People have set out to more remote places of the world, built homes of their own, and lived off the land. They’ve followed the sun—up at dawn, sleep at dark.
Our ancestors lived simply, by default.
Nowadays, however, it’s more difficult to live this way in a time of great technological advancement. People are looking for a more simplified life, but without wholly removing themselves from the world around them—their friends, family, workplaces, and devices.
Amidst material abundance and availability, our lives can sometimes look quite foreign from the homesteaders of the past.
Today, intentional living is even more necessary. And in a world of increasing complexity, it is becoming more and more desired.
Here are Five Truths You Can Use to Save Money and Live Simply:
1. You can’t take it with you.
You’ve probably heard the truism “you can’t take it with you” or, perhaps you’ve heard it as “you never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.” These phrases suggest that you should spend your money with an eye on the inevitably of death—because you could be gone tomorrow.
Let’s consider how we can use these statements to live simply.
If we cannot take something with us, should we lust after it? Should we go into debt to buy it? Should we spend countless hours maintaining it?
To live simply, we should adopt a rental philosophy for the goods we purchase. From this standpoint, we are temporary holders to the many material possessions we store. And not a thing we own will be ours after we pass. So, what’s important given this truth?
2. The most frugal or greenest product is the one you didn’t buy.
Over the last decade, people have been quick to embrace “green” products such as LED lightbulbs and hybrid vehicles. Some of these advancements really do cut down on energy bills and emissions.
But many businesses have responded by using “greenwashed” marketing to confuse and appeal to more consumers. A shocking number of products are now “environmentally friendly” without any certifying body to confirm or standardize what that even means.
“Going green” has been coopted by corporations.
The kindest decision for your wallet or the environment usually isn’t marketed in magazines or on product packaging. Whether you’re looking to save money, live simply, or be greener, there’s a simple rule you should follow: the cheapest or most environmentally friendly product is the one you didn’t buy.
3. No individual product can make you a minimalist.
These headlines should frighten you: “Get This Unique Minimalist Watch While You Still Can” or “The Best Gifts For the Minimalist In You.” I’ve even seen “minimalist mattresses,” “minimalist clothing,” and “minimalist luggage” for sale. Some articles promising the latest and greatest ideas in minimalist living are laced with affiliate links and goods that could occupy more space in your life and further empty your bank account.
What the writers are actually saying is, “Here’s another item that looks cool and you can spend money on. And because you are interested in minimalism, I will use that to market specifically to you.”
Similarly, stores that sell containers and organizational tools cannot make you a minimalist. They can help you spend money, hide clutter, and manipulate the appearance of your home. But the products contained therein require consistent maintenance, care, and careful organizational efforts.
The problem remains when we buy more to become simpler. Organization can help, but minimalism always comes from less stuff, not more. It is better to de-own, than merely reorganize.
4. The best gifts don’t take up room in your home.
As a father, I recognize my children sometimes want gifts. And when holidays and birthdays come around, I cherish opportunities to make them smile.
I also recognize my inner values.
I want to be kind, receptive, and understanding to my family, and I want to give the gift of my attention to them. When my family started letting go of extraneous possessions ten years ago, I was better able to be there for them. I was a better listener, and could spend more time focused on what they really need as they grow.
And this extends beyond children. My friends know the best gift they could ever give me is their friendship. That never costs a dime or gets old.
5. Material possessions never provide lasting happiness.
Endless research has found that material goods and purchases rarely provide lasting happiness. Buy the Corvette today, and you’ll get used to it. The shine and sheen will wear off. Then, the insurance payments, gas, maintenance/repair prices, and other burdens come into focus.
Wellness comes from purchases that lead to stories, experiences, and help for others.
My family is taking a one-week vacation this Spring. While we’ve tried to save money, it’ll still cost money to do so. Similarly, I’ve poured sweat and time into creating The Hope Effect, which is a non-profit organization changing how the world cares for orphans.
Every dollar spent in these areas are deeply meaningful for me. I carry these moments and experiences, not things.
We live in a time of always-on Internet, 24/7 business hours, and credit cards that can allow for purchases despite our budgets. The consequences are readily evident: the average American has over $16,000 in debt.
Living simply can be our way out. By realizing these five truths, we can begin to focus again on what’s more important.
Great article, I agree with every point absolutely! As a small-house person and a supporter of the tiny-house movement, I’d like to point out that saying the average debt for an American is $16,000 is overly positive, since that figure doesn’t count mortgage debt. The total average debt in the U.S., as the original source points out, is far more dire, even when tabulated per household vs. per person. Thanks!
Thinking of shopping but not buying anything reminds me of the saying: “most retail items are best left on the shelf” I keep this in mind when I enter a store!
