How Minimalism Can Lead To A Richer Lifestyle

How can a simpler life lead to more abundance and happiness? That is the question many in the minimalist community have answered. I didn’t know at a younger age that I was being taught and trained to be a minimalist, but it was a big part of our lifestyle. My father and mother emphasized the importance of experiences over things. My parents consistently allocated money towards travel opposed to material objects. When I would ask for name brands, I often didn’t get them, but if I asked for dance classes it was an automatic yes. Back then we didn’t have a term for what we practiced, but today you hear minimalism used regularly for people who live with less in order to experience more. Minimalism is more than just ridding your house of unwanted items.

Even though I dug myself into some financial debt, I held close to a few minimalist ways. Most of my debt came from student loans, not credit card bills from material purchases. Where I lost sight of my parents' teaching was that I didn't prioritize how I spent money. It wasn’t until 2018 on New Year’s Day that I realized I was pushing against some of the values I was taught as a child. I was standing on the top of a ski slope and a feeling of immense happiness came over me. “How come I can’t have more moments like this?” That was when it dawned on me, we had several times like this when I was a child. I had only a few months to go before hitting my goal of paying off $71k in debt. A shift happened to me that day. I dedicated the majority of my spending to skiing that winter. I went on three ski trips, while still paying off debt and saving for our wedding. It was the best winter of my adult life. I did it all in cash!

I realized on that mountain, I would rather spend my money on living than buying and taking care of things.

Minimalism enriches, instead of diminishing, your life. Spending your money on only the things you value the most creates more satisfaction and fewer regrets when you pull out your wallet. I no longer resent spending my money. My funds towards what I truly value and enjoy the most. The majority of my spending goes toward travel, self-care and living in a beautiful place. Since that decision in January 2018, less of my money goes towards buying clothes, eating out at restaurants, and owning a car.

Where my money goes first:

My view everyday

1) Living in a beautiful place- Cutting out a car, which I always felt was a financial burden, has allowed me to revise my budget and change where we live. We moved from the suburbs into the city, close to public transportation and in walking distance of desired hot spots. We now live in a very nice building in Washington D.C. with a view of the water.

2) Self-Care- Before I spend money on clothes, shoes, hair, and nails I prioritize other forms of self-care. I get a massage at a nice spa at least once a month. This level of self-care decreases my stress and costs the same amount as a day of shopping.

3) Travel- Seeing the world with my loved ones brings me peace. I go out of the country a minimum of once a year and take several smaller trips within the U.S.

How does minimalism help you live on a budget?

Spending money on what you care about the most alters your spending habits and increases your level of financial satisfaction. If you no longer have a list of things as important purchases, your spending starts to decrease. Review your spending habits and ask yourself:

If I cut out spending on what doesn’t bring me joy, how would my life change?

Think about what life would be like if you only spent money on the things that you really love.

To get a budget that helps you accomplish your financial goals and spend on the things you love, click here for my Budget Coaching Package page and schedule a free 15 minute consultation.