Super Easy Tips for Embracing Financial Minimalism

Delala
by Delala

Let’s talk about financial minimalism, the financial benefits of minimalism, and how to manage money as a minimalist.


The first step in frugal living is determining your goal. Do you want to travel, get out of debt, be financially independent, or buy a house?


Sitting outside house

1. Our goal is to pay off our mortgage

Your goal should determine your path today.


My financial goal is to pay off our mortgage. To me, it makes more financial sense to work towards buying or owning your home than renting.


However, I know it’s really hard to get a mortgage and buy a home, and it’s not possible for everyone. That’s why I think it’s great there are more accessible alternatives, like living in a tiny home or off-grid living. 


But I see my mortgage as something that keeps me attached to banks and I don’t like that. And, if something goes horribly wrong, I could be out on the streets!


I don’t think that will happen, but it is something to keep in mind. Having a mortgage is a big responsibility and I would love to be done with it.


Paying off a mortgage is a great investment for your retirement. When you don’t have monthly expenses for housing or rent, you can live comfortably with little money, especially with a frugal minimalist lifestyle. 

Drinking from mug

2. Preferring joys of daily living over travel

Traveling the world used to be a big goal of mine. But when I moved into this house, that goal completely changed.


I realized that I would rather have a lovely daily and weekly routine where I don’t need much instead of working really hard at a job just to enjoy a few weeks every year abroad for holidays.


I didn’t want to work at jobs I really didn’t like that made me feel miserable. I realize it’s far more important to be happy than to make a lot of money.


I prefer being happy daily than waiting for special occasions, like travel. Being happy daily takes away the stress and pressure of finding fun activities.


When fun activities are the main goal, it can be a real bummer if it ends up not being that great after all.


I focus on finding joy in the simple things in life and enjoying the beauty of my daily life, like eating lunch outdoors in the fresh air in my beautiful yard.

Sitting by fire

3. Our small actions add up

We have a Danish saying that loosely translated means frugality with diligence builds houses like castles.


The lesson in the saying is that being frugal over time adds up. What may seem small today has a huge impact in a year or few years.


I thought this saying was very suitable since we’re talking about paying off the mortgage. 

Light shades

4. Reducing items in our home

One of the ways in which I am able to save a lot of money is to reduce the amount of items I need.


It’s insane how many unnecessary items are being sold. Entire stores filled with stuff we could easily live without.


Here are a few examples of what I do to reduce the items I need: I don’t buy perfume, makeup, or trinkets.


Examining what you actually need, purchasing quality and long-lasting items, and taking good care of them will all keep your life minimal and your wallet full.

Yard

5. Reducing our grocery budget

Of course, you are left with the things you do need to buy. We try to make a lot of things we need ourselves.


The more self-sustaining we are, the less money we need to spend in the store. We try to grow our own fruits and vegetables.


But, if you don’t have a garden, there are a few ways you can grow or forage food for almost free. Grow herbs or sprouts in your windows or rent space in a community garden to grow food. Or forage for edible flowers, elderberries, blackberries, and nettles.


We also freeze a lot of items to use during the winter. We have chickens and also cook from scratch so we eat very little expensive, processed foods. 


I make other things to save money, too, like cleaning products and laundry detergent. I just reuse old bottles and haven’t bought new bottles in years.


I use basic non-toxic personal care products. As a fun new project, I want to try to make my own deodorants. 

Hand-held blender

6. Investing in money-saving tools

Sometimes, you have to invest before saving money.


A few examples include things I’ve bought, such as a freezer so we can store home-grown foods and some fruit trees which still need to grow before we can harvest.


We’ve invested in gardening tools, kitchen tools like this immersion blender, and a fireplace so we don’t have to rely on central heating so often.


You can also save money with a good water filter or a bike, for example. 

DIYing

7. Start small and experiment with frugal living

If this is all overwhelming to you, just start small. Start with something that sounds like fun to do.


Maybe start with baking cookies instead of buying them. Find a puzzle to put together instead of going out to a movie for entertainment. Or use something up before buying more of the same thing.


I think it’s very satisfying to empty products and use them to their full potential.


Experiment with financial minimalism. If you don’t like some aspect of it, then it will pass and you will move on. Or, something may grow on you and you’ll continue doing it. Then, you may look for new ways to live frugally, save money, and expand your skills.  


Financial minimalism

The frugal lifestyle definitely grew on me. Over time I learned new skills and only made changes that I enjoyed. I only focus on things I’m excited to try out and change.


I love following like-minded people on YouTube and Instagram. I am inspired by their frugal living tips and tricks about gardening, DIY projects, sustainable living, frugal living, and minimalism.


Share with me anything about frugal living you’ve been inspired by. Is there a goal you are trying to reach that frugal living can help you achieve? Let us know in the comments.

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