Honest Answer: On a scale of 1-10, how mustachian are you?

[iwasjustwondering]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

[CommonCents]

I agree think the scale is a bit off.  The average person is likely a -5, at least.

True, but the "average person" wouldn't be on this forum ;)

It's meant to a be 1-10 scale of Mustachianism, not 1-10 scale of consumerism as a whole. In other words, the scale doesn't have a place for the average consumer. 1-5 on the scale still have a savings rate.

ah, but people need to start somewhere in their mustachian journey.  There's lots of threads of beginners with case studies, so I do think the "average consumer" who has seen the light and is now looking for advice on what to do and where to cut is on this forum - albeit we hope making rapid changes.  That said, it was your thread so I played by your scale when responding.

[Rural]

You know, I've been thinking about this, and I think we'd come in fairly high on the scale. We haven't made all the same choices MMM has made (rural, therefore vehicles required), but everything we've done in the last decade has been by choice and has been part of our bigger financial plan.


We "achieved" that original plan a year and a half ago, in fact, when we finished our cash-flowed environmentally sound self-built house on rural acreage, paid off the land, and moved in, all in one very exciting month.


Afterward, I thought perhaps the next stage of the adventure would be FI if not RE, and it may well be, but first we're going to fund him going back to school to finish a master's degree. So now things look different, but we're still doing everything by choice, in concert, and keeping the long-term financial picture in mind.


I think we have the spirit of the thing down, and I suppose we have had since about the time MMM started his own journey. We wanted to get somewhere different than he did, and have, and neither of us is at the end yet, thankfully.

[minimustache1985]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

My very cursory research seems to indicate contributions can be withdrawn for education (or anything) and that earnings used for education would be subject to taxes but not penalty.  It's definitely worth looking at especially since retirement funds aren't considered in most aid calculations, and you don't risk overfunding a retirement account the way you do with 529s if your children get more aid or go to a less expensive school than you're planning for.

[nawhite]

I'm going with an 8 because my wife and I have figured out what makes us happy in life, have become great at doing cost-benefit analyses based on that knowledge, and are unafraid of making the extremely difficult or atypical decisions necessary to move our life towards what makes us happy.

We have a very high savings rate (at least if you include the payments on student loans from before we figured this stuff out) but are still willing to spend money on things that make us extremely happy (assuming we don't see a more beneficial way to gain that happiness).

My wife and I both HATE commuting (regardless of the financial costs) so we moved to a place where I could take public transit to work and she could walk. We explicitly bought the house we have for that reason over any other (we just got lucky that houses in our price range and size requirements, i.e. small, were available in the right location.) That wasn't enough, so I quit my job and got one where I could work from home.

I love kayaking so I got a part time job as an instructor which gives me an excuse to do what I love on a regular schedule as well as pays for all of my hobby's expenses.

We've realized that one thing that makes us happy is travelling to see our family, so I went deep into the credit card sign-up bonus game.

We run the math on energy-efficiency improvements in our house and take the plunge when the math works. We replaced our washer and dryer b/c the decrease in water and electricity use paid for the systems in 2 years. We haven't bothered replacing the exterior motion activated lights on the house with LED or fluorescent ones because they aren't on often enough to pay for it.

I installed a brick patio and did all of the compacting by hand because I could, it was fun to learn about, it was much cheaper and it gave me a workout for a week.

When I work from home in the winter, I wear long underwear or go running at lunch to get warm rather than push the thermostat up because its unnecessary.

Sure I have ways I could be more frugal, but as long as the decisions I make are made with an implicit cost-benefit analysis of happiness, I'd say I'm there.

[abhe8]

I'm not sure ...maybe a 2? I mean, I'm a total wanna be. I have four kids and drive a suburban. ;)

Plus, we are the rural variety of mmm. We have chickens and sheep and grow most of our food. We live on about 30% of our gross income. Working on the student loans. But no other debt. Do all the typical frugal family things...shop second hand, cook, cloth diaper, library.

Most importantly...loving our life and not a slave to the paycheck. I say that makes us a 10. ;)

[YK-Phil]

I'm not sure ...maybe a 2? I mean, I'm a total wanna be. I have four kids and drive a suburban. ;)

Plus, we are the rural variety of mmm. We have chickens and sheep and grow most of our food. We live on about 30% of our gross income. Working on the student loans. But no other debt. Do all the typical frugal family things...shop second hand, cook, cloth diaper, library.

