>while friends were out vacationing or even worse, buying very expensive gizmos
What's wrong with either of these things if they give you pleasure?
>I have one friend who lives in a crappy apartment
Sounds like they have their priorities, and you have yours.
>that amount of money could've had him retiring one year earlier.
Big deal. Do what you enjoy. The entire FIRE movement of people who just can't wait to retire (and most likely continue pinching pennies) confuses me. Enjoy your life, you never know when it ends.
What's wrong with either of these things if they give you pleasure?
>I have one friend who lives in a crappy apartment
Sounds like they have their priorities, and you have yours.
>that amount of money could've had him retiring one year earlier.
Big deal. Do what you enjoy. The entire FIRE movement of people who just can't wait to retire (and most likely continue pinching pennies) confuses me. Enjoy your life, you never know when it ends.