Part 3/9:
With my newfound perspective on finances, I engaged in discussions about financial freedom with my wife. Early in our marriage, I was adamant about saving 80% of our income for an early retirement, a goal that seemed noble at the time. However, my wife posed an important question: "Will we live like we are broke now so we can retire to live like we are broke?"
Her insight forced me to reassess my views on frugality. Living a fulfilling life now is just as important as securing a future of financial independence. It became clear that saving out of scarcity would lead to unhappiness. I realized that a more balanced approach—saving a reasonable amount while still enjoying life—would allow us to aim for financial security without sacrificing our present-day comfort.