Frugality through example

[Kem]

New neighbors asked me why I didn't just go out and buy a new car while I was going through my Spring rust treatment.

I shared story of how I used to trade up to new cars every few years.  Then shared the cost of doing so vs investing the difference in 10 years and plan for FI along with starting kids off debt free.  Thus turned into a long conversation.

This weekend he sold his 1-2 year old mega truck and bought a very well maintained standard F-150 from the mid 90s. 

[Parizade]

New neighbors asked me why I didn't just go out and buy a new car while I was going through my Spring rust treatment.

I shared story of how I used to trade up to new cars every few years.  Then shared the cost of doing so vs investing the difference in 10 years and plan for FI along with starting kids off debt free.  Thus turned into a long conversation.

This weekend he sold his 1-2 year old mega truck and bought a very well maintained standard F-150 from the mid 90s.

Well done! I think this is the best possible way to "convert" people from spendypantism to FIREism. If you live your best life openly people will want to know you secrets to success. Conversely, if you try to bludgeon people with your superior intelligence and wisdom they will hate and avoid you.

[Kem]

My wife converted her health/fitness via a similar mechanism and recently 2 of her (less than healthy) coworkers have been opening to following.  Emulation is a wonderful tool (and, egotistical, fulfilling to witness in all honesty).
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Street corner preachers oft have deserved stereotypes.  Nobody wants to be forced to a different vantage.
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The hard line to balance is when one has loved ones that are walking a less than optimal (and apparently unfullfilling path) , determining where to give gentle nudges without the perception of a rod.