I am at a point where my family and I are moving, and in doing so we are taking a minimalist approach to what is going with us. So, we have been going through each room and giving things away to family, friends, local charities. I am amazed and horrified at the amount of “stuff” we have. When we moved into our house we needed a 28′ truck to move everything in. We have easily gotten rid of over 1/2, closing in on 2/3 of our stuff and still going. My wife has commented on how freeing it is, and how it is a much “calmer” environment in the house now. I feel like I am more focused now when I am at home.
When I see something I like in a store…I can look at it and put it back on the shelf. One can admire without making the actual purchase ; )
When I was doing my graduation, I have lived that phase when no laptops and mobiles are easily accessible. trust me, that was the most amazing time of my life.
Very thoughtful article and I appreciate the comments.
Your posts just confirms and validates my new outlook in life when it comes to accumulating “stuff”. I plan to travel around different places when the time comes and I certainly wouldn’t want to have to worry about the extra stuff I have to carry around with me. Plus, it is such a good feeling when you are not attached to material things.
“Material possessions never provide lasting happiness”. This is so true of most of my audiophile friends. We spend so much trying to get the most expensive music systems for the best sound quality only to let go of them in a year as we look for better sound quality.
The thing I realize more + more about clutter, is that you have to take the ‘time’ to ‘manage’ this stuff. Clean it. Use it. Organize + store it [sigh]. We do need to look after the spaces we live in. This is necessary + takes time. Putting ‘fewer things’ in our living space, gives us more time to spend on more important things. This is incredibly freeing. Keep sending out your message. It will become a regular habit and will give back so much.
My biggest obstacle is to throw away/recycle my television as I have enjoyed all thru my life really ( though I did manage quite well years ago when I spent one year in a South American jungle village.😊)
The lack of quality programs and the steady decline of good, healthy moral here ( Norway) makes it easier to say “thanks for the ride” to that box, and say “Hello” to a richer life. Being in my sixties makes even more important. Thank you, Joshua.
The article has inspired me to live simply and own less. This one is real.
Great article!! I enjoy reading all of your posts. It gives me incentive to get rid of useless things that we don’t use or I don’t wear. I am also more conscious of purchases when shopping, which I really don’t do much of anymore.
#2, “Greenwashing,” is phenomenal in marketing. The cost of a new car is rarely recovered in the mileage gained!
I am really enjoying the mind set of less is more….. I was at my hairdresser’s yesterday and she has a beautiful display of really good quality costume jewelry she is selling for a friend. Each piece only $5. So many beautiful pieces!! I normally would of walked away with at least 5 pieces because they were such a great “deal”. I really was pleased with myself though as I realized I just didn’t really need or want them. I bought none. I feel so much lighter, happier, and more free not ” collecting ” items I truly do not need. Loving this way of looking at life. Thank you for the continued posts.
Great post!!! Thank you!
While I am all for minimalism – and I like reading articles on the subject – I really crinche when it mentions that not buying something saves you money. – Isn’t accumulating money also a form of hoarding? I think that being minimalist is not about saving money – that’s a byproduct of a choosen life style and that’s only if you had money in the first place to buy what you perhaps not necessarily need. I don’t think that people that have just enough to live by and have few possessions because can’t afford more would call themselves minimalist.
It’s not about consumption, but working less. So you have time for things that matters. Most of cool things are free, walking, a cost of one frisbee will get you into good summer with friends. To live, is to consume, but do you need a new item just because it is out, when previous item you already have works just about fine?
I’ve been reading your posts and have adopted the minimalist way, thanks to urging of my daughter in law. I have donated all useable “discards” to local charities. I just noticed that we live in AZ near you and would like to know if you hold local public events regarding minimalism?
Very good read, I removed Facebook, so I no more follow you there. But I have subscribed to your feed within my Blogger app – so it shows new updates from blogs I follow. I agree with all your posts.
Just got ad about good headphones week ago and that I should buy it because of better sound than on earphones. Then my friend asked what headphones I use and as soon as I told him to use earphones, he said that normal over-ear headphones are better.
So I went personally to the audio shop to listen product of ad I have seen week ago. These indeed sounded okay for 79 euro and the other model was slightly better for 99 euro from Sennheiser both. But as soon as I plugged back my Sennheiser earphones I bought years ago for 37 euro only to the phone – music sounded even better in my own opinion. There was more bass and it needed lower volume too to power the music inside my ear canals.
I mean music sounded richer and greater than these double-priced headphones. So I bought nothing. Now when I read your new post, it made me even less to want that item of headphones.
Because I heard it myself, barely anything improves, if you buy quality items – so one is enough. Also earphones are less to manufacture, so they basically provide better sound than even higher prices over-ear headphones. Because over-ear headphones are asking more money to build – so customer pay more for item.
We have reached a stage in product creation and quality standardization where more often than not the ONLY thing that is IMPROVED is the ad and the packaging.
Mid range products (both specification and cost wise), if carefully cared for, keep on working perfectly for years WITHOUT the need to upgrade.
