Retiring at 37? Save on these three things

Working is obviously great fun and good for you, but having to continue behind that same desk for another 37 years or so is probably a somewhat sad prospect.

Now there are those people you can learn a lot from as an ordinary citizen. After all, you can bést do a little smart, so that you can retire around the age of 37. And no, you don't have to have a world-class job with an eight-figure salary to do this: you have to save on three things. So pay attention, take note and learn. Then, at 38, you'll be sprawled out on Bora Bora.

Fixed charges
Look, you have to live somewhere now, but make sure you don't pay the top price. Live with someone to split all costs. Don't live in the centre of the city, opt for a village or a place outside the Ring. It will save you hundreds of euros a month and that adds up nicely every year. You can put it all aside. And don't invest like crazy in an overpriced house. If you have low rental costs, that's fine for now. Buying will come one day - besides, the housing market is not like that now anyway. You still pay a fortune for a slum, so better keep that mortgage closed.

Don't spend money on transport or food
Skip that car and grab that bike. It's free and you won't have to pay for a gym membership either, because you'll get enough exercise by cycling. And of course you have to eat, but you don't have to eat out. Nor out for lunch. Half a loaf of bread costs one euro, with fillings you can go for days. It may not be sexy or fun, but you will have a lot left over at the end of the month.

Earning more is not spending more
Over the years, if all goes well, you keep moving up in salary. But you don't need more to live on. Put aside everything you earn extra. Especially if you are self-employed: then in certain months you can suddenly earn quite a bit because of the jobs you have. Don't think about a new bag, a new jumper or a haircut. You can do without, right? If you're honest, you know it is. Sure, shopping is nice, but oh well, it's not a necessity. Sorry. A little. But not really.

So, my wise tip of the day: think of Bora Bora every time you order a jumper, shirt or trousers. Think palm trees every time you order another bite of food. Think of sleeping out seven days a week every time you lurk at buying houses again. You can do it.