Most importantly...loving our life and not a slave to the paycheck. I say that makes us a 10. ;)

Based on the fact that you can live on 30% of your income and seem to be self-sufficient on the homelife front, I'd say you are much higher than that, perhaps 7 or higher.

[Rural]

I'm not sure ...maybe a 2? I mean, I'm a total wanna be. I have four kids and drive a suburban. ;)

Plus, we are the rural variety of mmm. We have chickens and sheep and grow most of our food. We live on about 30% of our gross income. Working on the student loans. But no other debt. Do all the typical frugal family things...shop second hand, cook, cloth diaper, library.

Most importantly...loving our life and not a slave to the paycheck. I say that makes us a 10. ;)

Based on the fact that you can live on 30% of your income and seem to be self-sufficient on the homelife front, I'd say you are much higher than that, perhaps 7 or higher.

30% of gross, no less, I agree.

[mindaugas]

I'm a 2.

Pros

• Paid off credit card debt
• Paid off medical bills
• live close to work (7 miles)
• Borrow a miata to commute (save gas) also commute is a LOT more fun
• No cable TV
• Have an emergency fund
• Thrift store shopping, I even made my wife return a pair of expensive slippers she got me for xmas
• I have a budget
• Make enough money to allow my wife to stay at home and raise the kids
• I have a tiny IRA account with vanguard
• I double think my purchases and have avoided buying new computer parts, tablets, etc
• Use Ting
• Average 20% savings rate
• I use mint

Cons

• Not contributing to retirement at all. The company I work for has not benefits.
• $1k/month average grocery bill
• Paying minimums on TWO car payments 2% and 6%
• Car finance debt over $30k
• Own a canyonero that gets 13mpg
• I really like cars and I really want to trade the Canyonero in for a MINI/Miata.
• Haven't biked to work in months
• old Mustang sitting in my garage that I keep spending money on to restore
• Wife and my student debt is over $60k and neither of us finished school
• Eat out for lunch few times a week at work

For savings I move whatever my balance is in checking before my pay check is deposited over to savings. For example, I get paid on the 15th so I just look at my balance on the 14th and move that amount into savings. I know I can pay all my bills with one pay check and still have enough left over for food and gas. Each month I review my budget twice for each pay period to keep me aware of where we are spending the money and corrections we can make.

Grocery bill and contributions are #1 priority right now. I'm putting all the money in savings to make sure we have enough to cover roof repair bill that is coming soon. I also used a lot of savings to pay off some debt. I'm going to start breaking down the grocery bill to find out where it goes. Different food groups, per person, meats, etc.

So I'm a 2 crawling up to a 3.

[Inkedup]

5. Next to my mostly spendy peers, I would rate much higher.

Pros:
Save 70% of my income.
No debt.
Public transportation.
No fancypants cell phone.
No cable. (Netflix!)
Read mostly library books.
Stick with basic toiletries compared with the average woman.
Family member cuts my hair.

Cons:
Fancypants gym membership that I will never give up.
I live too far away from both work and public transportation to bike to either.
I go out to eat more often than I should.
Don't care for used clothes.
I enjoy craft beers (but have drastically reduced my consumption of late).
I tend to splurge on things more often then I should (and rely on all the above under Pros as justification for doing so).

[iwasjustwondering]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

My very cursory research seems to indicate contributions can be withdrawn for education (or anything) and that earnings used for education would be subject to taxes but not penalty.  It's definitely worth looking at especially since retirement funds aren't considered in most aid calculations, and you don't risk overfunding a retirement account the way you do with 529s if your children get more aid or go to a less expensive school than you're planning for.

Thank you.  I'll look into it.  Overfunding the 529s is not a projected risk, unfortunately, but ask me in three years and I may feel differently.

[One Noisy Cat]

    3

Plus
    No debt (credit card paid in full every month)
    walk or bike 95% of time
    since retiring I eat out a lot less. Maybe twice a month
    two pensions amounting to $2000 a month
    $25 a month phone

Cons
  Cable. extensive package with 3 tvs so I can watch 3 hockey or baseball games each night. Most people
         here give up cable for netflix, I did the reverse.
  Usually do one expensive vacation a year, four figures worth.

