I remember reading this article back in 2010 or 2011. This dude is one of my hero's. A modern day version of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Here: https://www.salon.com/2009/12/07/living_in_a_van/ Or here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/14/education/edlife/ken-ilgunas-lives-in-a-van-while-a-graduate-student-at-duke-university.html

Although Salon is a very liberal publisher, the article at the time was really good. It doesn't have the whole thing I think.

The story about this guy: Got into student debt from getting his Undergrad at UofBuffalo. In debt, works for years to pay it off at jobs that had room/board in Alaska/Mississippi. Pays it all off, buys a van to live in while attending Grade school at Duke. Doesn't tell anybody till the last semester of his studies. Publishes it on Salon and his story blows up. This was back in 2009/10 when the economy was shit.

This guy taught me that you can only rely on yourself. If you want to succeed, shut yourself from the world, work on your studies, be frugal, and be financially smart so you can have a future. I'm trying to do this but I see so many young adults who will be in chains in the future with what they do today.

I think this will be the story of the Millennial generation in 5 or 10 years time. As for me, I'm 31 and am attending University studying Business Management (which I hope I can find something after I'm done). At this age of my life, I hate spending money except when I need food.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Ken Ilgunas really reminded me of what men used to be like back then. Way before capitalism became more rampant. Way before it was all about shareholders profits.

I'm not anti capitalist. I'm just against irresponsible spending considering the time we're living in now. Women far out more spend then men. Our consumerist culture will get to us at some point.

What can you live without? Do you really NEED it? Maybe try going a few weeks without that thing you buy and see how your financial situation is. Maybe you'll feel better.