You’ve identified the next big trend, Graham: choosing wellbeing over financial optimisation! I’m looking forward to reading how you implement this in 2026. (Because I’ll be doing the exact same thing, but from a Gen X perspective. Yes, it’s time to plan a retirement that doesn’t just consist of rice and beans!)
My motto for the last few years has been to ‘choose comfort’. So I upgrade to the slightly better seat on the flight. I stay in a hotel to break up a long car or train journey. I check a bag rather than travel super-light. I walk, but I wear good shoes. And yes, I buy the coffee, occasionally. ☕️ There are so many small, simple luxuries that make a real difference to your sense of wellbeing. Choose comfort, and notice how your life changes for the better.
The conundrum is to balance this with the aforementioned retirement conundrum. Let’s see how things pan out!
Retired teacher (2021) ....gathered 2.2 m..(includes house)..still putting into IRAs, driving two cars under 8k... I still haven't taken my wife to Europe, as promised. At 73, Maybe it's time.
It's all a game of balance. We just play it differently depending on how the scales are tipping. Lean to heavily on either side and the beam stops swinging freely, because there is a deficit in life or finances. Life will not allow us to remain in the middle for long because it is too unpredictable. For me, the value of a good life spent and lived is in assets that aren't tangible. Spiritual gratitude for our God that has provided, family, active friendships and community involvement are more fulfilling than accumulated wealth. I like to tinker with mechanical things and am a DIY homeowner. I have repaired and maintained many of our home appliances and cars and repaired many household items to keep them going far longer than most folks would. I've learned many lessons, along the way and at 69, there have been some projects that took too long or cost too much overall in tools, parts and physical labor to say I came out ahead. Many would call that a loss, but I've gained much personal satisfaction and knowledge from the mistakes I've made that allow me to make more intelligent purchases, know when to call in someone with more knowledge or ask for help. I'm always shopping for value and longevity instead of the often, unused creature comforts and accessories that add to the cost of ownership. I've also had the pleasure of repairing or making things for friends, family and coworkers to make their lives a little easier. Our family and our home life have benefitted from being able to fix things or keep them going in a crisis and we have saved thousands of dollars along the way. Buying used items in 'great, good or easily repairable condition' have often been my best financial assets, especially when buying appliances or items for the yard, garden or tools. Modest, but consistent 401k investments at 12% for the long haul have rewarded us with a comfortable and affordable retirement income that I don't lose sleep over. I was also blessed with the opportunity to retire from a company with 45 years service, and a pension plan.
Thank you for sharing this, Graham. I really appreciate the honesty and vulnerability here. It’s rare to see someone so openly reflect on how the same mindset that creates success can quietly erode wellbeing over time. The framing around “life energy” and the 80/20 shift really resonated with me. This felt very human—and very timely. Wishing you a healthier, more intentional 2026.
Hey Graham! Thank you for sharing this writing; I resonate with so much of it, and I’m working on a similar goal of happiness > health > wealth.
One habit that’s been a game changer for my growth money mindset: I stopped saying the word “expensive” (and “cheap”) in my daily vocabulary. Expensive is a very subjective word that only feeds the scarcity mindset.
- Allan, a guy who used to drive to Domino’s in winter blizzard snowstorms to save on delivery fees
Same thing here. Started and ran a dot-com company for 20+ years. Wrote six books on how-to repair cars. Said yes to everything that came along. Was a member of Vistage. But after a while, it got overwhelming. Sold the company to Private Equity. Now I say no to nearly everything.
Graham - sent you a DM with more info on something that might help your thought process...
I'm in the same phase...hoping to sell an L.A. triplex this spring/summer (finally!)...will hopefully get about $1.2M for it, though it was a tough call deciding to sell as it's recently paid off and cash flows ~$7k/month with usually very little effort, it's 3 hrs away from where i live now and it stresses me out when there's a problem or turnover up there. Also, i'm in the same phase as you, Graham..."you can't take it with you" they say, right? Hearses don't come with trailers to pull your load of cash to the grave behind you haha. Growing up in scarcity and living that life for so many years makes it a little harder for folks like us to just chill and splurge on something...but on the bright side, I think we will always appreciate it much more than all those normies out there ;) Don't forget to take the time to savor that coffee, or seat upgrade, or parking closer, or all those future days you don't have to worry about getting a call/text about some problem at the rental (o_0). Love you buddy.
