If Trent finds the thought of a better home for himself and his family motivational, great. Of course, it becomes somewhat problematic if/when the things that motivate you end up diverting you from more important objectives like financial independence then it ceases to be a motivation and becomes a distraction.

Making a goal out of something like a ‘Country Home’ or a ‘Equestrian Community’ or even ‘Serving the poor full time’ are really reflections of the same goal, financial freedom. What ‘lurker carl’ and others where referring to was Trent actions where the opposite of his goals.

Frankly since the ‘Prius’, I just skim Trent’s post and read the comments. Some of the regular commentators are very wise and I have learned a lot from them, and find great value in that. I enjoy Trent’s post about cooking and frugality, but his trend lately to: “This is what I do and why it is the right way to do it” is laughable.

I hate to sound mean, but there are several posts I hope he re-reads in about 10-12 years. After you get to feel the full pleasure of a crazed 14 year old telling you they will run away rather than complete reading a book report.

If I could reach back 10 years and give Trent advice, it would be to ‘Be more humble, ask advice, don’t preach’.

And to kick that horse one more time, there is not a valid frugal or financially logically reason in the world to buy let alone finance that car, and once trust in advice is breached it is hard to recover.

Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with wanting material things – that’s the whole point of saving, so you can have the life that will make you happy. Don’t confuse “frugal” with “miserly”. Good luck with that house in the country – you know we’ll all want an invitation if you have a housewarming party. :0D

Some folks commenting on this post are just plain rude. Didn’t your mama teach you if you can’t say something nice, not to say anything at all?

The size of someone’s family or their plans to have children are absolutely none of your business. Selfish? Inconsiderate? What a nasty thing to say to someone. Boo to you. Get some manners.

While I understand those who dream of a country home, its not for me. I would rather be walking distance to a drug store, grocery store, laundromat, etc should anything happen. And have a bus route for alternate transportation purposes.

What motivated me on my journey to get out of debt and what continues to motivate me is this blog. Having a post to read each day keeps the ideas of frugality fresh in my mind. I cannot thank you enough Trent, your posts have made a tangible difference in my life.

However, his concept is solid. If you make your goal specific and tangible, you’ll be more likely to achieve it.

Look inside yourself and find your passion. Turn it into something useful and make it your motivation!

We all have passions, they just need to be identified.

We know his family and his kids are number one. He wants to have a nice country house with enough room for as many kids as he plans to have and some land where he can grow veggies or whatever.

Stop acting like he was dreaming of a McMansion in a gated community!

His dream house isn’t an over-the-top monstrosity; it’s a decent, well-built place where he can keep his family safe and nurture them. When he talks about being a minimalist he doesn’t mean he wants to cram his kids into a shack. Wanting a decent home is not “materialistic”. It’s a reasonable thing for a loving parent to want for his family.

And give him a break about the car already! He didn’t make you buy it!