[Rage]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

Have you ever flown?  Which person do they say to put the mask on first if there is a loss of cabin pressure, the parent or the child?

[pachnik]

I would say 3.5 - 4:

Good:
We both pack our lunches.
We eat out once a week.
I put about 1/3+ of my pay cheque into my RRSP.
My husband is paying off his car loan aggressively.
Look to buy things second-hand as our first choice.
Use our library.
Don't have spendy friends.
Discussed 2015 vacation plans and are staying local.

Not so good:
We both drive to work.  He needs his car for his job and transit takes twice as long for me.  But I will try it again in warmer weather.
Our grocery bill is kind of high.
I am re-joining the gym tomorrow since I find going there motivates me and it is only $15/month.

[BuildingFrugalHabits]

Shoot.  Are we on the logarithmic scale?

What I gather so far. 

1 = accruing debt

2 = 0% savings rate and living paycheck to paycheck

5 = 70% rate, extensive use of library and public transit

10 = ??? I didn't see any 10s but maybe I'm missing something. 

Originally I would have said 7 but after reading the other responses this board would give me a 4? 

 

[Rage]

Why do people keep talking about savings rate?  This isn't the Mr Suze Orman Mustache website. 

The goal is not savings rate.  With a savings rate of 50%, a $3K pay raise means you can spend $1500 more per year and be just as impressive.  Go ahead and sign up for the cable sports package!

Savings rate is completely meaningless.  How much do you live on?  That's an interesting number.  For us it's about $58K including mortgage, $43K without it (and we could just pay it off if we wanted to), $29K if one of us were to quit our job to stay home with junior.  Our savings rate is super duper high, but who cares?

[KBecks2]

I don't really know, maybe I'm a 3.

I watch TV sometimes
I like puttering on the computer
I am not good at building stuff.
I like to invest my own way, not the MMM way.

However, I have made several great changes in the past year
-- cancelled our cleaning service
-- began shopping at Aldi
-- switched to LED/CFL lights
-- hang laundry sometimes
-- started using Mint
-- significantly reduced shopping
-- I got on my bike this summer, not much but I started.


Some things I naturally feel
-- I am not fancy and don't need a lot of luxuries or things
-- I like experiences and being competent.
-- I live very stress-free, very happy.

There is more room to get better.  I like my life and I am happy.  I want to increase our savings rate.  I feel mostly like I need to be more organized. 

[Knapptyme]

Why do people keep talking about savings rate?  This isn't the Mr Suze Orman Mustache website. 

The goal is not savings rate.  With a savings rate of 50%, a $3K pay raise means you can spend $1500 more per year and be just as impressive.  Go ahead and sign up for the cable sports package!

Savings rate is completely meaningless.  How much do you live on?  That's an interesting number.  For us it's about $58K including mortgage, $43K without it (and we could just pay it off if we wanted to), $29K if one of us were to quit our job to stay home with junior.  Our savings rate is super duper high, but who cares?

I like this idea. Savings rate makes me feel lesser anyway. My wife, child, two dogs, and I also live on about $29k per year (no mortgage). Counting our nanny, it rises to about $47k per year. All other info was above, and we could cut back in a couple areas. Is this a 7 on the scale?

[alsoknownasDean]

Realistically probably only a 3 or 4.

The good:

- I moved closer to work (within biking distance).
- I don't go out as often as I used to (a night drinking for a $100+ hangover).
- A few months back I was saving 55% of my income.
- No credit card, no personal loans, the only debt is HECS and the interest rate on that is pretty small.
- Switched my phone carrier to an MVNO, spending around $25-30 a month, instead of over $100.
- Out with the fancy supermarkets, in with Aldi.
- Started taking my lunch to work (usually only a couple of days a week, but I used to buy it every day).
- Been saving plenty by not owning a car for the last year. Been walking and riding more.
- Cooking at home more often.
- I don't have nor use a clothes dryer. I'm quite happy to hang my washing out (especially as it's summer) :)
- No pay TV, or even any TV at all.

