It begins

I've been following Mister Money Mustache for maybe a month and a half. I was hooked almost immediately, specifically after reading this post, which I'll get around to writing about in great depth. Mr. Money Mustache promises a life of joy and freedom to anyone willing to hunker down, spend less and save more, and wean themselves from a lifestyle of consumerism. It sounds too good to be true, and it almost is. Achieving financial independence in one's 30s isn't something the average middle-class American would call "easy". Many would say it's impossible. I'd be surprised if more than a handful of folks considered it on their own, and just a short while ago I was one of them.

Mister Money Mustache has shown me the light. That even an average guy like me can work hard and plan for a life of leisure decades before I otherwise "should" retire. There's something profoundly appealing to me about having a 'stash big enough that I can live off the interest forever. It's entirely possible — it will be difficult, but I can make it happen if I cast aside my wussypants ways and live the life of a Mustachian.

I'm starting this blog for a few reasons. One is as a commitment device, as a way of keeping me honest when the initial shine of a frugal lifestyle wears off. Second is because I realized I really enjoy telling everyone I can about the things I'm doing to save money, about the progress I'm making toward paying off my student loans, about my plans and goals for my future 'stash. I'm sure I enjoy talking more than my friends and family enjoy listening, so the internet will be my new outlet. And third, I hope my story can be helpful to others. I want to chronicle the specific steps, the day-to-day ups and downs of trying to lead a quiet normal life while sticking to the Mustachian ideal as best I can.