Over the years, I’ve seen the critics emerge. Some say, “Mr. Money Mustache has gotten too rich to understand the everyday person’s struggles. He’s lost touch with his roots and probably doesn’t practice the frugal habits he once preached.” When I read comments like this, I can’t help but chuckle.
Let’s set the record straight. While it’s true that my wealth has grown, the fundamental practices that led me to financial freedom haven’t changed one bit. In fact, I continue to find immense joy and fulfillment in the frugal habits that I’ve lived by for over a decade. These habits are far from a chore—they are an essential part of my lifestyle. And guess what? They still work, no matter how much money you have.
The difference between standard financial advice and Mustachianism lies in mindset. Conventional wisdom tells us to slash spending and save a certain percentage, with a promise of freedom once we hit that target. Mustachianism, on the other hand, is about cultivating a mindset of efficiency, creativity, and self-awareness. It’s about finding joy in the process of improvement and living a rich life while spending less.
So, how does this play out in real life? Let me share some of the ways I still practice these principles—ways that save me a substantial amount of money while enriching my life. These habits aren’t just about getting by—they’re about thriving, no matter how much money is in the bank.
1. Fixing My Own House (and Everyone Else’s Too)
There’s something immensely satisfying about taking a house, which might initially seem like a project in distress, and turning it into something beautiful. I’ve spent countless hours renovating my home, and I don’t just stop there. I often help friends with their own projects. Why? Because I genuinely love the process, and it’s something that’s within my control. I’ve learned to be self-sufficient, gaining the skills necessary to manage the most important aspects of my life without needing to hire contractors.
By teaching others how to do the same, I help them gain independence and confidence in handling their own homes. This not only saves money but also nurtures a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Estimated Savings: $20,000 per year, or $287,000 over a decade.
2. Craigslist and Community
A big part of frugality is community. There’s no better way to save money than by connecting with others who share your values. Whether it’s on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or in local Buy Nothing groups, I find that there’s an endless pool of high-quality items available for free or at a fraction of their retail price.
But the real joy comes from building relationships within these communities. Through shared projects, conversations, and the act of giving and receiving, I’ve created a network of like-minded people who support and enrich each other’s lives.
Estimated Savings: $42,000 per decade.
3. Bikes Over Cars
If you’ve followed my journey for a while, you know that I’m a big advocate of bikes over cars. Sure, I still use a car when necessary, but for the most part, biking has become my go-to form of transportation. It’s not just about the money I save on gas or parking fees; it’s about reducing my dependency on a vehicle and gaining the benefits of active transportation—like improved health and fitness.
Living in a small city means I don’t need to drive much, but even those occasional trips on my bike still add up.
Estimated Savings: $14,000 per decade.
4. Muscle Over Motor
I’ve always asked myself: “Do I want more health and fitness, or less?” The answer is simple—more. I choose physical labor over convenience whenever I can. Whether it’s carrying groceries, climbing stairs instead of using an elevator, or digging in the garden instead of using a machine, I opt for muscle over motor.
This mindset not only saves money but also keeps me healthy, which in turn reduces my future medical costs.
Estimated Savings: $140,000 per decade.
5. Running My Home Like a Glamping Retreat
Yes, this one sounds a bit quirky, but hear me out. I’m a firm believer in reducing my reliance on utilities by creating a more self-sufficient home. From passive solar heating and outdoor cooking to drying laundry on the line instead of using a dryer, these little tweaks add up to big savings.
The key here isn’t just about the money I save—it’s about the joy of creating an energy-efficient home that suits my lifestyle.
Estimated Savings: $30,000 per decade.
6. Local Living Over Constant Travel
In today’s world, everyone is always on the go, rushing to the next destination, thinking they need to be somewhere else to be happy. But I’ve found immense value in staying local. Whether it’s attending a backyard barbecue or going for a walk in the park, I find joy in my immediate surroundings.
Saying no to frequent travel means saving money on flights, hotels, and restaurants. But more importantly, it allows me to nurture local friendships, prioritize my health, and spend more time with loved ones.
Estimated Savings: $143,000 per decade.
Now, let’s add all of this up. The habits I’ve shared—fixing my own house, utilizing community resources, biking instead of driving, opting for physical labor, living energy-efficiently, and embracing local living—total up to a staggering $656,000 saved over a decade.
The key takeaway here isn’t just about money. It’s about living intentionally and finding joy in the process of living frugally. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or you’ve been on the path for years, it’s important to remember that the simple things often bring the greatest rewards.
In the comments, I’d love to hear about your own quirky frugal habits. What do you do to save money, or what frugal pleasures have become so ingrained in your life that you can’t imagine living without them? We all have our own unique ways of living well while spending less, and I suspect there’s a lot more of us out there than we think.
