The answer to this is found within your attitudes about money and material goods, and your ability to postpone or do without certain items now, in expectation of getting some future payback as a result of your frugality. For example, you must decide that having a stress-free financial life—by driving a paid-for, ten-year-old car—actually feels better than the stress created by having to pay off a $20,000 loan to finance a brand new car.