Frugal Living

Pip, the main character in "Great Expectations" begins his life very poor. Having obtained an expectation of inheriting property and wealth, he is given a liberal allowance for several years and spends it freely. He lives extravagantly and somewhat without purpose because he doesn't work for his money. He becomes so lavish in his spending habits that he incurs a lot of debt in spite of his liberal allowance.

Later in life, when money doesn't flow quite as freely, he moves abroad and works with a merchant in his shipping house. Pip comments near the end of the book: "I lived happily ... and lived frugally, and paid my debts."

On visiting his old home, he is asked by a friend, "you live abroad still? .... And do well, I am sure?" He replies: "I work pretty hard for a sufficient living, and therefore - yes, I do well."
I loved that short answer of his. It contains a great deal of wisdom regarding what it means to do well. Doing well is not the same as making a lot of money. It means working hard for what you obtain, earning it, and obtaining enough by which to live and enjoy life. Beyond meeting your own needs and some of your wants and having the ability to help others in need, money doesn't buy much in the way of happiness. The greatest happiness I find connected to money is living below my means. That gives me a great deal of freedom no matter how much money I make.