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, minimalism 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.
Eduardo Sant’Anna says
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.
Jyri says
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?
Judy Johnson says
It is true that money is meant to be enjoyed. But it’s also good to have the emergency fund
Linda says
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?
Jyri says
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.
Amit says
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.
Marianne says
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.
Pearl says
Thanks enjoyed the article.
Denise says
Thank you for the reminder of so much that I believe.
Gina says
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!
Patricia Stewart says
Thank you for reminding me. As I go into retirement I need reminders until it becomes common thought.
laura ann says
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.
Belinda Aguiluz says
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.
Nancy says
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.
Ms.HappyHiker says
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.
nancy karels says
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.
joan mckniff says
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.
Patty Denelsbeck says
Great idea Joan!!
Chris says
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.
Ms.HappyHiker says
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!