this, have asked them to do a donation to a local food bank for the last couple of years.."

That is a fantastic idea and one I will be pinching. Thanks for the idea

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land

"I’m not really a shopper, I buy what I need for the house and the lad, rare I buy something for myself unless it’s a new sketch pad.

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it "

A lot of my family are like this, so I've turned to making Christmas cakes and puddings for them. Nicer than shop bought and the kids help make them so Christmas isn't all about how many presents they get

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By *hrista BellendWoman
over a year ago

Delightful Bliss

With not having a modern family life yes I could quite happily lead an self sufficient off grid life

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

Yes - done it before. Made a concerted effort over the last few years to spend any spare money on experiences, holidays, workshops, courses, events etc rather than physical stuff. Or things that enable or enhance it - a bike, good footwear, decent camera, tools.

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

"I’m not really a shopper, I buy what I need for the house and the lad, rare I buy something for myself unless it’s a new sketch pad.

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it

Lovely idea. My parents wrap me up a selection of my childhood sweets/biscuits, that suits me; as one they remember what I like and two, deals with their guilt at not getting me anything - I reminded them as a kid I used to create food hampers for my grandparents as that is what they needed, so why is this any different

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By *ev and DeeMan
over a year ago

catterick

I bought a pair of running shoes, shorts an a top. Only things, apart from food i have brought since christmas.

See the world and nature in a different light now, when im jogging and walking.

I Dont need expensive cars, clothes, aftershaves.

Not that i have much money left after paying the rent and bills every month.

But im happy

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

When our kids were small they used to make Christmas gifts for relatives. String tins for the grandads one year out of old hot chocolate containers. Recipe books another year, I bought exercise books, kids covered them and cut out recipes and pictures from magazines. I think my mum still has hers lol

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it

Definitely this, have asked them to do a donation to a local food bank for the last couple of years..

That is a fantastic idea and one I will be pinching. Thanks for the idea

We accept if people want to buy us crap, it normally goes into the present game on Boxing Day, under the bed in the present box or to a charity shop. But the thought is nice, even if the present is junk.

We don’t like to mix gifts between friends / family with charitable giving, if you want to buy a friend a gift you shouldn’t need to ask what to buy. If you need to ask, you are giving for the wrong reason. You want to give money or food to charity , just do it privately, and give till it hurts! but don’t ask others to it unless it’s on their heart to do it.

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By *estofbothCouple
over a year ago

Cardiff

Some really good points in here. We’ve always said we value experiences over things, so in that respect we’re thankful we’ve got to have so many great memories.

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By *wisted999Man
over a year ago

North Bucks

Tech,clothing and trainer geek here. Also travel a lot.

Have far too many shoes that I keep boxed up for future wear or may sell them on.

I like nice things. But I think this is down to my past of having nothing other than the clothes on my back at some points.

I save and don’t do any form of credit so I can afford it.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it

Definitely this, have asked them to do a donation to a local food bank for the last couple of years..

That is a fantastic idea and one I will be pinching. Thanks for the idea

Your welcome, tbh when we were younger we struggled but as the kids have flown the nest we are very fortunate to be less so..

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

Family get frustrated at Christmas/birthday as I don’t need anything, so don’t have suggestions for them. My mindset is if I don’t need it, I don’t want it

Definitely this, have asked them to do a donation to a local food bank for the last couple of years..

That is a fantastic idea and one I will be pinching. Thanks for the idea

Fair point but funnily enough we know them well enough to know that they are of that mind in any case..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Do we actually need?

New gadgets, clothes, home improvements etc ..

Could you survive on a very small budget and give up all of these things?

I do survive on a very small budget, mine is the only income and I manage to pay for rent, bills, food for me and 2 teens and have a bit extra for myself.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"All I have is my yurt, my hammock, my ukulele and the truth, that’s all I need.

