Minimalism
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To my fellow Millennials…
Fellow Millennials: Now that our generation has suffered the brunt of two economic crises, it is never more vital to increase your financial literacy and chart an aggressive but realistic path to financial stability, if not financial independence. If your upbringing was anything like mine, you learned next to nothing about money and finances overall. A typical middle-class child, I fell into the trap of consumerism and retail therapy. While I fortunately did not end up in a lot of debt, I still had very poor spending habits that did not put me on a path to success to say the least. But at the same time, I was oblivious…
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No More “Can’t”
I’ve mentioned before the thought leaders who have helped shape my mindset toward financial independence and simple living, and one message that really has stuck with me and led me and my family to make a radical change is Robert Kiyosaki’s emphasis on never saying “I can’t,” but instead figuring out how you can. It is very easy to dismiss an opportunity or challenge by saying to yourself, “Oh well, I don’t have the money/time/energy to do it.” But as Tony Robbin’s notes, you get your Musts – meaning you will prioritize what you think is necessary, while your wants and wishes will continue to languish. So to the rut…
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One Step at a Time
When I was young I was outside all the time – exploring the woods, making a home in the trees, and imagining how to make a life there. An unquenchable appetite for freedom, enterprise, and autonomy. That one day I could make it on my own without the strictures of modern-day life. I think this is why I savor stories of time-travel to the past as if this juxtaposition exposes a fixture of simplicity and peace in the times before. But there is a danger in romanticizing “the simple life,” and most do not want to sacrifice leisure and lifestyle gained through industrialization and technological advancements. We cannot ignore, however,…
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“The Mexican Fisherman” – Life Simple?
Which life would you rather live? An American businessman was standing at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish. “How long did it take you to catch them?” The American asked. “Only a little while.” The Mexican replied. “Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” The American then asked. “I have enough to support my family’s immediate needs.” The Mexican said. “But,” The American then asked, “What do you do with the rest of your time?” The…
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Laying the Foundation
There is not a one-size-fits-all guru for you out there. Over the years I have read a swath of experts and thought leaders on minimalism, personal finance, financial independence, simple living, and healthy habits, incorporating some of their ideas and discarding others per my circumstances and priorities. Here are some of the resources you may also find value in as you start or continue on your journey toward independence and simplicity: Books: Blogs, Videos, and Podcasts: Documentaries
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Ditching Retail Therapy for Good
Retail therapy is often an ingrained past-time or outlet of stress and uncertainty here in the US. I know it was for me and is for many as consumer consumption makes up nearly 70% of our country’s gross domestic product. But in the end it is ultimately undermining our financial goals and future choices. While my occupation with retail therapy started young, it really hit a fever pitch after graduating college without a job in the fallout of the Great Recession. Under intense pressure to “just find a job,” I spent much of my time acquiring my future employed wardrobe, rather than exploring entrepreneurial ventures. Having the employed look at…
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Strategizing Furniture & Décor
I, for one, love to make changes to my home—be it moving furniture and décor around to a full gut and reno—all to find the best set-up and feel. I know my home affects how I feel so getting it where I want takes plenty of my attention and feels very rewarding when I get it just right. There is plenty of research to back this up. But you don’t have to buy a lot of, or really any in most cases, new furniture and décor to improve your well-being. Starting down a more minimalist path over 6 years ago, I have actually prided myself on getting rid of more…
