Some people assume that minimalists never spend any money. And to be fair, some work hard not to.
But minimalism, on its surface, isn’t necessarily about not spending money. Minimalism is about redirecting your money towards more important pursuits than physical possessions.
Minimalism recognizes that resources are finite and life is a trade-off. Money not spent on material possessions means more money available for other pursuits. And not just money, but time and energy and focus.
Because we have pursued minimalism for the last 12 years, and have spent less money on possessions, we have more money left over for other things which we have found helpful as a family.
Here are 10 things we’ve never regretted spending money on (with kids at home).
Many items on this list exist only because we adopted minimalist principles.
1. Travel.
One of the first things we did after adopting a minimalist life and saving money was took our young children on an overnight trip to the beach. We explained to them, even at a young age, how owning less freed us to splurge on this trip. It set a wonderful culture for our family and we’ve gone on many memorable trips since then.
2. New Restaurants.
My children, now teenagers, have grown to appreciate new and fine foods. When we travel, and even here at home, we are always on the lookout for new restaurants, new foods, and new menus. Trying a new restaurant always results in an enjoyable evening together.
3. Visiting Family.
Kim’s family lives in Omaha, NE. My family lives in Aberdeen, SD. Two times every year we head back to the Midwest to spend time with them. I love being with my family and my kids have great relationships with their grandparents and cousins. I’ve never regretted making that a financial commitment.
4. Memorable Experiences.
Memorable experiences with our kids still at home have been one of the most significant payoffs of living a minimalist lifestyle. Travel counts as memorable, so does visiting fun restaurants. But we’ve also made a point to attend local professional sporting events or theater and museums as well. I’m glad we chose to invest money in those memories.
5. Organized Sports/Activities.
My son has played on a number of sports teams growing up, so has my daughter. Alexa has also been involved in dance and theatrical productions. Almost all of these hobbies and activities have required equipment to varying degrees.
I understand the power of minimalism, but I also recognize the importance of being prepared and equipped for your team and coach. So we’ve definitely bought some supplies over the years that we wouldn’t have purchased otherwise, but I don’t regret it. Sports and activities build valuable life skills.
6. Giving.
When my kids were in their early-teens, we gave away the money from my book contract (The More of Less and The Minimalist Home) to begin The Hope Effect. I’m thankful my kids were here, at home, so they could see that decision and what it meant for our family and orphaned children around the world.
Generosity is a value I hope they will take forward in life.
7. Education.
School requires supplies. There are, obviously, ways to go overboard in purchasing things for school. And I hope we walked that line well. But we considered it important for them to have everything they need to thrive in school and academic pursuits.
8. Celebrating Accomplishments.
Kim always pushes me in this direction—spending the time and effort (and money) to properly celebrate milestones and accomplishments in our families’ lives. I am thankful she did.
9. Spending time with Friends.
We want our kids to make memories with friends while they are young. Hopefully at our home, but also enjoying time out in the world. It’s certainly not always required to spend money to make memories with friends. But when it was, I am thankful that we were able to provide that.
10. Family Photos.
We don’t take a lot of family photos, but I am thankful for every time we did.
I once received an email from a reader that I have never forgotten. The woman emailed me to mention how financial discipline had paid off for her and her husband. Specifically, as she said in the email, “We have reached retirement and because of fiscal discipline, we have all of our needs cared for.”
But then she concluded with this sentence, “However, if I could have done anything different, I would have spent a little more money when my kids were younger building valuable memories.”
From the moment I read her email I was touched by it and inspired to make sure I wouldn’t have similar regrets.
Daniela says
Sounds like such a perfect life!
David @ Filled With Money says
Travel is one of the best things to spend money on. It’s time to ruthlessly cut out on things that doesn’t matter to people and shamelessly spend money on things that matter to people.
There’s no point in having money if you’re just going to hoard it and never spend it.
mimi says
Enjoyed today’s post. Thank you.