Sent from i phone

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm not materialistic, never have been, my car is ancient and I don't have a house filled with expensive gadgets, my most luxury item I bought myself is,

A Tassimo machine and a Nintendo Switch. My tablet is 2 year old Samsung Galaxy Tab A

My phone is on contract and I upgrade every 18 months.

I do like a nice handbag and have two Radley bags, neither of which I bought, they were Mothers Day/Christmas presents from my boys and I have a set of Cloud 9 Original straightening irons again a gift from my sons.

I am very much 'if it aint broke don't fix it'

I just see no need

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not materialistic, never have been, my car is ancient and I don't have a house filled with expensive gadgets, my most luxury item I bought myself is,

A Tassimo machine and a Nintendo Switch. My tablet is 2 year old Samsung Galaxy Tab A

My phone is on contract and I upgrade every 18 months.

I am very much 'if it aint broke don't fix it'

I just see no need

I'm not materialistic...but here's a list

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not materialistic, never have been, my car is ancient and I don't have a house filled with expensive gadgets, my most luxury item I bought myself is,

A Tassimo machine and a Nintendo Switch. My tablet is 2 year old Samsung Galaxy Tab A

My phone is on contract and I upgrade every 18 months.

I am very much 'if it aint broke don't fix it'

I just see no need

I'm not materialistic...but here's a list

A list of old stuff? and gifts off my sons? Problem?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m not materialistic never have been I don’t need the latest this or that I enjoy going to antique fairs or car boots and thrift shops and pick up things there if I need them

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

im not very materialistic at all. Apart from normal bills i spend very little and i only have basis bills as i dont subscribe to anything apart from netflix. Still got my birthday money from march as havent even spent that. Most of my money goes to my son

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

oh i do like a tumble dryer but mine packed up over a year ago and i still havent bothered getting a new one but think i will before winter. Havent had a microwave for 6 months as cant be bothered to replace it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm not materialistic, never have been, my car is ancient and I don't have a house filled with expensive gadgets, my most luxury item I bought myself is,

A Tassimo machine and a Nintendo Switch. My tablet is 2 year old Samsung Galaxy Tab A

My phone is on contract and I upgrade every 18 months.

I am very much 'if it aint broke don't fix it'

I just see no need

I'm not materialistic...but here's a list

A list of old stuff? and gifts off my sons? Problem?"

Yes, how dare you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

U lived with nothing but a stove, sleeping bag and utility blades for 2 years..even now with gf our house is full of her stuff...I own very little, suits me...I can up and go in less than an hour if I need to

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Yes - done it before. Made a concerted effort over the last few years to spend any spare money on experiences, holidays, workshops, courses, events etc rather than physical stuff. Or things that enable or enhance it - a bike, good footwear, decent camera, tools. "

I definitely value experiences over stuff.

But they usually cost money too.

I feel lucky to have had many good ones.

Now my financial situation is fucked I'm looking into sustaining a life full of free experiences and try my best to be minimalist.

It's difficult!

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By *otmale5Man
over a year ago

glasgow

Personally I spend very little on myself . I do enjoy giving my money to my wife to spend . She enjoys getting her nails, hair and eyebrows done, new clothes , bags , jewellery, shoes ,,and going away on weekend trips with her friends . Funny enough shes been away for 4 days so far and back tomorrow. So I’ve still got decorating and diy jobs to do before she comes home .. yes I like her providing me with a list of things she wants done .. I can live on a wank a day.. I’m so happy lol Hx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I found out yesterday that a good friend of mine is being laid to rest tomorrow. That's the second friend I've lost this year, and both in my own age group, so I'm really aware of my own mortality right now. Neither of my friends will be taking anything with them.

So, once again I'm reminded that the important things in life aren't things... so experiences all the way for me. And alongside experience have purpose. And be.

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By *htcMan
over a year ago

Easily do already. I don't spend very much. I don't buy expensive things often nor cloth shopping or anything really very often at all.

Guess that's why I can afford better house and life than others who earn more than me but waste it all on expensive things and cars. I like to save.

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