Simple Living?
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| Wed, 04-08-2009 - 5:30pm |
I recently finish reading a book given to me from a co-worker called Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence .
From the book:
"Our life energy is our allotment of time here on earth, the hours of precious life available to us. When we go to our jobs we are trading our life energy for money. This truth, while simple, is profound. Less obvious but equally true, when we go to the welfare office, we are trading our life energy for money."
I can especially relate to this after growing up on welfare in the Detroit projects. In it were principles similar to Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and others. Principles like - pay off your debts, spend less and save more were found throughout the book. The only major difference I found in this book was the emphasis is on simplifying your lifestyle.
My wife found the overall tone of the book too extreme. While I felt some parts were somewhat extreme I found the information in this book valuable enough to continue reading. It appears that they espouse living simple permanently. I asked my colleague to clarify what the concept of "simple living" was all about and all he could tell me was that it has to do with downsizing my life. This did not clear up much for me.Other than the "Simple Living Thing" I think it is one of the best personal finance books that I have read.
I would sincerely appreciate it if anyone could explain what "Simple Living" is all about.

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I am embracing the more "simple living" concept I think. I believe simple living is different for everyone. I have been living with the less I own the more I enrich my life, at least it works for me. My husband laughs because he thinks I am a "Minimalist". if there is such a thing? I think also simple living is a frame of mind. I feel at more peace with my life when I DON'T chase after what the Jones's are after and just live within my own definition of what it is to be successful in life. I am at my best when I take the time to enjoy a simple cup of coffee and appreciate the world around me. Just today I called hubby at work and said "let's just get out of the rat race and move out to the country and live in a hut and live off the land," he just laughed because he knows that I would be more at home in that sort of environment. I also think in simple living you are really choosing what is important to you in life and what things you are willing to really pour your heart out into. If you enjoy relationships a lot then that would be priority to you. Some people de-clutter their lives of things and find they have more balance in their lives. Needless to say, your wife sounds like my husband, he thinks simple living can be extreme for some but for me I embrace it in a heart beat, it is just my nature.
I too grew up in the projects in California and know what it is like to go without so maybe that is why embracing this sort of a lifestyle comes natural to me?
BTW- I live in the Downriver Area in Michigan so we have some things in common. I also wanted to say that I read your blogs and enjoy what you have to say.
~~Maggie~~
"The borrower is SLAVE to the lender" - Dave Ramsey
My perception of simple living is not having to compete with the Jones, not running in the rat race just because advertisers tell you you should have this and that and get the latest technology.
To me I think what it comes down to is live the life you truly want, not as wasteful as the advertising executives in Madison Street want you to, not as extreme as some money gurus suggested. Decide what is important to you.
In my situation I do not follow, nor fit into, any of the budgeting guidelines (you know, 5-10% of your income for food, 2-3% for clothing, etc). I live in a very small place in the rougher side of town, actually right across the street from a housing project. But the location is perfect for me as I could walk or take public transportation to work. The mortgage is affordable - I bought this place when I was only making 35% of what I am making now, and the neighborhood has "character". (Cannot imagine living in some sanitized gated community, ever). A modest car. Do not spend any money on holiday decorations/gifts, etc. Rarely eat out. No cable. I do, however, travel at least once, sometimes twice a year to some interesting places - because that is what I want. Somewhere along the line I decided I would rather spend my money on experiences instead of things. A house can get burned down, a car can be totaled, but nobody, nothing, can take away what your experience as you run your fingers down the column a Greek Temple. That experience stays forever, and it is yours alone.
Sorry for the long-winded answer, but cannot stress enough the importance of taking time to decide what matters most to you.
Edited 4/9/2009 11:29 am ET by marie_1229
Hey now, don't you all get down on those
Simple living will look a little different for everyone.
I think I can now label myself as "Simple Living".
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
DO I NEED IT..........OR DO I WANT IT???????
I ask myself this with EVERY purchase.
And sometimes I just want it and get it - especially if it something for the garden or home!
Oops!
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
Kudos Brian!
To add to my post of yesterday:
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
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