Quote:
Originally Posted by ranchlandsselling
What you're forgetting on top of those good points is that someone like the above example likely gets off on being frugal. They get satisfaction from it. So, in some instances it doesn't take "extraordinarily strong self-discipline". Just like the lentil-eating-triathlete you mentioned, who actually enjoys doing that sport and competing. And there's always the satisfaction of a drive-by humblebrag that likely provides additional satisfaction.
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Absolutely. Exceptionally frugal people usually get tremendous satisfaction from frugality, and feel tremendous distress when they
aren't being frugal. We all know the type - they get an expression of almost physical pain when they have to spend money on something isn't essential or at a rock-bottom price. I don't think people can be taught to feel that way. It's either an inborn trait, or acquired early in childhood. My own kids have demonstrated dramatically different attitudes towards money since they were 6, with my son spending every penny as soon as it's allowed and coming up with wild schemes to become rich, and my daughter hoarding everything she has.