Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. I'm 30 years old, single, and just starting to get into this frugal lifestyle.
I'm in a good starting position. I've got a Bachelor's degree in Science, no debt, and a modest $40,000/year job. I've always hated shopping, and have never had a strong drive to accumulate material goods. In the past year, I've given up my car, started bicycling everywhere, and lowered my rent by $100/month. I'd say my savings rate averages 30% already, but I want to keep bringing this up. My target cost of living is about $15,000/year or less, and I think it's attainable.
I've got three main spending goals I need to work on:
1.Rent: I have far more space than I need. I need to work on getting rid of things, so that I can move easily and live in small rooms easily.
2.Cellphone: A stupid, clown purchase that cost me about $3000 over the past 3 years. Getting rid of it this November.
3.Food: although I almost never buy things, I have a big weakness for convenience spending. I've eaten so much fast food during my twenties that I'm amazed I'm still at a reasonable body weight. During the past month, I've really focused on kicking this insane habit. The fast food is gone, but I still have a lot to do in the saving money on groceries department.
As far as careers go, I'm not sure retirement is my goal yet. I'm not planning to raise a family anytime soon, and I think the world of work still has plenty to offer me. I guess my goals are to build up a level of wealth that I can confidently leave my job for something lower-paying but more interesting, if I should ever feel the need to. I want to let my career flow in whatever direction it takes me, without having to worry so much about money.
Looking forward to it!