5 Ways to Simplify Your Life

And Save Money!

“Norm!  How’s life in the fast lane?  Don’t know, I can’t even find the on ramp!”

--Cheers TV Sitcom

   Not enough time, not enough money, not enough space…it’s amazing that we live in a time of history with more time-saving devices and we all cry “we don’t have enough time.”

   Since the late 1970s, most Americans were bitten by the affluenza bug.  We all wanted more…bigger houses, designer label clothes, flashier cars and all of the latest electronic gadgets.  Did having “it all” improve your happiness?  Did it improve the upbringing of your children?  Was your self-worth higher using the materialist yardstick?

   Were you living like our government – beyond its means?  Did each pay raise or IRS refund send you on a spending spree to acquire more stuff?  Have you found yourself working hard only to discover there is no gold watch at retirement and Wall Street lost most or all of your investments?

“Future shock – the shattering stress and disorientation that we induce in individuals by subjecting them to too much change in too short a time.”

--Alvin Toffler, Future Shock, 1970

   Perhaps your world has been turned upside down due to recent economic events.  It’s our belief, our nation will never return to its spendthrift ways.  Therefore, our philosophy has always been one of voluntary simplicity.  You can live well on less AND probably derive more enjoyment from life for you and your family.

Here are five ways to simplify your life:

• Stop Working.  Perhaps not feasible for all, but consider if you’re a two-income family with children in daycare, it might be cheaper for one of you to stay at home.  Potential savings include an average of $800-$1200 a month in daycare costs.  You won’t require expensive business clothing.  You won’t be roped into making those office donations for everything from retirement parties to other gifts.  You may not need a second vehicle.  You won’t be eating out as much either.
• Buy Used.  You’ll be amazed at what new or near new items you can find at thrift stores including furniture, clothing and kitchen items.  Buy late model used cars as opposed to new.  An automobile is a depreciating asset, which loses money the minute you drive off the lot.
• Do it Yourself.  I once called an appliance repair person to fix our clothes drier.  Indeed, after several promises to show up, I fixed the darn thing myself with a little online help and saved $75.  The library, online services and a knowledgeable neighbor or relative can provide the information you need to fix most things (I repair my computer but avoid new car engines; but do have a reliable friend who fixes my car at half the price of a shop).
• Stop Expensive Gift Giving.  My previous wife spent an average of $12,000 annually on gifts (one of the reasons we’re no longer married).  Your 10-year-old-son, for instance, does not need a $100 cell phone and expensive contract.  Learn to make your own gifts or provide small amount gift cards.  One year, for example, we made custom gift baskets for the holidays for everyone our list.  The baskets were purchased at the thrift shop for a buck or two and we filled each with food and other items that were appropriate to each person (most of the gourmet food stocks were purchased at a dollar store).
• Grow a Garden.  Nothing beats the tasteless vegetables from the store like homegrown.  Where we live the soil is bad and it’s too hot…but container gardening works well.  Gardening is also a fine way to relax and sooth the mood.

   Affluenza is a tough temptation, so cut up the credit cards too.  Keep one for emergencies and only for emergencies.  Become a member of your library and check out books and DVDs for home entertainment.  Check the sites below for more information.

Voluntary simplicity from those who’ve done it

http://www.gettingalife.org/

9 Steps to transform your relationship with money

http://www.yourmoneyoryourlife.org/