I thank you for this post. A reminder like this is like a vitamin injection. It strengthens me to say no to silly things. No-buy is the best bargain. It is such a freedom to be able to see beautiful things and not feel any urge to own them.
Thanks enjoyed the article.
Thank you for the reminder of so much that I believe.
Life has taken an unexpected turn this year, amd I’m having to give up my city apartment and store its contents for maybe a few months, maybe a year! I tried to imagine alternatives but that’s the only logical move at the moment. I can’t wait for life to take another turn (selling my rural home) and recovering my beautiful new stuff!
Thank you for reminding me. As I go into retirement I need reminders until it becomes common thought.
We are in retirement and downsized this past year to move into a two bdrm townhouse. So much went to local group homes, several churches for the needy outreach. Nothing missed. Still finding stuff off and on, when I have a bag full, off it goes to the group home.
All great points but point #1 is a very big truth. I really enjoy reading your articles, they’ve helped me be more conciouse when I want to buy. I’ve started the process of only keeping those things that truly bring joy.
Thank you for all the great info. Since I’ve started my minimalist journey it’s amazing how my desire to buy has diminished and I think before buying. Went to the spring street fair in Tucson Yesterday and had more fun just looking rather than buying. Thanks again.
I was happy to see your comment, Nancy, as I live in Tucson! Knowing how I feel when I attend events such as the street fairs and the annual gem and mineral show has resulted in me staying away from them rather than be tempted to buy anything. I, too, have experienced a decreased desire to make purchases since I began following Joshua and reading about minimalism. Eventually I will be able to go back to events and just admire the beauty of items without feeling a desire to buy any of them! For now, there’s much work to do at home.
It felt good to go yesterday and not have the urge to buy everything I liked. It would also be great to connect with someone else in tucson who is like minded! I borrowed one of the minimalists books to a friend of mine and she bought a couple copies to pass on to her children and I shared the simplify magazine with my aunt in Phoenix. So if you ever want to connect let me know.
I’m surprised by how many people love to shop as a hobby or social activity but never or rarely visit museums. I love museums, especially art museums, for what they are. But since reading so many comments on various blogs about how hard it is to stop shopping, it seems that museum visiting would great way to develop the habit of enjoying looking at things, crafts, science, art or whatever, without buying them.
Great idea Joan!!
I find the same thing with ‘antique’ shops. I could spend hours and often look up odd items to find out how they might have been used. I think ‘minimalist’ goes very much along with ‘’practical’ and antique shops seem to demonstrate this type of lifestyle. I don’t often buy anything, but when I do, practical is usually at the top of the list.
Joan, I LOVE visiting museums. I often take photos of the things that really speak to me and put them in a folder on a thumb drive so I can revisit them. My problem with the local artisan fairs is that I love to see the creativity out there and support local artists. I have purchased items over the years to decorate my home, but I definitely don’t need to do that anymore!
Your articles never disappoint. This one just continues to reinforce everything I am moving my life towards. I constantly say to my sons. We need more experiences less stuff! My attention and my time will last longer than the things I buy them!
Thank you for the timely reminder of what is important.
These are all very true! Great post.
#3 #3 #3. I just stopped following a minimalist blog that was giving away free gifts for practicing minimalism. Then when I politely commented, my comment was blocked. Thanks so much for the refreshing thoughts!
I’m very curious about this “To live simply, we should adopt a rental philosophy for the goods we purchase.” Raised to believe that having a mortgage was the penultimate adult task, i’m often very tempted to sell up and travel the world instead!
We own our apartments and also a small village ‘hut’ we’re trying to renovate. I wouldn’t trade ownership for anything else. We’ll probably immigrate in less than a year and we’ll be forced to rent. I dislike the idea, but we won’t be able to afford a mortgage. And we’re not selling anything back home either. You can still travel the world and have some security back at home.
We should try and buy less crap, since we really don’t take anything with us, when we leave this world. And most of the time our children will want to buy their own stuff, so leaving houses packed with furniture and all kids of stuff, only makes sense to us :D
Good article but the phrase “You only live once” is the opposite of the minimalist philosophy. It promotes the “going for the gusto,” “just do it” mentality prevalent in our culture and in advertising.
You are right Linda. I have removed that phrasing from the original article.
“The most frugal or greenest product is the one you didn’t buy.”
Profound, really.
Yes, and when “TheThree R’s” were popular, in the permaculture workshops that I taught I would make this “The Four R’s”, with No. 1 being “Refuse”.
Thank you for this post. My family and I are in a position where we’re living simply because we HAVE TO, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not something I want to do anyway. However, whenever you have to do something, it’s hard to have a good attitude about it. This post helped refresh my mind and get back on track.
A great post.. we try to live by 1,4 and 5.. working on the others.
Important points. Especially “The most frugal or greenest product is the one you didn’t buy.”
A lot of people try to buy their way into a green or simple lifestyle.