Reply #148: I've never made more than $35,000 in my life....

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... and it's usually been closer to $25,000.

I've been a single parent since my kids were 5 and 7 (and they are now in their 30s).

We live frugally, but not penuriously. There has never been a time when I've had to say to them "you can't have that".

I have money in the bank and IRAs and mutual funds. I buy what I need, not just what I want.

The house is paid for and so is the 10 year old car.

I look for free entertainment. The library for books and free passes to museums. I was given a Blockbuster card that give me free movie rentals. Was never much for eating out, so I don't. I work at home, which cuts out gas costs and paying for work clothes. I like to travel, so part of my saving up goes to that (trips to Europe, the Caribbean, etc)

And I realize completely, that I can only do this because I've lived in my house long enough to pay it off.