Close your ears to what advertisers would have you believe, you don't have to spend every nickel of your paycheck to have a good life. Spending money on things won't make you richer, thinner, sexier, more beautiful, or more popular. It'll just leave you poorer — and no closer to your real long-term financial goals, which may include buying a house, taking a dream vacation, or even retiring early. So try this: Regardless of what your income is now, try living just beneath your means. If you earn $30,000 a year, pretend you earn $28,000. If you earn $50,000, live...

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