James G. Wood

From Ramen to Riches taught me that using finances in an unconventional and nonstandard way is actually more beneficial than doing finances the conventional way. For me that means taking care of my finances as if I am running a business and using savings to live a healthy life through spending smartly and sparingly. When I do spend I always want to know the prices and if people can afford it. I buy what I can afford and not what I see. For me that means buying drinks and foods that replenish me and keep me away from fatty foods and unhealthy foods that cause me to slow down or be haggard. I indulge once in a while in snacks that I love and drinks that excite me. But I am mindful of how much I spend and why I am spending on that item of food or drink. If it does not bring me joy or happiness or sustain my energy I just do not buy it.

I also save way more than I spend and spend no more that what I need. I have learned that saving now and for the future is more important than buying everything with a credit card and not saving and living beyond your means. I prefer a more simple, frugal, and minimalistic lifestyle. I love saving money but I don’t let that stop me from enjoying the fruits of my labor which is buying seltzer water and ginger ale and spending time reading books that teach me about life, love, and resilience in different ways.… (meer)