Spend on What Truly Matters
FIRE isn’t about spending less.
It’s about spending with intention.
Cutting everything feels punishing.
Spending freely feels reckless.
The sweet spot is knowing what actually matters to you — and funding that fully.
The Problem With “Spend Less”
Generic advice to “spend less” misses the point.
It leads to:
Guilt
Burnout
Rebellion spending
People don’t fail because they spend money.
They fail because they spend money without purpose.
What Intentional Spending Looks Like
Intentional spending asks one question:
| “Does this meaningfully improve my life?”
If yes — spend proudly.
If no — don’t spend automatically.
There’s no virtue in deprivation.
Why This Accelerates FIRE
When spending aligns with values:
Waste disappears
Satisfaction increases
You need less to feel fulfilled
Your “enough” becomes clearer — and closer.
Common Areas That Truly Matter
For many people, this includes:
Health and well-being
Experiences and memories
Time-saving tools
Learning and growth
Family and relationships
These purchases often reduce stress instead of adding it.
Give Yourself Permission
FIRE doesn’t require austerity.
It requires clarity.
Spend generously where it matters.
Cut ruthlessly where it doesn’t.
That balance is sustainable.
The Unexpected Outcome
When your spending reflects your values:
You compare less
You regret less
You enjoy life more
Money stops feeling like a restraint and starts feeling like support.
The FIRERANT Perspective
You’re not trying to be the cheapest version of yourself.
You’re trying to be the freest.
Spend boldly on what matters — and unapologetically ignore the rest.
— Jackson
