Over the years, I’ve “paid myself first.” As a young college grad, that was putting 6% into my 401k to get the 3% match. A little older, and it became 10% after Joseph. When my earnings became volatile, I made sure that I had post-tax “hay in the barn” to cover 6 to 18 months of expenses. I lived off what was left of my pay. Boats, trips, sports, hobbies, real estate… I lived well enough, even while young and stupid. Mid-40s, I got serious about maxing out 401k contributions. Wish that I done so earlier, but, I acknowledge that I’m male and genetically predisposed to stupid.