The meh:

- I've recently bought a car again (although it's a 2002 model 1.4L manual hatchback, paid with cash, so it's not terrible)
- Whilst I live within biking distance of work, I've still been taking the tram, although I've been getting my tram ticket for less through work. I've ridden my bike to work twice, both for special occasions. Rather crazy as the bike is actually slightly faster.
- My phone is an iPhone (although it's an out of contract iPhone 5, not a fancypants new model). I've also got an (older) iPad and a MacBook Pro. I'm kinda keen on replacing the MacBook and maybe the iPad in the not too distant future. Trying to put it off and justify hanging onto this a little bit longer :)
- Slightly pricey DSL ($60 a month). Unfortunately I'm in a contract, and probably could only easily find another ten bucks in savings there anyway.

The bad:

- I needed to buy some new furniture when I moved into my own apartment. Aside from the couch, I ended up going to Ikea rather than Gumtree.
- I still eat out far too often, even when I have food at home.
- I'll spend ten bucks on a beer at a bar, or fifteen on lunch.
- I set myself an allowance for each fortnight (for food, beers, groceries, etc). It's definitely in need of some disciplined reduction. It used to be worse ($600 a fortnight) but $400 a fortnight is still a lot. I have decided that now I've bought a car, the allowance will not be increased to cover gas, so I'll need to make savings elsewhere.
- The apartment within cycling distance of work is not cheap (although getting closer to work would be even more expensive)
- Since moving to my own apartment, my savings rate has fallen from the mid-fifties to the mid-thirties. Vehicle costs may knock another five or so percent off that.

[iwasjustwondering]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

Have you ever flown?  Which person do they say to put the mask on first if there is a loss of cabin pressure, the parent or the child?

You could argue that my mask is already on, though.  I'm doing fine.  As soon as college is paid for, I will get rid of my mortgage or downsize, and then I'm done working.  Also, if I give myself what I truly, truly want and desire in life, it's putting my kids through college.  That's what it's all about, right?

[Gin1984]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

My very cursory research seems to indicate contributions can be withdrawn for education (or anything) and that earnings used for education would be subject to taxes but not penalty.  It's definitely worth looking at especially since retirement funds aren't considered in most aid calculations, and you don't risk overfunding a retirement account the way you do with 529s if your children get more aid or go to a less expensive school than you're planning for.

Your cursory research would be incorrect.  Contributions to a Roth, if removed after five years are both tax and penalty free, plus you can remove the gains, both penalty and tax free, for education.  That being said, if your child gets more scholarship aid, you can remove that from a 529 penalty free (though not tax free).  The disadvantage to the Roth is the amount you withdraw has to be claimed on the next years FAFSA (counts as income). 

[BCBiker]

I am early in my career that required a large, LARGE investment for school. I also am making far less than my level of training because that is basically the way my profession works. Thus it would be impossible for me to have a positive net worth at this point in my life.

My point is that I don't think current net worth is a great measure of Mustachianism. Trajectory is more important, especially for people early in their career and/or people who have made a financial 180 and are paying of their previous non-Mustachian lifestyle.

So I would be a -1 by the OP definition.

However, I spend about 50% of take home income on cost of living, mortgage, utilities food, commuting etc. for a three person household.

Mustachian practices: not owning a car and biking several thousand miles per year, not owning/using a cell phone, cooking delicious food at home.

Non-mustachian: travel, occasional restaurants, gifts for wife, debt payoff

When I reach my peak career, I expect my net worth to become positive quite quickly and my saving rate to go to 70%+.

Taking these things into consideration, I'll give myself a 3-4.

[happyfeet]

Hmmm.  Maybe a 3?

Pros
No debt at all.  Paid off mortgage and Jeep Patriot that is five years old.  DH has a company car that includes gas.
Use credit cards for rewards.
Educated two kids and they have no debt and at 25 and 22 are out on their own, both with excellent careers.  I am teaching them the MMM ways.  Wish I had the knowledge when I was their age.
Eat at home mostly.  Lowered our grocery bill from around $1000 to about $400 a month(for two people).  Still not super MMM but for us a huge improvement.
House at 64 degrees and replaced all light bulbs.
Save about 30% of income.  DH will retire at 60. He could retire now but won't.  I think he likes his stressful job.  Don't get it.
But most clothes on super duper sale or thrift store.
DH is an exec but packs his lunch

Cons
Cable TV.  We like TV.  What can I say?
I have an iphone although I did not get a new one and thus lowered my bill to $54. No landline so I am with "best coverage" Verizon.
Still buy too much stuff.  I may take the no clothing challenge next year.
Like nice vacations. 
When I found MMM we were spending $73000 a year.  A lot. Face punch.
We have pets.  This month vet bills  $500.
We may eat out once a week.  Nothing fancy.  I find most food out is not as good as what I make at home plus super salty.

