All that matters in the end is that your outlays not exceed your income. But expenses can never be reduced to zero. Living costs money. And so I’ve concluded that as long as you don’t spend profligately, it’s better to focus on possible ways to earn more than on ways to save money.

I also had some stocks, and a bank account balance that exceeded FDIC protection. So when I lost my job I could coast for quite some time.

And I would throw nothing away if I thought I might have a use for it some day. I knew I was on the wrong track when the stuff I kept around started to get in the way. I’d read stories about packrats dying when their heaped trash collapsed on them and thought: the only difference between them and me is a difference of degree. After that I went on a kick of throwing away stuff. I accidentally got rid of some stuff of value, but on the whole it was a good move.

Earning money is really important. Have lots of options. Have a portfolio of skills and connections. A single source of income can up and die on you. Have multiple streams to manage the risk. Being an employee, even a highly paid one, can be trap. Layoffs happen. Companies go under.

Saving is overrated. It’s a false sense of security.