It’s easy to spend inordinate amounts of time and money pursuing happiness while forgetting that joy can exist at any moment on any given day. When we think about happiness we often picture expensive outings and special occasions. We imagine traveling to exotic locations or spending money on extravagant meals, but the greatest gifts in …
In my younger years, I believed more stuff would make me happy—more events, activities, clothing, friends, and, of course, more money. But as time passes, I recognize that minimizing my life leads to more enjoyment. The law of addition by subtraction brings happiness in ways that more stuff never could. By reducing the excess in my life, …
There have been times when I wanted to get rid of everything, when I thought of grabbing a set of garbage bags, throwing everything I owned into the car, and driving it far from home. Some people turn to alcohol, drugs, or gambling, but when I’m stressed and overwhelmed by life, I turn to organizing …
Do you associate holidays and birthdays with piles of brightly wrapped gifts? Many of us do. But this year, I’m taking a different approach to gift-giving. After helping my parents downsize their possessions, I don’t want to add another unnecessary item to their home. Instead, I’m focusing on clutter-free gifts—heartfelt gifts that don’t take up …
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines generosity as the willingness to give more money and time than is necessary or expected. For decades, I struggled with the idea of acting generously and battled furiously against the desire to keep everything for myself. Rather than giving from a place of love and abundance, I was emotionally attached to money and …
This year I inadvertently helped my parents embark on the act of Swedish death cleaning. Shortly after my father received his cancer diagnosis, I began helping my parents clean and declutter their home. Although they keep a relatively organized house, they still had too much stuff and not enough space to welcome visitors after my dad became ill. The house’s …
Today I’m undertaking a good, old-fashioned closet cleanout. I’m rolling up my sleeves, clearing the racks, and embarking on a no-holds-barred closet purge. What do you see when you open your closet? Is it full of so many things you can’t squeeze another item inside? Is it overrun by unworn clothes you thought you’d love …
Have you ever heard of minimalist money? How about financial minimalism or financial minimalists? The word minimalism is often associated with simplifying and decluttering our possessions, but minimalism isn’t limited to our physical environment. Minimalism can help us streamline every aspect of our lives, including our finances. What is Financial Minimalism? Minimalism means doing more …
Two factors propelled my race for financial independence: increasing my income and living simply. One helped me earn and save money. The other helped me realize I didn’t need nearly as much as I thought I did. Living Simply Requires Less Money How much money do you need to save for a simple life in retirement? …
A minimalist Christmas involves paring down extravagant, consumer-driven gift-giving, but it doesn’t mean forgoing presents altogether. The goal is to search for gifts that add value without adding unnecessary clutter. Here are forty-five minimalist Christmas gifts to consider. Experiences At the top of any minimalists’ wish list, you’ll find experiences. Experiences might include movie nights, wine …