I found MMM about a year ago, surprisingly while searching for a plane to buy. Think more Aeronca Champ and less Mooney M20, I wasn't born crazy. Anyhow, I was thinking of all the changes in the last year and thought I would share them and create a thread for others to also.
* net worth up $75k - we're getting into Mooney territory, must resist
* left the soul sucking job 1 1/2 hours away for a work from home job - had to give up $5k/yr, but that is a bargain
* sold table saw, power jointer, and a few other power tools that had not been used in almost a year. Hand tool kids are the cool kids
* used tool sale money to buy electric bike - game changer for TX heat and humidity. no one wants you showing up dripping sweat, no matter how ecofriendly and healthy it is
* took a hard look at all my spending and changed a ton. House is refi'ed, severed the 25 year relationship with my insurance company, implemented a min 2 week cooling off period when I see something I want. The house and insurance changes lead to $1200/mo straight to index funds.
* I have found a love of hiking and exploring different parts of town on my bike
* convinced some friends that it is possible to entertain at and we don't have to go out and pay someone to entertain us. Game nights and/or dinner at each others' homes has led to closer friends.
Some things I did wrong
* much like when one first finds God, fitness, good nutrition, yoga, aligned stars, political enlightenment, etc.... friends are easily alienated when you tell them how they are doing it wrong
* I over optimized. Got to where I almost didn't even need to leave the house. What a boring life that is. It's nice 3 or 4 times a month to drink the $5 coffee out somewhere and people watch or socialize
* The work from home, over optimization, not wanting to spend money all collided to throw me into a depression. 4 months ago, I was so lonely and depressed that I spent most evenings drunk on my couch asking my cat what's wrong with me. I'm very introverted and don't easily make friends, but I had to get out of my comfort zone and ACTIVELY socialize
