This is so awesome. Makes me feel like I'm really wasting my smartphone.

There's no magic formula. Save more than you spend. Realize it takes time, and be okay with it. Think about it- nobody can save up 6 months expenses in one year!

Cons:

I keep floss on my desk at work. If I'm getting bored and need a break, sometimes I floss. Sometimes I floss after lunch. Really, just seeing it sitting there helps me to remember.

The unfortunate side effect of that is the fact I now need to do cleanings and checkups twice a year instead of yearly, and half my teeth have fillings

I'm a big fan of Sure Unscented. It's cheap, it takes care of odor and sweat and it doesn't have any extra perfume. I prefer not to have an overly fragrant deodorant.

You would think that this post would include a link to a calculator and recommendations on which is best.

That's not really the case with the original article though. The author didn't make changes to her luxuries to save money. She actually didn't admit to any lifestyle/quality of life changes. I think that's why folks are a little irked- they would've rather read an article about cutting cable, losing the i-phone,…

I really do wonder how someone can become so out of touch...and I mean that in the most respectful way. I can understand why the author would be proud of the changes she made- she should be proud...but it's disappointing that she doesn't realize that even with the "cuts" she made, she is still living a life of excess…

I think it should be possible to write an article with basic money management by percentage for each scenario. I can give you a preview:

Which plan specifically are you on? I didn't think T-Mobile was that cheap. Maybe Straight Talk on the T-Mo network?

Ok my friend, let's do some scenarios with actual numbers that will hopefully show you what everyone is trying to open your eyes to.

I'd love to be able to buy a Nexus 4, with Verizon compatible LTE through the Google play store. Does anyone know if that day will ever come?

I'd say that conventional wisdom would typically lead you to max the 401k (if you were so fortunate). The tax advantages are too good to pass up. Avoiding capital gains taxes is huge. The tax rate for capital gains is currently 15-20%! Bypassing a tax advantage like this is pretty much giving away free money. …

Well, yes, I would agree with you wholeheartedly. I was just pointing out that if your only goal is to match inflation, that's probably the best thing your could do.

He's not wrong exactly...he's just got the idea a little twisted. He's referring to the "Rule of 72." This is not some "anti-mathematical BS," it is in fact pure math:

You could also buy government I-Bonds, if this is your goal. They are guaranteed to at least match inflation. Probably the absolute safest thing you can do with your money (if you believe in the full faith and credit of the US Government).

You're under the assumption that he's going to retire at 40?

There's one additional reason: the Roth IRA offers more flexibility in general. You can access the principal penalty free if needed (say you had a true life-emergency). Also, the 401k and the Roth IRA have different retirement withdrawal rules, which can give you more options to minimize your taxes and fees if you'd…

And if this was 2009 you would have lost 30% of it