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“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

― Mark Twain

I read this quote growing up as it was stuck on the showcase in my room everyday and it has stuck with me for ever! Now in my 40s (keeping the actual age under wraps), I wonder !

I am a great believer in serendipity and so I want to believe that this memory of mine stuck along for a reason. Don’t you, love that guy, Mark Twain !

I have a plan, hear me out…

if you want to retire early, it’s important to save as much money as possible. Here are five things you should consider cutting back on or stop buying altogether to help you save more:

1.Eating Out

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a restaurant. Or so it would seem.The dining establishment is a tempting siren song, beckoning us to abandon our homes cooked meals and partake in its delights. But oh, the price we pay!

To sup at a restaurant is to indulge in a most profligate act, for it demands not only the coin of the realm, but also the sacrifice of one’s thrift. And mind you, this addiction (Yes, I include Starbucks as well ) comes at a price, which is definitely not a bang for your bucks.The menu, that catalogue of temptation, lists its prices with the cool detachment of a hangman announcing his fee. One may be inclined to think that the pleasure derived from a meal at a restaurant is worth the cost. But one would be wrong.

To dine in a restaurant is to engage in a transaction that is both fleeting and unsatisfying. For once the meal is done, all that remains is an empty wallet and a sense of regret. So to my gentle readers, be wise and keep dining out limited to those few occasions of celebrations.

In short, to eat out in a restaurant is to court financial ruin. However, there is no reason to abstain forever. You have Youtube at your disposal and I don’t have to spell out all the countess websites which promises to make a chef out of you and it’s free.

2.Subscriptions and more Subscriptions

it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a person in possession of a good fortune must be in want of cable TV. However, little do they know that it is a sly and cunning creature, lurking in the corners of their monthly bills, ready to strike at any moment.

The cost of cable TV and its associated subscriptions is a formidable foe, one that can drain a person’s wallet with the swiftness of a stoat on a summer’s day. Yet people still pay, like birds flying towards a glittering trap.

Ah, but what is the allure of cable TV, you ask? Is it the endless reruns of ancient sitcoms, or the mind-numbing reality shows that make one yearn for the days of silent films? Nay, dear friend, it is the promise of new and exciting content, the dream of discovering a gem amidst a sea of mediocrity.

But the truth is that such treasures are rare, and more often than not, one finds oneself lost in a labyrinth of channels, unable to find anything worth watching. And yet, the bills keep coming, like an unwanted guest who refuses to leave.

The cost of cable TV and subscriptions is a burden that many bear, like Atlas with the weight of the world upon his shoulders. But fear not, dear friend, for there are other ways to entertain oneself that do not involve such a drain on one’s financial resources. One can read a book, or take a stroll in the park, or simply enjoy the company of good friends. These simple pleasures may not offer the same instant gratification as cable TV, but they are the truest treasures of all.

However, on a more practical note, one can be a little bit wiser to choose more affordable streaming service instead.

3. Do brands really matter?

I know what you are thinking. Here comes killjoy, again -but my dear fellow, this habit will prove most detrimental to one’s financial well-being, akin to draining one’s pocket of its contents with the fervour of a thirsty man sipping a cool beverage on a hot summer’s day.

Indeed, the allure of such brands may be tempting, with their luxurious packaging and promises of unparalleled quality. But one must be cautious, lest they find themselves in the grips of a most treacherous foe – the insatiable appetite of consumerism.

For, as the bard himself once wrote, “Neither a borrower nor a spender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” In other words, my dear friend, it is far better to exercise thrift and prudence when it comes to matters of the pocketbook, lest we find ourselves bereft of our hard-earned coin in a most unceremonious fashion.

4. Being a Gizmo nerd

The allure of the latest gadgets and gizmos can be most tempting, with their promises of unparalleled technological wizardry and efficiency. But one must exercise caution, lest they find themselves caught in the grip of an insatiable consumerism.

As the great bard himself once wrote, “All that glitters is not gold.” Indeed, my dear friend, it is far better to exercise prudence and restraint when it comes to matters of technology and expense, lest we find ourselves with a surplus of gizmos and a deficit in the pocket.

Of course, this is not to say that one ought not indulge in a bit of gadgetry from time to time – for where is the harm in a bit of harmless fun? But we must always remember the importance of balance and moderation, and not allow ourselves to become overly consumed by the latest and greatest technological offerings. After all, as the old saying goes, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

All and Sundry

Ok, but jokes aside and I shall switch back to my normal tone and let my alter ego subside into oblivion now . Small changes in lifestyle can add up to big saving in posterity.

Take for instance, coffee shop drinks, which can add up quickly. Why not consider brewing your own coffee at home instead?

New cars can be very expensive, and they lose their value quickly. Consider buying a used car or taking public transportation instead or just walk to places near by, you can save on expensive gym membership as well and keep fit at the same time.

And that brings me to gym memberships which can be costly, especially if you don’t use them regularly. Consider working out at home or taking advantage of free exercise options like jogging, hiking, or biking.

Beauty and grooming services: Spa treatments, haircuts, and other grooming services can be expensive. Consider doing your own grooming at home to save money. Ok, this is getting a bit overboard. Lets remove haircut from the list.

Convenience foods: Pre-packaged and convenience foods can be more expensive than cooking from scratch. Consider making your own meals with fresh ingredients to save money and your health, so you can enjoy an early retirement .

Subscriptions: Magazine subscriptions, subscription boxes, and other recurring payments can add up quickly. Consider canceling any subscriptions you don’t use or need.

By cutting back on or eliminating these expenses, you can save a significant amount of money and move closer to your goal of retiring early.