I severely underestimated the benefits of minimizing recurring monthly payments alongside now being 100% debt free. The primary benefit is in the speed of accumulation, which is something that never comes across in financial discussions but is as potent in the short term as compounding is in the long term.
If I keep away from major lifestyle changes for another 10 months, I can have a paid off home by 2022, remain debt free, and be in an awesome position for marriage, kids, career, giving, and starting all the projects I have in mind including my ridiculous dream garage by 34.
Since the sacrifice isn’t much, and all the cars I love are only getting cheaper, I’m going to continue to defer my dreams and leave Langston Hughes, rhetorically speaking.