How Living Simply Can Make You Rich

Imagine waking up every morning with feelings of peace and contentment, knowing that you have everything you need, and more.  Sounds like a dream, doesn't it?

We live in a culture where success is measured by the size of our homes, the brand of our cars, and the labels on our clothing.  But what if true satisfaction is found somewhere else?  What if we're missing what matters when we give in to FOMO and try to keep up with the Joneses?

Think for a moment about your favorite memories – the moments that have enriched you the most.  I'm willing to bet they've included the people, places, and pursuits you care about.  Laughing with friends, spending time in nature, or even enjoying a good book can add more to life than a big bank account.

In fact, living with more than you need can be a major source of stress.  That includes clutter in your home, of course, but it can also mean worries about money, debt, and investments.  It can come from ever-growing wish lists and comparisons with the lifestyles of others.

All of these things can negatively affect your mental health and happiness, leaving you anxious, covetous, and dissatisfied.  But just as simpler surroundings make you calmer and leave more time and energy for things besides cleaning and organizing, simpler finances promote peace of mind, help you prioritize, and let you enjoy today and plan for the future.

What it means to be wealthy

I often hear two contrasting narratives about money.  On one side, there are those who want to amass riches and all of the goodies that can come with them, like the big house, fancy cars, high-end wardrobe, and luxury travel.  Then there are others that pinch pennies and own as little as possible, whether for financial, ethical, or environmental reasons.

I admit I lean a bit toward the latter, but there's nothing evil about having a comfortable net worth.  It provides not only a solid, secure financial future, but the opportunity to help family and friends when they need it, and to give generously to causes you care about.

During the COVID quarantines, when our son, a massage therapist, couldn't see any clients and was working as a take-out food delivery person to try and make ends meet, my husband Jon and I were thrilled to be able to contribute by paying his car payment, insurance, and home utilities for several months.  Back in 2012, when we had an underwater home mortgage, a big car payment, and huge credit card debt, we could barely pay our own way, let alone help anyone else.

Recently, a fire destroyed the home of one of Jon's students.  The school office staff organized some help for this family, who escaped with the clothes on their backs.  I felt so blessed that we could afford to give generously.

When we're broke, or when we live beyond our means and carry a lot of debt, finances are uncertain, which causes stress and anxiety.  Contrary to popular myth, having lots of money doesn't guarantee happiness.  But everything has a cost, and being able to pay with ease is peaceful and satisfying.

Even something that seems free, like a hike, costs money for gas or other transport to the trailhead.  A backyard barbecue with friends costs money for food, propane, and the grill itself.  A handmade gift costs money for the materials you use to create it.

Money isn't everything, but it makes daily life possible and provides the opportunity to do a lot of good things.  Having enough money to provide a cushion in case of job loss or a medical crisis can give you a feeling of confidence and security that is worth more than the dollar amount.

How minimalism helps

Minimalism teaches you to question the status quo and become intentional about living your best life.  Instead of the automatic lifestyle upgrades that most people assume come with having more money, a minimalist decides what will really add value and fulfillment.

Minimalism inspires us to look deeper into who we are and what we want.  At the end of life, will you be happy that you always drove a new luxury car?  Will you reflect on your pricey home furnishings?  Will you be proud of always traveling first class?  Or will you appreciate how much time you spent with your loved ones, and grateful that you were able to teach, inspire, and help others?

Once you understand what you value most, you can pare away the things that distract and drain you, and elevate what you find important.  That might include a once-in-a-lifetime trip or the couture dress of your dreams,* or – more simply – the opportunity to take your grandkids camping and the treat of a sustainably produced, wear-it-forever merino wool and organic cotton cardigan.  Minimalism challenges you to remove what's unnecessary so you have time, energy, and money for what matters more.

Wealthy minimalism is about empowerment.  It lets you redefine success to choose a life that's focused, meaningful, generous, and joyful.

It's a way to wake up every morning feeling peaceful and content.

Money facilitates life, doesn't it?  It pays for our basic needs, like food, shelter, clothing and medical care.  It gives us the freedom to pursue education or travel, to start a business, and to someday stop working.  Money even contributes to well-being, since it can provide a sense of security, create the opportunity for personal growth, and enable the joy of generosity.

Given the importance of money in our lives, you'd think we'd be better at managing it.  Yet the majority of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck, and 70% of us are stressed about our personal finances.  We're anxious, in debt, discontented, and unsatisfied.  It's not a great way to live.

I know, because I've been there.  But I'm not in that situation now, because minimalism has allowed me to get rid of life's excess so I can focus on what's essential.  I'm not struggling, I'm not in debt, and – most importantly – I'm content and happy.

My Minimalist Money series can help you find peace and satisfaction through managing your money simply and effectively.

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