Simple Living Facts & Figures

Simple Living

Definition

Simple living involves a wide variety of practices to simplify one’s lifestyle. These may include, for example, reducing one’s possessions, generally referred to as minimalism, or increasing self-sufficiency. Simple living may be characterized by individuals being satisfied with what they have rather than want. Simple living is distinct from those living in forced poverty, as it is a voluntary lifestyle choice.

Other lifestyles that are based in living a simple life include the tiny house movement, slow living, intentional living and embracing spirituality


Motives

There are many reasons people practice simple living. One might be to reduce consumption. Lowering consumption may lead to less debt, allowing greater flexibility and simplicity in one’s life. By lowering expenditure on goods or services, the time spent earning money can then also be reduced. Time saved may be used to pursue other interests, or help others through volunteering. Some may use this extra free time to improve their quality of life, for example pursuing creative activities such as art and crafts. Simple living can also help develop a detachment from money. Reducing expenses can lead to increasing savings, which can lead to financial independence and the possibility of early retirement

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_living#cite_note-41


Ideas to Live a Simple Life

Get a basic cell phone.

Instead of getting a smartphone with data and texting, opt for a basic cell phone that only makes or receives calls. There are plans for less than $50 and offer free talk minutes every month.

Cut the cable cord.

Many people spend in excess of $100 a month on cable television that gives them 500 different channels. Out of all those channels, most people only watch 10 to 15. Instead of having a cable bill, use free over-the-air stations.

Get rid of credit cards.

Instead of using credit cards, only buy what one can afford. Stick to that plan and the fear of not being able to pay the bills will quickly disappear.

De-clutter the home.

Find ways to de-clutter life and get rid of the things that are no longer necessary. It is even possible to make money selling these things.

Get rid of unnecessary monthly expenses.

Many people pay for gym memberships, mobile internet service, and other monthly services they barely use. They have often put the monthly payments on their credit card so they do not even realize how much they are spending and not using. There are often ways to get the same things that you get from these pay services without having to pay. Gym memberships can be replaced with exercising at a local park or walking around the neighborhood. If you need internet service away from home, look for Wi-Fi hot spots. They are found at many restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops.

Track expenses.

Tracking is one of the best ways to find out how we are spending money and what we are spending it on. It is possible to find that we are spending a lot of money we don’t need to. For example, it may become apparent that a second car is not a needed expense and be could be replaced with public transportation.

Track time.

Pay attention to how much time is spent doing things. Look for ways to cut down on time wasted on unnecessary things.

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/simpler/