Great post, and you expose the reality that many don’t talk about in the sphere of the save/retire early/FIRE (financial independence, retire early) movement don’t talk about) - that many of us face more systemic barriers to financial independence. I’ve learned that while savings and being restrictive can be helpful, it has its limits - as I agree with you that one has to live. This is our only life. What I wish I’d learned more about earlier on was the importance of investing. Investing can make so much more of a difference than budgeting and saving - it makes your money work for you.m, and with time, the power of your money to grow increases as you gain more capital. It’s never too late to change your money habits or relationship to money, but I agree with you that showing oneself self-compassion and being realistic about one’s finances is also key.