There’s no doubt about it: advertising is everywhere. In every aspect of our lives, from reading an article to watching a video on YouTube to driving down the highway, advertisements bombard us and create constant pressure to buy. In fact, each day, people see about 5,000 ads. In addition, 5.3 trillion display ads are displayed online each year.
The result is that we eventually surround ourselves with stuff. The more things we accumulate, often mindlessly, the more filled our homes become. As the late and great George Carlin said, “That’s what your house is, a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get…more stuff!”
Not only does this clutter our homes, but it also strains our finances.
However, this is where minimalism steps in and saves the day.
While minimalism is often associated with having a clean, Instagram-worthy space, it encompasses all aspects of life, including finances. With minimalism, you can enjoy a simpler, more stress-free life with a lot more financial freedom.
As such, here are 15 ways minimalism can streamline your financial life and save you tons of money.
What is Financial Minimalism?
Intentionality is at the heart of financial minimalism. You can direct your money to what matters most to you by eliminating unnecessary expenses. Rather than depriving yourself or living a life of emptiness, prioritize your spending and seek fulfillment in lasting experiences and quality items.
The Financial Benefits of Minimalism
How can minimalism help you save money? The following are some key ways to do it:
1. Curb the impulse-buying monster.
All of us have fallen victim to enticing sales, trendy gadgets, or just-for-fun purchases. Minimalism, however, promotes a mindful approach to spending. Take a moment before you swipe your card to ask yourself:
- Do I truly need this? Would it be possible to borrow it from a friend, rent it, or find a multipurpose alternative?
- Will this bring me lasting joy? You experience a fleeting rush of excitement when you make a new purchase. But can I use this item to achieve my long-term goals and values?
- Can I afford this without sacrificing my financial security? Impulse purchases often derail budgets.
By considering these questions and pausing to think about them, it is possible to avoid unnecessary purchases and save money for the things that truly matter.
2. Encourages you to focus on quality over quantity.
A minimalist prioritizes fewer, high-quality items that last a lifetime over cheaply made, trendy items. As a result, you reduce clutter and save money in the long run. Investing in quality shoes that will last for years is ultimately more cost-effective than buying several pairs of cheap ones that fall apart quickly, for example.
In the words of Vivienne Westwood, “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”
3. Simplifies your budget.
When it comes to finances, minimalism encourages a streamlined approach. Decluttering your spending habits can help you better understand where your money goes. This will allow you to create a budget based on essentials and eliminate subscriptions or memberships you don’t actually use or need.
But this is often easier said than done. Reviewing your bank statements and credit card bills, you can identify unnecessary subscriptions and memberships. Then, ask yourself if you are actually using and benefiting from each subscription or membership. If not, consider canceling the service or downgrading it to save money.
Moreover, budgeting apps and tools can help you keep track of expenses and alert you if any are unused or unnecessary.
4. Reduces housing costs.
Housing is a significant financial burden for many people. Housing is often our largest monthly expense. On average, U.S. households spend $21,409 on housing each year, or $1,784 each month.
With that said, if you’re into minimalism, you might consider downsizing your home. In addition to lowering rent and mortgage payments, a smaller home also means lowering utility bills and maintenance costs.
For minimalists considering this option, tiny houses, van conversions, and co-living spaces are some alternatives. Choosing these options will reduce your housing costs and promote a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.
5. Breaks the cycle of debt.
Debt is often the result of the pressure to maintain a materialistic lifestyle. By embracing minimalism, though, you can break free of this cycle. If you prioritize needs over wants, you will be less likely to rely on credit cards and loans. As a result, you’ll be able to pay off debt and achieve financial security.
It is also possible to break the debt cycle using several effective debt repayment strategies. Among the most popular methods are:
- The snowball method involves paying off your smallest debt first.
- As a result of the avalanche method, you pay off your debts with the highest interest rates first.
Regardless of your chosen strategy, remain disciplined and consistent during your repayment efforts.
6. Reduces your financial clutter.
As with decluttering your physical space, minimalism encourages financial streamlining. To do so, follow these steps:
- Review and cancel unused subscriptions. It all adds up — and a gym membership you never use, or a streaming service you never use can be very costly. Do a subscription audit and cancel any subscriptions you are not using. Tools like Trim and Rocket Money allow you to create budgets, lower your bills, and keep track of your monthly subscriptions.
- Renegotiate bills. It is never a bad idea to ask your cable provider, internet provider, or even your bank for a better deal. Often, loyalty is rewarded with lower rates.
