On the contrary, the frugal option is quite often the cooler, more fulfilling one:

- riding a bike instead of driving (makes you fitter, hotter, increases mating potential)

- cooking food (impressive to friends and potential mates, makes you and your family healthier)

- building furniture, tech stuff, whatever (your stuff is customized to your own tastes and situation)

- playing music in a band (get paid for a Saturday night out instead of paying for it)

- helping friends and asking friends for help in return (builds social ties)

"just build your furniture and suddenly you'll have millions in the bank"

Guy... come on, he was talking about smug money FIRE types not 'living a meaningful life'. in fact they are usually the types that have no friends because it's expensive.

FIRE types are exactly the people who do the things I said. And no, you won't suddenly have millions but you will eventually have millions.