The key points I gleaned from the post were to set realistic goals, track your progress, and focus on a series of small changes rather than a series of sweeping ones. One point I would add is to not dwell on mistakes or falling off the wagon. It’s not possible to go back and change a mistake, so all you can do is focus on how to avoid that mistake in the future, dust yourself off, and get back on the horse. This is one area where weight loss and financial matters diverge behaviorally, as if you overeat the solution isn’t to undereat by that same amount for the next few days (unless you want to gain weight). However, you may need to cut back on spending if you overspend unless you don’t like paying your bills on time. Just saying.

Most of us have no idea what will happen on the macroeconomic level. However, we can make changes on a personal level. Saving for goals and focusing on leisure is a better way to spend your money than owning more possessions, especially if you’re looking to achieve financial independence. Life isn’t experienced through the latest purse or the newest gadget, but rather through what we do and achieve. I could get way too preachy on the subject, so instead I leave you with Tyler Durden’s words:

“The things you own end up owning you.”

Consider that if you’re battling credit card debt paying off…stuff.