Greetings to the '$tache community!
I am relatively new to this financial independence thing. I hope to explain my situation to all of you and maybe someone will have some insights on how I can further optimize my life.
>Housing< ($500)
Currently, I live in a duplex with 2 other roomates. My rent and utilities combined is roughly $500 per month.
>Food< ($200)
I eat $10 of salad per week, grow my own veggies in my backyard, and I am starting my own tilapia pond for more protein and fish waste nutrient(for plants)
I like to buy in bulk and try my best to keep monthly grocery expenses below $200 per month.
>Transportation< ($40)
I own a Ford Ranger pickup that I use for Craigslist moving jobs in my area and for hauling things for various projects I am working on, or travel to see family in another town. I have a Trek bicycle that I use for errands and workout. Everything I need is within 10 miles round trip. At most I spend $40 per month in gasoline.
>Work<
I work from home with an annual salary of $34k
>Entertainment< ($8)
My roomates refuse to get rid of cable TV, but that is ok, because my portion of the expense is covered by my job @ $50 per month for internet, phone line. Our bundle price is $150 total. I spend only the $50 that the job pays.
We share a netflix account that costs $8 per month. Other than this, I get my entertainment from gardening outside or riding my bike or long distance running.
>Student Loans< ($100)
Currently, I owe $10k in student loans with an average interest rate of 6% combined subsidized and unsubsidized. Currently, I have been putting aside $100 per month on these loans.
>Other< ($137)
I have a $70 phone bill after my work's 20% discount
Recently auto insurance become less expensive. I pay $60 per month (I'm 25). I own my truck and opted for the state(TX) minimum coverage. I pay $7 per month in health insurance (Health Savings Account). I have pets and a waste fund, where if emergencies arise, or I need to buy something, I'll have a nest egg for that(savings cap $1000)
>401k< (7%)
My company matches 50% of my contributions up to 6%, stopping contributions at $6k per year.
>Credit Cards and other Loans<
none
>Credit Score<
Terrible <600 (I was an idiot with plastic) But everything is paid off, except student loans
I have only had this new lifestyle for a few months. I got a lot of ideas from this blog, but I am still a young guy, single, with no social life. It sucks. All my friends buy alcohol, go out to eat, go to the clubs, concerts, movies, etc. I am left at home, because they think I prefer to be at home. Nobody ever wants to do free things with me, so I get bummed out sometimes.
"Live today like no one else, so later, you can live like no one else." Someone Famous and Wise
The problem I run into is that I have take this to the extreme and I don't have any alternative to it because I attack myself anytime I let loose a little. So my ultimate concern is mostly my social well-being, as well as my financial well-being.
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So my question to you all.
What have you done to tackle the issues I am facing, AND are there any other tips or modifications you can think of, to get me to financial freedom as quickly as possible? I have done my best to provide all the numbers to you.
Thank you