Years ago, I read " Your money or your life".
The advice on using a price book for grocery planning has saved me thousands. Coupled with calculating the cost per meal of our top 20 go to meals, was a real eye opener.
I also read tightwad gazette... This was written before bblogs, and there are some grewat blogs out there, but I love the touch and feel of books, so this opened my mind to so many ways to minimize and reduce costs.
Recently the ERE blog mentioned above is pretty inspirational.
Here, I have gained tremendous info, previously unknown, on tax situations, how to draw income in early retirement without a bond ladder, getting SO on board, a community of like minded individuals, and the amazingly simple math, and a vision that retirement before 60 is possible AND a good thing. I also like being a facepunch jerk from time to time in the anonymous forum. Each time I do, it is like giving myself a kick in the pants about what is important. After all, I am far, far from perfect.
Also know that many of those with higher incomes spent years on a family income under $75k. I know I did. You are in a like !minded group as those high income earners are looking to FIRE. Maybe you are not, but we are all trying to live on similar expenses- a person only needs a certain amount yo have a quality life. MMM puts it at less than $27k per year.
Oh, and the items you mentioned only appear in the shame and comedy areas.