The best decision you've made in your life? - General Discussion Discussion

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

please describe your minimalist lifestyle ??

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

My family and I went through all our stuff some years ago and got rid of more than 50 percent. We seldom buy new things and when we do it's stuff we really need. I don't have many appointments or commitments and mostly do things I really care about. We recently earned a fortune but even before that our lifestyle saved us a lot of money and provided us with financial stability. We do things when we want to, like eating out, going on holiday etc without worrying about money. It's a carefree lifestyle and I sometimes find it hard to believe that the key to happiness is so simple.

That's it really, in a nutshell.

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[–] Renovatio (2990) 7 years ago

Avoiding being in debt

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

A very wise decision, Renovatio! 👍

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[–] Renovatio (2990) 7 years ago

Thanks.. I got lucky...

It started as a natural aversion, but became an important idea as I saw my peers going into debt and the problems it caused them... I realised how free I was as i didn't have to meet a constant payment, or have something hanging over me...

I have a few friends who have gotten out of debt and remain debt free.. they don't want to go back...

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[–] strntz (11249) 7 years ago

Several:

Calling that girl who gave me her phone number, dating her, then marrying her. Best 40 years of my life so far. Nothing else close.

Nothing.

But:

Not buying anything I couldn't pay for in cash. Exception was our home mortgages, but those were *well* below our means to pay. Paid three properties off in 15 years each out of a 30 year mortgage. Zero credit card debt ever. I was Dave Ramsey before Dave was.

Driving rolling toilets. Cars are a terrible waste of money. Nothing depreciates as fast yet has more additional costs associated to it than a motor vehicle. I've always been mechanically inclined (engineer) and always drive cars between 5 and 15 years old. We always get my wife a newish car (2 years, 20K miles) that has already taken a beating in resale because we do need (and deserve) a nice newer car for reliability sake.

Refusing to be a victim. Without getting political I just want to say that I don't need a group advocating for me when they have their own selfish agenda to fulfill. Let's just say I was influenced by Frederick Douglass, MLKJr., Thomas Sowell, Alan Keyes and Walter Williams.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

A man after my own heart, strntz! Those are good decisions indeed, not least the last one I might add! Thank you for sharing!

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[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

Good points marriage and avoiding debt. Cars are the worst investment ever. Alan Keyes ???

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[–] ShogunofYonkers (73644) 7 years ago

Just a suggestion man
Ive been leasing my Fords for a while now
I do over 20k a year on a car and for a small upgrade for the mileage i find it a pretty decent auto deal (agreed with you that all cars are screwjobs btw)
But if you need to get to work and have no pride in your machine maybe give leasing a look
I beat the hell out of them, pay a small penalty for the scuffs and get a new one every few years
No problems

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[–] FFNogoodnik (774) 7 years ago

Making this post!!!

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[–] FFNogoodnik (774) 7 years ago

No, it is actually making this post!! :)

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

😃👍

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[–] R_Kane (15828) 7 years ago

Accepting God's love and grace into my heart, and embracing Him as my Lord and Savior. I love you, Lord.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

I'm not a religious man myself, R_Kane, but I wish I were, and I respect your opinion.

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[–] strntz (11249) 7 years ago

I'm not religious either and don't know if God exists or not, but I do know that when more Americans did believe in God we didn't have children bringing guns to school and shooting their classmates.

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[–] db20db (16571) 7 years ago

I'm with you here, Kane. I had a measure of confidence while growing up but it wasn't until I began to delve into scripture that I developed serious inner strength ( " I can do all things in Christ which strengtheneth me. " Philippians 4:13 ). All of my employers benefited from my performance on the job and eventually, I prospered as well.

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[–] Wint3rFir3 (6931) 7 years ago

Travelling the world when I was presented with the opportunity. Best thing I've ever done. Ever.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

Which countries did you visit?

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[–] Wint3rFir3 (6931) 7 years ago

I went to Amsterdam, England, France, Germany, Italy, and North America - (I'm Australian). There wasn't one place I didn't enjoy - and it really changed my perspective, or maybe just opened my eyes a bit more to the world.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

Thanks for sharing, Wint3rFir3! I'm a Dane and as it happens, my first real travelling was to Australia and New Zealand. Travelled and worked in Australia for 8 months. Had an excellent time, not a single bad experience!

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[–] Wint3rFir3 (6931) 7 years ago

I'm glad - as an Australian I know it's good and bad sides so I'm kinda relieved you had a good time. Man it's a dream of mine to go to Denmark - but I don't have the money for it. But all the Danish travellers I met were wonderful people as far as I could tell.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

Likewise regarding Australians, mate!

I worked in Hervey Bay, Queensland, when I lived in Australia. Visited all states (including Tasmania), except W.A. Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?

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[–] Wint3rFir3 (6931) 7 years ago

Melbourne. Don't stalk me lol. I'm too boring to stalk.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

Ha, I won't stalk you but just say that I enjoyed a wonderful fortnight in that beautiful city of yours!

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[–] Wint3rFir3 (6931) 7 years ago

I hope to say that to you one day. I swear I'll go to Denmark one day...

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

👍😃

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[–] Padeen (6459) 7 years ago

Adopting a dog from the local shelter. He gave me 8 years of unconditional love and happiness before cancer took him, but the memories will live on forever. One memory in particular was when he was a puppy, he escaped and 20 minutes later came trotting out of the woods carrying deer antlers LOL. He was so proud of himself.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

A wonderful memory, Padeen! Thank you for sharing! What breed/s was he? I own a Labrador retriever myself and I love him with all my heart.

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[–] Padeen (6459) 7 years ago

He was a lab/shepherd/hound mix. Black and tan. Give your lab a scratch on the head for me!

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

He sounds like a good-looking fellow and a good companion!

Done and done - and a lab wink and a smile right back at you, friend! Hope there's a new canine friend waiting for you somewhere in your future, Padeen!

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[–] croft_alice (12180) 7 years ago

I know the feeling very well myself.I raised him since he was a puppy,not adopted like you did.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

Is he still with you, croft_alice, and what breed are we talking about?

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[–] croft_alice (12180) 7 years ago

No,he died seven years ago and he was a mix between a sheperd/homelles dog.

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you find a new dog friend some day.

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[–] godewey (16472) 7 years ago

Sounds like a champ. A great story.
Sorry that he's not around anymore. Memories last forever.

Good for you for rescuing a friend.
I have 4 dogs that I've rescued.
I also shelter dogs as the need arises.
Nothing better than helping out those who need it.

Kudos to you.

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[–] strntz (11249) 7 years ago

We know two incontrovertible facts about dogs: with just the most basic care they will love you unconditionally and they will eventually break your heart.

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[–] lennonforever (2453) 7 years ago

Went to Nursing School

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[–] ShogunofYonkers (73644) 7 years ago

A fine career choice...back breaking work but stability, benifits, helping others...
Much respect:)
I rank nurses up there with firefighters, soldiers and cops in terms of pillars of society
Thanks!

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[–] lennonforever (2453) 7 years ago

Thank you Yonkers 😃 I am retired now. I worked in the operating room for many years, and also taught Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology for many years.

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[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 7 years ago

To buy a house, and to invest in mutual funds for my retirement (which is here now.)

PS And to travel the world. I've been to all 50 states, 27 countries, and five continents. This was made possible by decisions 1 and 2.

😎