Let’s talk budgeting.

You’ve probably heard the usual advice before:

“Cut out coffee”

“Cancel Netflix”

“Stop eating out entirely”

And honestly? Most of that advice is trash. Not because saving money is a bad thing, but because this kind of advice misses the point.

If you’re on the path to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), you already know the end goal: freedom. But here’s what they don’t tell you: if the journey feels miserable, you’re way more likely to quit halfway through.

So here’s how I think about budgeting and what actually works.

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1. Stop Depriving Yourself of What You Enjoy

This one’s huge. Cutting out everything you enjoy in the name of “discipline” will backfire. It’s like trying to sprint a marathon — you’ll burn out fast.

Love your $5 coffee? Cool, keep it.

I get that $5 daily adds up; we’ve all done the math. But if that one coffee gives you motivation, clarity, or just a moment of peace in your morning, that’s worth something. What’s not worth it is saving $150 a month only to overspend later out of frustration.

Instead of saying “no more joy”, say “what can I cut that I won’t miss?”

Balance matters. FIRE isn’t about being cheap; it’s about being smart.

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2. Focus on High-Impact Savings

Here’s where most people mess up: they’ll argue over buying brand-name toothpaste while ignoring that they’re overpaying $600 every month on rent or car payments.

The key to smarter budgeting? Go after the big wins:

• Rent or housing: Can you move somewhere cheaper or get roommates short-term?
• Car: Can you drive something more affordable or refinance your loan?
• Subscriptions: Cancel the ones you don’t actually use.
• Food: Cook at home more, meal prep once a week, and stop letting groceries go bad in your fridge.

Cutting one big expense can save you more than 100 small ones combined, with way less mental strain.

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3. Buy Non-Perishables in Bulk

Here’s a simple trick most people overlook.

Stuff like tissues, toilet paper, rice, pasta, soap, toothpaste, these things don’t expire and are way cheaper when you buy in bulk. It’s a one-time purchase that saves you money for months.

If you’re serious about budgeting, you shouldn’t be buying a 4-pack of toilet paper every week like it’s 2012. Go to Costco or Amazon and stock up. Set it and forget it.

It’s not glamorous advice, but it works.

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4. Build a Budget Around Your Priorities, Not Restrictions

Forget the idea that budgeting is about saying “no” to everything. The real move? Saying “yes” to what matters most.

Start with these questions:

• What do I actually value?
• What are the essentials I need to live and grow?
• Where can I cut without it affecting my quality of life?

Build your budget around those answers. That way, it stops being something you dread and starts becoming something that gives you control.

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5. Use Tools That Make Budgeting Effortless

I’m a spreadsheet person, but if you aren’t, don’t feel bad about it.

Use apps like:

• YNAB (You Need A Budget) – hands-down the best for hands-on budgeting
• Mint (free, decent if you’re starting)
• Copilot or Monarch Money if you want something prettier

Budgeting only works if you can stick to it. Don’t force yourself into something that feels like a chore. Use tools that work for you, not against you.

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Final Thoughts

If your budgeting system makes you miserable, you’re doing it wrong.

This journey to financial independence isn’t just about numbers. It’s about designing a life you want to live, and that means finding a balance between discipline and joy.

Cut the fat, not the flavor. Save smarter, not harder. Budget in a way that gives you freedom, not frustration.

The FIRE Fastlane isn’t about suffering your way to $10 million; it’s about building a system that works long-term.

I am on a mission to get to $10 million by the age of 40. Right now I am 22. See here for why I want to get there.

Follow along in my journey and let’s get there together!