Through savings in crypto and dividend-paying stocks, I can give myself a raise.
I believe that this is an important factor in life - being able to increase, not just save. A couple years ago I needed a raise, so I took a second job :) Maybe it isn't everyone's idea of a good life, but it has allowed me to get into a house and clear a lot of debt. It takes work, but it is also far more satisfying than sitting doing nothing, suffering a continual lack of basics.
I think I have a good chance of out-earning my stupid choices.
Better late than never - I am late to the game :)
I think you will be better off generating now and paying back later as the thing with the paying back, it will always be there wanting more. The opportunities to generate aggressively are rare.
I think that, similarly, if you pile up as much as possible now, you may have sufficient to cash flow your way through the home improvement payments.
Trying. :)