You are right about not buying what you really don’t need and putting the money towards the house instead. For me that meant no money in vending machines, no coffee from the convenience store, nothing spent on anything but absolute necessities.
My friends used to rib me about it. My house is paid off and their’s is not. They now complain and tell me I have it easy.
We made the move to debt free about 10 years ago. Allowed me to retire early.
Oh exactly!.....
My “treat” on pay day was $1.00 pkg. of miniature Musketter candy bars for a long time!
It really becomes challenging to find other ways to save money you’d otherwise spend. THAT becomes your focus...also how you can improvise....
I stopped buying all cleaning products except Ammonia... Changed from shopping Major Grocery stores to Aldi’s and $stores....amazed how much I saved!
Stopped heating rooms except the living area....drive an older, smaller car. Moved to a smaller apartment...(cozier too)....no vacations out of town, rather go to State park 20 minutes away..Free!
The idea was cut, cut cut, cut,....and it sure worked for me...though at times I have missed some things the sacrifice has sooo paid off! All I have to do is look at my checkbook and “do not touch accounts” and smile....widely!