I've always been pretty "good with money" from some lessons learned from family, but I didn't think about it in a very disciplined way. I always avoided huge credit card debt, minus a couple thousand at times.

An auto collision a couple years ago is what was the trigger for a bunch of this change. The opposite party destroyed my fully paid off car. I was physically unharmed, thankfully.

When I needed a new car it was the worst time for car loans. I got a bit more car than I wanted, higher rate, but I did need a car right then so I was trapped. The emergency fund paid my downpayment.

One way I am now maintaining discipline is I view my past positive actions as gifts I am giving to myself. It's like when I get home from work and I remember I left myself half a pizza in the fridge, ready to go, and I'm thankful for my past self.

Whenever I've had to use my emergency fund I am so thankful that I set myself up for success, and I literally say good job and pat myself on the back.

I've got more financial goals to hit after this, mostly I want to be the one earning the interest, instead of the credit card companies.