I appreciate this site.  Mostly because  of the encouragements I read about not buying into the consumption lifestyle.  Compared to our friends we are a 10.  But here not so. 

 

[Dr. Doom]

It seems like there isn't a strict criteria for the self rating so I'll go with non PITI cost-per-person expenses.

My non-PITI annual expenses are about 13K, and that includes absolutely everything.  Being that MMM says the fam spends 25K for 3 people, I figure this is 10K per adult and 5K for the youngling.  (2*10)+5=25K.

Considering I'm in a higher COLA (MA versus CO), the 3K difference between what I spend to stay alive and what MMM spends to stay alive in any given year just isn't all that great. 

If he's a 9, I've gotta be at least a 6.

[mak1277]

Why do people keep talking about savings rate?  This isn't the Mr Suze Orman Mustache website. 

The goal is not savings rate.  With a savings rate of 50%, a $3K pay raise means you can spend $1500 more per year and be just as impressive.  Go ahead and sign up for the cable sports package!

Savings rate is completely meaningless.  How much do you live on?  That's an interesting number.  For us it's about $58K including mortgage, $43K without it (and we could just pay it off if we wanted to), $29K if one of us were to quit our job to stay home with junior.  Our savings rate is super duper high, but who cares?

You say savings rate is completely meaningless.  But I think people are focused on it because of the following quote from The Shockingly Simple Math Behind Early Retirement blog:

"Well, I have a surprise for you. It turns out that when it boils right down to it, your time to reach retirement depends on only one factor:

• your savings rate, as a percentage of your take-home pay"

Obviously people on these forums have different reasons for their behaviors, but if you're here because you want to retire early (like me), then savings rate is obviously pretty key.

[arebelspy]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

[Le Barbu]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

Can I rate my "futur self"?

I would rate me as a 10 then!

[mak1277]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

Can I rate my "futur self"?

I would rate me as a 10 then!

That's actually more interesting, I think...how mustachian do you aspire to be?  I rated myself 2-3 currently, but I only aspire to be 4-5 in the long run anyway.

[rocksinmyhead]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

I didn't see Zikoris give a specific number, but I bet she's a 9 or 10.

I also think there is a mindset/tendency here to think about all the things you could be doing better, and thus depress your rating of yourself.

[nawhite]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

I guess I disagree with a lot of people on here about the concept of "minimizing expenses" or "maximizing savings rate" being the meters of mustachianism. With those meters it is pretty easy to beat the Mustache family.

I'd argue that the real meter involves the ability to recognize wastefulness, the ability to choose what you want in life and act on those decisions even when it means not following the herd, and working towards self improvement. In those metrics it is hard to beat MMM.

I'm not saying you aren't a 9 arebelspy, just that the savings rate and expenses aren't the measure to go on. The fact that you are building a real estate empire in order to live the life you want with your family is what makes you a 9.

[Zikoris]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

I didn't see Zikoris give a specific number, but I bet she's a 9 or 10.

I also think there is a mindset/tendency here to think about all the things you could be doing better, and thus depress your rating of yourself.

I think I would put myself pretty high for Mustachian lifestyle! Some people seem to be factoring in income and 'Stash size as well, both of which are not that high for us as we're only about 3 years into the process (about 70K combined income, up from a fraction of that when we started, 120K stash)

[Le Barbu]

It may be interesting to set a list of questions and get a final rating. The question list should include different area of Mustachianism like saving rate (or FI), disgust for waste, time spend with beloved, biking or training to be healthy, self reliance (DIY), ability to set your own goals etc.

On my own mental Mustachianism grid, I would get a 8/10 and soon will be at MMM level, aiming to be 10/10.

As nawhite mention, most people here rating themself as a 8/10 would get a 20/10 from an outsider (drone)

[cpa cat]

A 6?

