How saving money makes you more free 

Oh 100%! It makes life much more exciting when you have something to look forward to! ^_^

I can totally relate to that, Ellen! I too get a mad rush when I put money away. This gets even stronger when I know what I'm saving towards (i.e. when I have a specific goal for my emergency fund).

Thanks, Curt! ^_^ I'm glad you found it valuable!

It can be tricky, but totally doable to do both at the same time. I imagine it will feel so amazing once you're out of debt and then all that extra money can increase your savings so much faster! ^_^

I've never understood investing and don't choose to do so myself. I agree that it can be a fantastic choice when you know what you're doing, but people like me who just don't get how it works can really get themselves into serious trouble, which is why I avoid it and just stick to saving.

Yes it can be harder to save when what you are saving for is a necessity of life or to become debt free, instead of a luxury. But you could look at it as the pay off for your efforts is actually more because what you are saving for is vital. The 1k you save for glasses is going to improve the quality of your life so much more than the person that saves 1k for a new necklace. But being able to buy that thing you need, or lowering your total debt is a HUGE achievement and I hope a source of pride. It's not a shiny instagramable goal you achieve but something much deeper. We all have different paths and comparing your situation to others robs you of your story, your journey. And them of theirs. I hope you keep moving forward and celebrating your wins, and that life improves for you with each of them.

It was not my intention to come across that way. I can totally relate to having to save for essentials, as I too have been in that position. I used to work all month for a measly $600 and could barely afford anything beyond my rent and food bills. Heating and cooling wasn't something I could splurge on and I never went anywhere for fun, because I spent all my extra time working side hustles. I agree with what Ellen said about saving for these things being SO MUCH MORE fulfilling once you achieve your goal. The first time I saved enough money to go on an overseas trip, I was so proud of myself, because it took me years of really restricting myself on what most people consider the bare essentials. I get it. I was simply giving an example that was most recent for me, as it's difficult to take one's mind off the truth of their current lived experience.