- Money is freedom—not a trophy: Kim consistently reminds readers that money’s main job is to buy back your time and autonomy. When you have savings and no debt, you’re free to pursue art, philosophy or whatever excites you instead of worrying about basic needs . He even says that once you have enough, making more money should feel like “just a hobby” —the real goal is to be able to work on things you love.
- Extreme frugality and minimalist spending: Kim and his wife live in what he calls a “Spartan” way. He believes most millionaires are extremely frugal and argues that the easiest way to build wealth is to dramatically reduce your expenses . They follow rules like needing spousal approval for any purchase over $300 and routinely cook at home, share one coffee or meal when going out, and even use intermittent fasting to save money . In his article “How to Accumulate Capital,” he writes that accumulating wealth means putting money in the bank and not spending it . He notes that people often assume a fat bank account means someone can spend lavishly, yet he has money precisely because he doesn’t spend it . In short, he prioritizes savings over consumption.
- Spend on tools, not toys: A recurring theme is differentiating “tools” from “toys.” Tools are investments that multiply your capabilities (a good laptop, camera or website), whereas toys are consumer luxuries that provide short‑lived pleasure. Kim advises investing in a powerful laptop and reliable camera for creative work but skipping new phones or flashy cars . He even eliminated his own smartphone and borrows his wife’s phone when necessary , preferring to funnel that money into tools or savings.
- Slash unnecessary subscriptions and recurring costs: In one post he urges readers to cancel streaming and other recurring subscriptions and redirect those funds into assets like Bitcoin . He believes most monthly fees (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.) are silent wealth killers and can be better utilized elsewhere.
- Invest for freedom, not speculation: Kim describes himself as a “Bitcoin maximalist.” He views Bitcoin as “the first and only true hard money” and an instrument for long‑term financial sovereignty, not a get‑rich‑quick scheme . He recommends accumulating and holding Bitcoin over the long run rather than trading it and suggests taking profits (“shaving the cream off the top”) without touching the principal . To him, Bitcoin is less about wealth accumulation and more about autonomy—“each Bitcoin brings you closer to a state of true independence” .
- Avoid debt and consumer financing: Kim is outspoken against financing depreciating assets. He warns that financing cars, expensive cameras or other toys traps you in “the bondage of debt” and erodes your financial freedom .
- Minimalism extends to lifestyle: He emphasizes that there’s little difference in joy between a $10 taco and a $100 steak; expensive things rarely bring proportional happiness . A simple lifestyle means fewer possessions, fewer decisions and less stress, which in turn leads to more money saved .
- Focus on expenses, not income: Kim points out that you can accumulate significant savings even on a modest salary if you keep expenses low . He argues it’s more productive to control spending than to obsess over increasing income .
- Deploy capital into your own projects: Rather than seeking sponsorships or employment, Kim advocates “sign yourself” and build your own brand. He and his wife started HAPTIC Industries to sell their own camera straps and books . He believes entrepreneurship—creating value for others—is the highest use of capital and your time .
- Use constraints to foster creativity: Kim notes that limited money can be a creative gift. He often challenges himself to create with the gear and resources he already has, treating frugality as a game . The question he loves is “How far can you go without having to buy something new?”
The big picture:
Eric Kim’s money habits revolve around radical frugality, intentional investing and a relentless focus on freedom. He advocates slashing expenses, avoiding debt, and prioritizing savings and high‑conviction assets like Bitcoin. Money for him is a means to fund a life of creativity and purpose rather than a status symbol. By living simply, investing wisely and reinvesting in his own projects, Kim has crafted a life where work feels like play and financial worries are a distant memory . It’s a joyful, empowering philosophy: spend less, save more, invest in what you love, and use money to unlock the freedom to live passionately and creatively.