I'm fully behind FIRE. Max retirement accounts, no debt, technically FI, RE around the corner (but plan to work part time, self employed).

But I'm not very frugal. My monthly budget tarnishes my Mustachian score. That said - I do have a budget. I do monitor it. I identify ways to do better. I have assets that support my budget in perpetuity.

But by mustachian standards, my house is ridiculous, my discretionary spending is ridiculous, and my ideal (planned for) early retirement involves a maid service and a country club membership.

I want to spend my days pool-side at a pool that I don't maintain and then come home to a clean house that I didn't clean.

[arebelspy]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

I guess I disagree with a lot of people on here about the concept of "minimizing expenses" or "maximizing savings rate" being the meters of mustachianism. With those meters it is pretty easy to beat the Mustache family.

It really is, and basically everyone on the ERE boards would be an 11.

But I wouldn't use those metrics either, so you and I are in complete agreement.

Ultimately though the person choosing their number is also choosing their metrics.  And I'm surprised no one fits a 9 or 10 under their own definition of Mustachianism (i.e. everyone sees lots of room for growth - I personally am exactly where I want to be, and would have assumed others would be there as well.. at least a few.)

[Le Barbu]

I want to spend my days pool-side at a pool that I don't maintain and then come home to a clean house that I didn't clean.

Did you ever tried ABBA Gold while cleaning the house? This album completely change my mindset about house cleaning :D

[Jon_Snow]

By some metrics I could probably argue that we are a 9 or 10...

Then again, some would view our premium cable package and our 4X4 truck ownership as enough to slap us with a 4 or 5. ;)

[iwasjustwondering]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

My very cursory research seems to indicate contributions can be withdrawn for education (or anything) and that earnings used for education would be subject to taxes but not penalty.  It's definitely worth looking at especially since retirement funds aren't considered in most aid calculations, and you don't risk overfunding a retirement account the way you do with 529s if your children get more aid or go to a less expensive school than you're planning for.

Your cursory research would be incorrect.  Contributions to a Roth, if removed after five years are both tax and penalty free, plus you can remove the gains, both penalty and tax free, for education.  That being said, if your child gets more scholarship aid, you can remove that from a 529 penalty free (though not tax free).  The disadvantage to the Roth is the amount you withdraw has to be claimed on the next years FAFSA (counts as income).

OK, thanks so much Gin.  I appreciate the info.  I've heard a lot about alternatives to the 529, but every time I do, I find that the 529 ends up being the better choice.

[Unique User]

Maybe a 6? 

The Good
I work from home and DH has a company car that includes gas and insurance
We put 50% of our after tax income into various savings this year maxing out our IRAs, 401ks, HSA, ESPP
We use the library, a lot
Most of our clothes are thrift store or clearance, exception being some work clothes
Food shopping is loss leaders, marked down meats and Aldi, we also cook most meals at home
We have an emergency fund and a budget
No fancy pants personal care products, we use generic or what is on sale
We think about most purchases, most of our stuff is second hand or refurbished curb finds
We usually don't do spendy activities and try to find ones that are covered by mystery shopping or free

The Bad
Still get my hair cut, brows waxed and pedicures a couple times a year
We go to too many restaurants, maybe 6-7 times a month, but often they are covered by mystery shopping
Grocery bill is still kinda high, we like produce, meat, wine and good coffee.
We live in a too big house
Still have cable, husband and daughter like tv. 
I have a bootcamp membership, I go about 3-4 times a week
We like vacations, but have tried to keep them mostly lower cost

The Ugly
Only debt is mortgage debt, but it's still debt
We don't like our jobs

[NinetyFour]

It may be interesting to set a list of questions and get a final rating. The question list should include different area of Mustachianism like saving rate (or FI), disgust for waste, time spend with beloved, biking or training to be healthy, self reliance (DIY), ability to set your own goals etc.

Sounds like an algorithm might be handy/cool/fun.  I wish we had some STEM folks around here!!  ;-)

[Public Hermit]

Probably a 4.5.