Lisa says
This is so moving. As a parent I have regrets, as I assume we all do. I became a parent to my 11yo son at 25yo, I was newly single with hefty mortgage. My son spend more time than I like to admit in childcare while I worked to cover the mortgage, we also had a friend board with us to help make ends met. Now 36yo I have 3 children 3yo & 1yo, this article has put my feelings into words. I’m now in the position to turn things around with my eldest and give my younger two the life I always dreamed he would have. The bonus is along the way they learn this way of life for themselves ❤️
Sara Welsh says
Lisa – I am a working mother and have 3 kids to raise. Mine spent so many days and even afternoon with another caregiver. Juggling work, career came first for me, even when I had a family. My kids have missed me more often than I could think of. Until recently one of them has no need to be around at home with us. It turns out they have never been used to have me stay at home. Today I am doing my best to be more available . My kids (boys only) would have certainly love to be more alone time than they ever had when they were younger, at many daycare, with many different caregivers. It is a great feeling to have so much good help with well intended people. On birthdays , they will ask me to choose what to do and will just show up, pretty relief having in return my help, something I also love to do for them .
Judy says
Somewhat off topic I suppose, but I have friends who recently bought a mansion. 2 kitchens…3 fireplaces… 5 or more bathrooms… several bedrooms… several decks and patios… acres of land and a gazebo… ETC. All I could think about was what it is going to take to maintain that monstrosity of a house! Physically. Financially. Emotionally.
Gail says
I never considered myself a minimalist, but we brought up our kids spending exactly this way. No fancy cars, great trips. No overly expensive clothes, but enough durable ones. Good food, restaurants on occasion, but no alcohol. Nice home, but comfy and modestly furnished. No fancy dishes and servingware, but one set of all-purpose stoneware. My adult kids recall their dad saying we are not poor; we just choose to spend our money elsewhere when they talked of friends’ cars, non-rotary dial phones (!), cable tv. They enjoyed family outings, travel, sports and activities, computers before most, and a mom who was home till school age for both kids arrived. It did not occur to me to call this minimalism, but we did indeed choose where to spend.
Lisa B says
Absolutely loved this article! Having a 10 year old and a 1 year old has kept me going, but not always in a meaningful direction. I love your advice of non regrettable ways to spend money on experiences with family and friends, instead of meaningless purchases. The time we have raising our children at home is relatively short. Experiences matter ! Investing in them is required and forever a great memory for all. Thanks for taking the time to post these insightful ways to bring true purpose to what matters most. You are spot on and there is NO denying that! Great job
Judy says
I am a minimalist and at times I would like to live a more frugal life… but I have grandchildren and amazing family that are worth celebrating. I would never want to be miserly with them. So I am glad to read your post, Joshua—- I never regret money spent to celebrate family milestones—- or the “just because I love you” gifts and outings. Doesn’t have to be extravagant—- but I think making someone’s day extra special every now and then is a must!
Kim says
This list hits home a lot. My kids are in the teens. One will be in college very soon. Minimalism (at least aiming for it) has helped us prioritize our time with them.
This year, we bought extra pool passes. Whichever friends want to join us, we are able to cover them. We did an art class and were able to include their cousins. After more than a year of stepping back, it’s been important for us to actively include others- even in the simple ways. I know not everyone can do some of these things financially, but even the time to safely invite others in.
Jama says
I’m not sure how to comment on the main article, so I’m just commenting on the first comment that showed up. It seems like even just doing those 10 things is doing a lot, and already spending a lot of money. What do you cut back on to have the money for all those things? Do you live in a really small house? Drive junky cars? I just can’t quite wrap my head around it. You eat out a lot, organized sports are quite expensive, memorable activities with friends involves money I assume, etc. Maybe I don’t understand. It sounds like a great life, but not really minimalistic. ?♀️
joshua becker says
Smaller house: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/rationale-for-a-smaller-home/
Reliable car: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/live-within-means/
Fewer clothes: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/7-reasons-i-wear-the-same-thing-every-day/
Less furniture, cookware, decorations, linens, televisions: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/7-reasons-i-wear-the-same-thing-every-day/
Reader’s Digest put the money saved at $150,000 over ten years: https://www.rd.com/article/minimalism-saved-150k/
Hope that helps.
K says
homeschooling for both parents and children
debb says
After nearly not making it through the winter, (bad auto immune relapse) I was inspired to rejoin the summer pool we loved so much when our three children were young. What joy to share the experience with my 10 grandchildren and rehab at the same time!!! And you should see the faces of all the summer people out in the Colorado sun after a difficult year for all.