The short answer to how one is financially secure, is really simple, spend less than you make.

The specifics might be a bit harder, though not really.

1. Stop buying stuff you don't need (I said NEED not usable-just because you will use something doesn't make it a need)
2. Stop acting like your home is a castle, temperature control, fancy wall hangings, are fun, not a right.

And finally:
3. Take any splurges that fit under the income and ENJOY them, with all caps, don't scarf a pop 'just because'. Drink the kind you like when you can afford it and taste it. Savor your chocolate, or long shower, or Latte, whatever it is, if you can afford it, ENJOY it, makes the moments last longer and be worth more.


Not that I don't identify with the trouble of picking which splurges are worth it, and choosing just how much less than ones income to spend. I just don't get folk surprised when that mortgage comes around again, when I can SEE where their money is going. (and it isn't being savored)

I even understand how hard it is to give up ones own splurges...I don't want to give up any more of mine...and the govt has kindly offered to pay for many more of mine if I asked (really I can't believe how much I could get from the govt if I asked)

And I can identify with the trouble of splurge now vs save for later, I could cut back better and continue to save on unemployment..or I could keep it steady. eh somehow the whole 'he will get a job soon' makes it hard to save. But not hard to pay the bills first.

That is the line so many folk have crossed and left so far behind they haven't a clue where it went!

I have seen some folk I know taking a hard look at finances and finding leaks, plugging them up and getting on track. I am impressed with the speed some of them have turned around finding the line (some still on the wrong side of it, but hope is in sight)

I have also seen many more assuming my husband and I are 'lucky'. Luck is what you call someone else's successes when you wont work hard yourself. (performers, and athletes excluded-they are lucky to make it-though hard work doesn't hurt their chances either)

The secret to financial independence on the other hand is a bit more complicated - but not much.