Good:
-Taking out those student loans like a boss
-Live 6 miles from work
-Cancelled cable for Netflix
-Cancelled Sprint for Ting
-I've cut my electric consumption by almost 20%
-I'm drinking out less than I used to
-I use Mint
-Just adjusted my tax withholding exemption from 0 to 1 because I am no longer interested in giving the gubmint an interest free loan.
-I am constantly renting investment books and reading personal finance articles
-I drive an older Honda Accord that I paid cash for about 3 years ago.
-I've been free of credit card debt since January 2012.
-I keep a spreadsheet of my monthly retirement account balances.

Bad:
-Should probably start biking more to work.
-Not a DIY'er with car repairs. I'm an accountant, not an auto mechanic
-My mother just applied for a $2,000 loan. Because she has shitty credit, I agreed to co-sign for her.
-I usually eat out once a month. Not too bad, but I think I could still reduce this.
-I waited 10 years to get braces on my teeth instead of doing it back when I was a teenager(when it was free). $12,000 mistake so far

[nawhite]

I only skimmed, so maybe I missed one, but I didn't see a single 9 or 10.

Really?  MMM is a 9, and he's living a luxurious life of ridiculousness in many ways (and admits it).  No one here is more Mustachian than him?  No one is even equal to him?

I'll be the first to pick a high answer then: 9.

I guess I disagree with a lot of people on here about the concept of "minimizing expenses" or "maximizing savings rate" being the meters of mustachianism. With those meters it is pretty easy to beat the Mustache family.

It really is, and basically everyone on the ERE boards would be an 11.

But I wouldn't use those metrics either, so you and I are in complete agreement.

Ultimately though the person choosing their number is also choosing their metrics.  And I'm surprised no one fits a 9 or 10 under their own definition of Mustachianism (i.e. everyone sees lots of room for growth - I personally am exactly where I want to be, and would have assumed others would be there as well.. at least a few.)

I guess you're right. Given that I can set the metrics for myself and for the most part I am meeting those metrics, I'm upgrading my score to a 9. A 10 would be "no room for improvement" and I don't think I deserve to be there, but I'm pretty darn close to where I want to be.

[Le Barbu]

It may be interesting to set a list of questions and get a final rating. The question list should include different area of Mustachianism like saving rate (or FI), disgust for waste, time spend with beloved, biking or training to be healthy, self reliance (DIY), ability to set your own goals etc.

Sounds like an algorithm might be handy/cool/fun.  I wish we had some STEM folks around here!!  ;-)

I'm not a STEM myself but would be willing to test ride the prototype!

[minimustache1985]

Really?  I can use Roth for education?

I don't come first.

My very cursory research seems to indicate contributions can be withdrawn for education (or anything) and that earnings used for education would be subject to taxes but not penalty.  It's definitely worth looking at especially since retirement funds aren't considered in most aid calculations, and you don't risk overfunding a retirement account the way you do with 529s if your children get more aid or go to a less expensive school than you're planning for.

Your cursory research would be incorrect.  Contributions to a Roth, if removed after five years are both tax and penalty free, plus you can remove the gains, both penalty and tax free, for education.  That being said, if your child gets more scholarship aid, you can remove that from a 529 penalty free (though not tax free).  The disadvantage to the Roth is the amount you withdraw has to be claimed on the next years FAFSA (counts as income).

Thanks for doing the non-cursory :)  We don't have kidlets yet, but that's good information to have, and hopefully helps iwasjustwondering.

[Thegoblinchief]

I'll be the ballsy one and say I'm a 10/10.

I have debt, rather massive debt, but I'm not freaked out about it. It's getting retired as fast I can, but at this point the past is the past. It could be retired faster, but then we would have to sacrifice other values.

And that's the key: we've gotten to the point where 100% of our spending is in accordance with our values and our particular blend of frugality and sustainable living is effortless.

We're happy with where we're at and even happier about where we're going. Since we're very early in the accumulation phase, there's quite a few years to go, but Mustachianism/ERE is fundamentally lifestyle design and I LOVE my lifestyle. The design takes time to build, mature, whatever but it's there and it's awesome.

I wasn't at this head space even a few months ago, but I am now, and I owe it in great measure to the wonderful folks who read/put up with my journal.

[CommonCents]

It may be interesting to set a list of questions and get a final rating. The question list should include different area of Mustachianism like saving rate (or FI), disgust for waste, time spend with beloved, biking or training to be healthy, self reliance (DIY), ability to set your own goals etc.