Love this for you Graham! Wishing you the best in health and true wealth with your new approach. I will also be thinking through my own approach this past year and making healthier adjustments!!
I feel like ones time and wealth can almost be viewed as the same in a sense. If you can spend a little extra to preserve your time, it often ends up paying off. Good stuff
Like you, Graham, I have been working on filtering what comes in and out of my mind. With everything thrown at us daily, it is crucial to choose where to focus our energy, practice detachment, and know when to be still and silent. I highly recommend reading Machiavelli, as we seem to have the same taste in books. His work is about self mastery, cultivating sovereignty, and being the author of your own book. It also teaches that once you reach a certain level of wealth, time and freedom become what matter most, which is why it is important to be selective and always give yourself the option to walk away.
I started watching your videos back in 2016. At 24 years old, living frugally and doing everything I can to advance my career, your content has played a major role in the financial decisions I have made. Thank you for sharing your knowledge over the years. I'm not quite sure where I would be without it.
All that being said, it is a relief to see you simplify your life and use your wealth to relax a bit. It makes all the frugal living worth it. Gives me something to look forward to. Now as your journey continues, I look forward to see what comes of you prioritizing your health and striving towards that level 10.
Thank you for what you do! Hope 2026 is the most relaxing year yet!
You’ve identified the next big trend, Graham: choosing wellbeing over financial optimisation! I’m looking forward to reading how you implement this in 2026. (Because I’ll be doing the exact same thing, but from a Gen X perspective. Yes, it’s time to plan a retirement that doesn’t just consist of rice and beans!)
My motto for the last few years has been to ‘choose comfort’. So I upgrade to the slightly better seat on the flight. I stay in a hotel to break up a long car or train journey. I check a bag rather than travel super-light. I walk, but I wear good shoes. And yes, I buy the coffee, occasionally. ☕️ There are so many small, simple luxuries that make a real difference to your sense of wellbeing. Choose comfort, and notice how your life changes for the better.
The conundrum is to balance this with the aforementioned retirement conundrum. Let’s see how things pan out!
(PS Greetings from Ireland!)
Sounds like a great transition Trish! Wishing you all the best with that, and yeah, there'll be more of this in 2026 :)
Retired teacher (2021) ....gathered 2.2 m..(includes house)..still putting into IRAs, driving two cars under 8k... I still haven't taken my wife to Europe, as promised. At 73, Maybe it's time.
It's time, Ken. It's time.
It's all a game of balance. We just play it differently depending on how the scales are tipping. Lean to heavily on either side and the beam stops swinging freely, because there is a deficit in life or finances. Life will not allow us to remain in the middle for long because it is too unpredictable. For me, the value of a good life spent and lived is in assets that aren't tangible. Spiritual gratitude for our God that has provided, family, active friendships and community involvement are more fulfilling than accumulated wealth. I like to tinker with mechanical things and am a DIY homeowner. I have repaired and maintained many of our home appliances and cars and repaired many household items to keep them going far longer than most folks would. I've learned many lessons, along the way and at 69, there have been some projects that took too long or cost too much overall in tools, parts and physical labor to say I came out ahead. Many would call that a loss, but I've gained much personal satisfaction and knowledge from the mistakes I've made that allow me to make more intelligent purchases, know when to call in someone with more knowledge or ask for help. I'm always shopping for value and longevity instead of the often, unused creature comforts and accessories that add to the cost of ownership. I've also had the pleasure of repairing or making things for friends, family and coworkers to make their lives a little easier. Our family and our home life have benefitted from being able to fix things or keep them going in a crisis and we have saved thousands of dollars along the way. Buying used items in 'great, good or easily repairable condition' have often been my best financial assets, especially when buying appliances or items for the yard, garden or tools. Modest, but consistent 401k investments at 12% for the long haul have rewarded us with a comfortable and affordable retirement income that I don't lose sleep over. I was also blessed with the opportunity to retire from a company with 45 years service, and a pension plan.
