They’re Not Saving Money, They’re Saving Attention

Jobs didn’t buy fewer clothes to save money for investment — he did it so he wouldn’t waste attention on what to wear. Buffett eating a $2.99 McDonald’s meal wasn’t about saving for investment either; he didn’t want to waste attention picking between food options. They weren’t saving money. They were saving attention. If it comes to frugality, there are Chinese aunties out there doing world-class saving all their lives — and that hasn’t stopped some of them from getting trapped buying at market tops.

This whole idea that skipping cigarettes and investing the change builds compound returns? It’s a joke.