- Simplify your bank accounts: Do you really need five different checking accounts? Consolidate your accounts to reduce fees and simplify tracking your finances.
By eliminating unnecessary financial clutter, you’ll save money and gain a clearer picture of your financial situation.
7. Frees you from keeping up with the Joneses.
It’s not uncommon for social media and advertising to portray “perfect” lives filled with expensive possessions. Instead of keeping up with others, minimalism encourages you to focus on your own goals and values.
Put another way, don’t feel compelled to buy things to impress others. Invest time in experiences, relationships, and personal growth. In the end, these are the things that bring true fulfillment.
8. Increase your earning potential.
By decluttering your physical space, you can gain mental energy to concentrate on increasing your income through side hustles or career advancement. Why? Decluttering your physical space removes distractions and creates a more organized environment. In turn, this can help you feel less stressed and more productive, allowing you to focus more on your side hustles and career development.
Furthermore, fewer things mean less cleaning, fixing, or maintaining, freeing up time and money to earn more.
Among the side hustles that can boost your earning potential are freelancing, starting an online business, becoming a rideshare driver, and tutoring. Besides providing additional income streams, side gigs can allow you to leverage your skills and interests to make extra money.
9. Motivates you to live frugally.
The goal of minimalism isn’t to deprive yourself. It’s all about enjoying life with less. Just like your grandmom, you can be frugal without sacrificing quality of life in countless ways:
- Cook at home more often. It is expensive to eat out. Instead, prepare your own healthy, delicious meals or plan meals.
- Embrace free entertainment. Explore local parks, visit museums on free admission days, and borrow books from the library for free fun.
- Learn the basics of maintenance. A minimalist lifestyle encourages you to take care of what you already own. You can learn how to repair clothing, furniture, or appliances by learning essential maintenance and repair skills. In this way, you extend the life of your possessions and avoid having to replace them as often as you would otherwise.
- Take part in the “Borrowing Economy.” As a result of the sharing economy, you can access items without owning them. In other words, instead of buying outright, consider borrowing tools, equipment, or clothing. In turn, you can save money on storage space and avoid impulse purchases of rarely used items.
- Find joy in simple pleasures. A leisurely stroll in the park, time spent at the beach, or pursuing a hobby all bring an incredible sense of fulfillment without costing an arm and a leg.
10. Inspires you to prioritize experiences over possessions.
Instead of accumulating material objects, prioritize experiences over possessions to create meaningful memories and connections. By investing in experiences such as travel adventures, concerts, and quality time with loved ones, you cultivate a sense of fulfillment and enrich your life.
Ultimately, these experiences contribute to one’s well-being and happiness, not how much stuff one possesses.
11. Less stress and lower health costs.
You might not believe it, but living a minimalist lifestyle has numerous health benefits. Why? A clutter-free and simpler environment can help lower stress levels and promote mental health.
In addition, a minimalist lifestyle often promotes healthier habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and better sleep. This can improve physical health and lower medical costs.
12. Encourages you to declutter and sell.
Decluttering is central to minimalism. However, it can free up physical space and provide financial benefits.
Identify items you no longer use or need when sorting through your belongings. You can then sell these items online, through consignment shops, or through garage sales. By generating additional income, you may be able to pay off debts, save for future expenses, or invest in experiences that make you happy.
13. Promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
Minimalism often aligns cost-saving practices with sustainability. By reducing consumption and reusing more items, minimalists contribute to a healthier planet.
More specifically, minimalism contributes to the reduction of waste and the minimizing of the carbon footprint. In addition to preserving natural resources, minimalists contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by consuming less.
14. Simplifies financial management.
A smaller number of transactions and less debt makes managing your finances easier. For example, when you simplify your financial management, you may not need a financial advisor to help you navigate complex investment strategies.
Further, you may no longer require credit counseling or debt consolidation services by reducing your debt and streamlining your transactions.
15. Makes your future a priority.
Simplifying your financial management helps you save money in the present and prepare for the future. When you reduce unnecessary spending and eliminate debt, you can invest more money in long-term goals like a home or retirement. This proactive approach will give you a solid foundation for a fulfilling, secure future.
Final Words of Advice
Financial minimalism may benefit you if you want to improve your relationship with money, reduce stress, and achieve financial goals. The key is to find a balance that works for you; you can learn to live a frugal lifestyle to the fullest.
Rather than depriving yourself, minimalism aims to make your life richer with less. When you simplify your finances and focus on what matters most, you can achieve financial security and pursue your passions. What are you waiting for? Try minimalism and find out how much you can save.
Image Credit: Kaboompics .com; Pexels
