I'm making one helluva lot more money than I ever thought I would. I probably make more money in one year (including benefits) than my mother made in her whole life. I'm not wealthy, my wife is not from a wealthy family.

But we are both from families that are truly frugal.

Don't buy more than you really need. Waste not, want not. Put some aside for a rainy day. Repair it (if you can) instead of replacing it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Pay the rent, utilities, and food first. Buy the best you can afford. Nobody ever went broke planning for hard times. Borrow only when you must and pay it back a fast as you can. Help others less fortunate, because you might need help someday. Celebrate whenever you can. There are no pockets in a shroud.

Everyone knows what to do. All they have to do is do it.