Less is More
Health Insurance
I haven't had coverage since I left my last Corporate gig back in 1997. It was going to cost me $275 a month to keep the coverage I had and since I felt that was outrageous I decided to skip it.
I was into healthy eating and regular workouts and never really trusted the medical industry especially big pharma so I decided to use those premiums to invest in my own health. At the same time I began look for a catastrophic coverage health plan just in case I got shot quail hunting or was in a car crash or something. Well guess what I never found any such policy so to this day I've done without. I regret nothing.
Money
I my experience my decision making ability is inversely proportional to cash on hand. When I had lots of money I wasted a lot of money and time. I made some dumb decisions. I could afford it after all. But as I've made my way down the income ladder I have to say I am make much smarter choices mostly born of necessity. One example : I can't afford to order out for lunch or go to a coffee shop for coffee. So I bring my lunch everyday and I roast/brew my own coffee and bring a thermos with me to work. In so doing I save time and money while enjoy much high quality food and beverage.
Transportation
Lastly, I recently bought a used car because I had to for work but prior to that I went about 3 year without any car. I walk or biked or bused it. I'd forgot how much fun 2 of those 3 could be and also how health it is to get around that way. And again I save a lot of money by not having a ride. No note, no mantinance, no gas, no insurance.