The Meaning of Living Simply
A lot of people don’t realize the true value of what it means to live simply and how it can help you save money and get the things you need or want out of life. The problem is, we usually think simple = deprivation, doing without.
Most of us think when it comes to learning ways to save money we need to cut out everything in your life that you enjoy. No more cable TV, no more eating out, no more driving cars, no fancy house, no double latte at the coffee shop every morning. And while it’s true you want to minimize a lot of the extra “stuff” and “junk” out of life, that doesn’t mean you can’t have any of the things you really want or enjoy, either.
A lot of experts will tell you all types of suggestions on “simple ways to save money” – and they’ve got all kinds of ideas for you: write out meal plans each week and clip coupons for hours to save at the grocery store. Analyze every penny spent in an Excel spreadsheet. Do something yourself, even if it does take longer, to save a few dollars. And while sure, these things might help you save a little here and a little there, do any of them sound simple to you? Will doing these things make you happy?
None of these things are going to make you happy – or save you money. Why? Because they’re not simple. You don’t achieve a lot from these habits. Staring at receipts and bank statements is not going to solve your problems of being in debt or not having enough money for the things you enjoy.