Thank you for sharing this, Graham. I really appreciate the honesty and vulnerability here. It’s rare to see someone so openly reflect on how the same mindset that creates success can quietly erode wellbeing over time. The framing around “life energy” and the 80/20 shift really resonated with me. This felt very human—and very timely. Wishing you a healthier, more intentional 2026.
Thanks Adam, wish you the same
Hey Graham! Thank you for sharing this writing; I resonate with so much of it, and I’m working on a similar goal of happiness > health > wealth.
One habit that’s been a game changer for my growth money mindset: I stopped saying the word “expensive” (and “cheap”) in my daily vocabulary. Expensive is a very subjective word that only feeds the scarcity mindset.
- Allan, a guy who used to drive to Domino’s in winter blizzard snowstorms to save on delivery fees
Good tip. And that’s a killer way to sign off.
Same thing here. Started and ran a dot-com company for 20+ years. Wrote six books on how-to repair cars. Said yes to everything that came along. Was a member of Vistage. But after a while, it got overwhelming. Sold the company to Private Equity. Now I say no to nearly everything.
Graham - sent you a DM with more info on something that might help your thought process...
I hope you're staying healthy! I've been a fan since the beginning. I hope the lifestyle changes continue to help
I'm in the same phase...hoping to sell an L.A. triplex this spring/summer (finally!)...will hopefully get about $1.2M for it, though it was a tough call deciding to sell as it's recently paid off and cash flows ~$7k/month with usually very little effort, it's 3 hrs away from where i live now and it stresses me out when there's a problem or turnover up there. Also, i'm in the same phase as you, Graham..."you can't take it with you" they say, right? Hearses don't come with trailers to pull your load of cash to the grave behind you haha. Growing up in scarcity and living that life for so many years makes it a little harder for folks like us to just chill and splurge on something...but on the bright side, I think we will always appreciate it much more than all those normies out there ;) Don't forget to take the time to savor that coffee, or seat upgrade, or parking closer, or all those future days you don't have to worry about getting a call/text about some problem at the rental (o_0). Love you buddy.
"Hearses don't come with trailers to pull your load of cash to the grave behind you" – I'm going to steal that :p
Love this for you Graham! Wishing you the best in health and true wealth with your new approach. I will also be thinking through my own approach this past year and making healthier adjustments!!
I feel like ones time and wealth can almost be viewed as the same in a sense. If you can spend a little extra to preserve your time, it often ends up paying off. Good stuff
No to hassle in 2026!
Like you, Graham, I have been working on filtering what comes in and out of my mind. With everything thrown at us daily, it is crucial to choose where to focus our energy, practice detachment, and know when to be still and silent. I highly recommend reading Machiavelli, as we seem to have the same taste in books. His work is about self mastery, cultivating sovereignty, and being the author of your own book. It also teaches that once you reach a certain level of wealth, time and freedom become what matter most, which is why it is important to be selective and always give yourself the option to walk away.
Graham,
I started watching your videos back in 2016. At 24 years old, living frugally and doing everything I can to advance my career, your content has played a major role in the financial decisions I have made. Thank you for sharing your knowledge over the years. I'm not quite sure where I would be without it.
All that being said, it is a relief to see you simplify your life and use your wealth to relax a bit. It makes all the frugal living worth it. Gives me something to look forward to. Now as your journey continues, I look forward to see what comes of you prioritizing your health and striving towards that level 10.
Thank you for what you do! Hope 2026 is the most relaxing year yet!
That's so cool! Thanks for letting me know :) And hoping for the same
Sounds like your 50 year old self paid an early visit to your 30–something year old self. Thank him for his ahead-of-schedule house call. 😉
You should read the 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris, he had the same realization a while ago!
Love that book, highly recommend it
Good shit Graham