On my own mental Mustachianism grid, I would get a 8/10 and soon will be at MMM level, aiming to be 10/10.

As nawhite mention, most people here rating themself as a 8/10 would get a 20/10 from an outsider (drone)

Yes!  I keep thinking of this as I read the replies.  Something like:
- Add two points for every motorized vehicle you own
- Add a point for every 500 sq feet of house (first 250 per adult/100 per kid exempted)
- Add a point if you have cable
- Add a point for every non-camping/cheap vacation you take each year.  Add two points if the trips require (paid) air travel.
- Add a point for every expensive hobby (including gym membership) or luxury (such as fine wines, luxury groceries) you or your family does,
- Add a point for every computer or major technology (e.g. xbox, wii) in the house
- Subtract two points if y

It may be interesting to set a list of questions and get a final rating. The question list should include different area of Mustachianism like saving rate (or FI), disgust for waste, time spend with beloved, biking or training to be healthy, self reliance (DIY), ability to set your own goals etc.

On my own mental Mustachianism grid, I would get a 8/10 and soon will be at MMM level, aiming to be 10/10.

As nawhite mention, most people here rating themself as a 8/10 would get a 20/10 from an outsider (drone)

Yes!  I keep thinking of this as I read the replies.  Something like:
- Add two points for every motorized vehicle you own
- Add a point for every 500 sq feet of house (first 250 per adult/100 per kid exempted)
- Add a point for every non-camping/cheap vacation you take each year.  Add two points if the trips require (paid) air travel.
- Add a point for every expensive hobby (including gym membership) or luxury (such as fine wines, luxury groceries) you or your family does or has
- Add a point if you have cable
- Add a point for every computer or major technology (e.g. xbox, wii) in the house
- Add a point every service you hire out: cleaning, raking, shoveling snow, gardening, etc.
- Add a point for each $100 your average monthly grocery/restaurant bill is over $100/per adult/$50 per kid (numbers roughly from the food stamp challenge)
- Subtract two points if you bring your lunch every day, one point if only some days
- Subtract two points if you cook from scratch all of your meals, one point if only some days/partial scratch (e.g. frozen pizza)
- Subtract two points if you do all of your own home repairs (cars, house maintenance, sewing..), one point if basic home repairs
- Subtract a point for low energy bills (best 20% for your area)

Please feel free to add.  :)

And I nominate Herbert Derp for a 10.

[Gin1984]

Lol, in that I am a 2, CommonCents!

[CommonCents]

Lol, in that I am a 2, CommonCents!

Although I did that scale in the reverse accidentally, so 2 is good not bad :)

[rocketpj]

I'd say I am probably a 3 or 4.  I'd love to be more, but really can't justify a better ranking until I sell the financial lodestone that is my sailboat.

We also have a small amount of hair on fire debt which we are working very hard to pay off (we've paid off 80% in the past year while also saving a lot), but that balance still sits there, glaring at me.  In my defense our hair on fire debt came about when we bungled our finances by selling/buying a house, having a baby and losing 1 income for a year, and a few unexpected expenses that compiled into a major pain in the neck.  I also had to borrow for some business expenses that are only now coming to fruition, but that is still debt.

That said, we spend very little.  When we've sold the boat and paid off the last of our hair on fire debt we'll be jumping up to a 6 or 7, and that is only a few months away.  It might be slowed a bit by a trip to Disneyland, but we have a once in a childhood opportunity (friend has a short-term job on a Disney film and can get us into everything for free, and we are staying at their house for the duration).

[Gin1984]

Lol, in that I am a 2, CommonCents!

Although I did that scale in the reverse accidentally, so 2 is good not bad :)

Except I don't think I am very mustachian. Earlier this year we were only saving 15%, now it is 30ish, come 2015 it will be closer to 40, but we have two cars, my husband has a 60 mile commute each way, I don't garden, we are trying to find a housekeeper.  But prior to the new job (when we were saving 15), we only had one car and no housekeeper.  I take what I find useful and pass on the rest and truly care if it is mustachian or not, as long as it works for my husband and I.

[deborah]

...too much to repeat...

So with all the subtracting and adding, what number do you start with? And it seems to me that the adds and subtracts are for the wrong things (if we are going to end up with 10 as superMMM.