Why I Write So Much About Deals, Cashback, and a Frugal Lifestyle

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“Why do you write so much about deals, cashback, and savings?”

The short answer is simple: because it works.

Over the years, my frugal but intentional approach to spending has added up in a very real way. When I recently reviewed all of my cashback accounts across the United States and France, I realized I’ve earned over $10,000 in cashback alone over the last 10 years — and that figure does not include referral bonuses.

That kind of savings doesn’t happen overnight, but it proves an important point: small, smart financial decisions compound over time.

Frugal Doesn’t Mean Cheap — It Means Intentional

I’ve worked with many people throughout my career — including several who earned more than I did. Yet despite their higher incomes, many of them:

• Spent significantly more

• Never prioritized savings

• Never reached financial independence

That experience strongly shaped how I think about money. Income matters, but behavior matters more.

The deals, cashback, and savings strategies I write about aren’t just for people struggling financially. In fact, I’d argue they’re just as important for high earners, because overspending tends to scale with income.

The Real Goal of Cashback and Deal Hunting

When I post a cashback deal or savings opportunity, my goal isn’t to encourage extreme penny‑pinching.

I’m not the person who will drive an extra hour to another town to save $10 on groceries.

But if:

• I can install a browser extension and earn cashback on something I was already going to buy, or

• I can spend two minutes checking for a promo code or a better price

…I’ll do it every time.

That’s not sacrifice — that’s efficiency.

Yes, I Splurge — Just Smartly

Living frugally doesn’t mean avoiding enjoyment or eliminating luxury. Quite the opposite.

Over the years, I’ve:

• Eaten at three‑star Michelin restaurants in Asia, Europe, and the United States

• Stayed at luxury five‑star hotels around the world

• Flown long‑haul routes in business and first class

The difference? I almost always paid less than retail; except for the restaurants. Sometimes you just have to accept that the price is the price.

That’s why you’ll see me write so much about:

• Credit card points

• Airline miles

• Hotel loyalty programs

I’ve stayed in some of the best hotels in the world and flown premium cabins globally using points and miles, not cash.

Miles and Points: Worth It (At Least for Me)

I have friends who tell me:

“That’s not worth the effort.”

And that’s fair — personal finance is personal.

For me, though, I genuinely enjoy:

• Finding a good deal

• Optimizing a credit card signup bonus

• Turning strategic spending into premium travel experiences

If signing up for a credit card lets me fly business class instead of economy, that’s an easy win in my book.

Why I Keep Writing About Deals and Cashback

At its core, this site isn’t about deprivation. It’s about choice.

Cashback, deals, points, and frugal habits have given me:

• More flexibility

• More travel

• More financial independence

• More room to spend freely on things I truly value

Whether you have a modest income or a high one, the principle is the same:
Get the best value for money — consistently.

That’s why I keep writing about deals. And that’s why I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.

If you would like a coach to discuss your financial matters with or a potential move to France, feel free to reach out at mybestmoneylife@gmail.com or set-up a consultation here: https://www.mybestmoneylife.com/book-an-appointment