I don’t tend to talk about money on this blog. I prefer to write about ideas over numbers: minimalism, travel, and a handful of other passions. For whatever reason, sharing cold, hard numbers on a blog is scary to me, and I admire those who do. As a proponent of minimalism, however, I hope to convince you that it does achieve results.
Many people turn to minimalism in order to save money, to break poor habits, or simply to refocus their lives on non-material pursuits. And they should, because it works.
Frugality used to be a popular topic among young people. Saving money was– at one time– what people in their 20s did. However, as I look around, I do not see many of my peers saving their earnings. Some of my peers took relatively high-paying jobs right out of college, and are choosing to spend as they earn: a luxurious hand-to-mouth lifestyle. Other peers are not making any money at all; they’re volunteering, interning, traveling, receiving grant money, or enrolled in graduate school. It appears that very few of us are building a savings account, for one reason or another.
In such a relatively unpredictable season of life, saving money is no easy feat. Furthermore, much of it has looked like extreme frugality: zealous couponing, stashing cash in strange places, or choosing to only purchase clearance items. When you’re working long hours, busy with travel or volunteering, or swamped in grad school, who has time for that? There’s no question as to why these time-consuming methods of saving money just don’t work for a lot of people.
So what does it take to start saving money in significant ways? We need to start asking ourselves the right questions. Saving money is not about changing the way you spend money, but the way you perceive your resources and needs. Transforming your perspective on wealth and its purposes is the closest thing to a magic bullet for saving money.
[Tweet “The magic bullet for saving money: transform your perspective on wealth and its purposes.”]
Enter minimalism: the removal of all that distracts us from pursuing what’s most important to us. If we allowed minimalism to inform our financial decisions, we would not have to spend as much time scratching our heads at credit card statements or digging through boxes of coupons or waiting for the very best deals on an item we need immediately. Minimalism helps us to save money– so that we can spend money on what matters most.
5 Minimalist Secrets to Saving Money
Secret #1: I am not defined by what I own (or wear, eat, live in or drive).
Money is often spent, unnecessarily, on building an image. Whether it is clothing, cars, gadgets or even food, maintaining an image can be extremely expensive. Looking closely at how we spend money on things just to exude a certain lifestyle is one way to start cutting costs and saving. Just because everyone at work buys a giant latte before work does not mean you have to, as well. When I’m done with procuring my own image and fitting in, I’ll start being able to put my time and resources towards the things that matter to me more.
Secret #2: Ask not where the greatest deal is, but where the greatest need is.
So many shops have us hooked on the idea that snagging a great deal is the same as saving money. It’s not. Every so often, an excellent store offer will provide multiple items that you actually need. But usually it’s more about making you feel that you got the long end of the stick- for once! In the end, however, more money is usually saved by simply purchasing what is needed. Nothing more.
Secret #3: Minimalism keeps my personal values always in my mind.
Once minimalism seeps into multiple areas of my life, I am much more focused on what I truly desire, envision, worship and love. My biggest life priorities are constantly on my mind, where they ought to be. I rarely do something without knowing why I’m doing it. Whether I am getting ready in ten minutes, traveling to a new destination, or spending time outdoors, minimalism helps me live intentionally. And thus, I spend money intentionally, not accidentally.
Secret #4: Minimalism is the enemy of clutter and busy-ness.
The commitment to not accruing lots of stuff is at the core of minimalism. And the secret to avoiding stuff? Purchasing only what is needed, only occasionally in bulk, and only in the most efficient way. Promotions that offer a prize for spending $50 at a shop rarely entice me anymore. I hardly ever “buy one get one free” unless I need both packages of the same thing. I do not replace an item until it has completely worn out; not simply gone out of style. In the quest for owning less and living more, we become less susceptible to unintentional accumulations and impulse purchases. (7 reasons we buy things we don’t need)
Secret #5: Minimalism reminds me that contentment can never be bought, sold, or stolen.
Though we might know this to be true, it is so difficult to live out. This is one of the toughest truths that I have learned recently. When we make purchases, we often justify them by the “happy points” that they merit. How many time have I said, If I just had this, then I would be so much better off.? But, if you’ve spent some time trying to acquire one more thing to bring contentment, you may have found– like I did– that it doesn’t work. Contentment is not on the shelves at Target or in our virtual online shopping carts. Contentment is somewhere in those things that matter most deeply to us: friends, faith, passion, community, adventure… the things that have no price tag at all.
The bottom-line is, saving money in a significant way has to come from the heart. Our consumer-driven economy does not make it easy to refrain from making one purchase after another. Our culture of material goods does not make it easy to appear uncool or outdated. But if there is something worth saving your hard-earned cash for— and there usually is– then perhaps the change of heart will be worthwhile.
Nice TIps thanks for sharing. I use coupons sites like savingsfree.com for online shopping and saving money.
99% of the people cant walk into a big super market and just buy a apple , or that one item they need , now im so happy i can do that , my whole life fits in a few boxes and im still downsizing
There are many websites available to find great deals and coupons. Retailmenot and clothingtrial.com are some of the best coupon websites that are updated daily.
I have read this amazing article to saving money with awesome secrets you have discussed in your blog post. Usually I use Coupons to save money for Shopping and other things. These are very use for and also discounted. I use bravocoupon.com for online couponing for updated deals and coupons.
Love everything said in this article! For me, it’s only been in the past year that I’ve realized what I truly value in terms of spending money. I rarely buy clothes and makeup now whereas, I used to splurge on those items when I was in uni. Instead, I value time with friends and family a lot more, and just the simple little things in life that bring me everyday content.
Amanda xx
Reposting your content after it’s gone live is a great way to keep your
content alive with minimal effort. What’s more, it gives new eyeballs
the chance to glance over it and help further business objectives.
All these points have so much merit! I’ll confess when I was out of high school and entering uni, it was all about looks and what you had. But I think as you get older and you start to realize what does actually matter (friends, family, experiences etc), you get better at saving and asking yourself what it is you really need.
This was such a refreshing article to read!
Hello, Love your words. Insightful posts thankyou It’s so true how as a society we are constantly amrketed to, and forced to define ourselves by our material posessions. There is truly more to life than stuff.
Minimalism for me has allowed me to realise that there are actually benefits to NOT buying new stuff and that new doesn’t necessarily mean better – it’s allowed me to realise what I actually do need rather than what I think I need/want which in turn has allowed me to be more intentional with my finances. Great post! 🙂
Awesome tips. Since finding out about minimalism and incorporating it into my lifestyle, I’ve been able to focus more on the simple, everyday things like bicycling or taking walks in nature, sitting down to have a heart-to-heart conversation with a loved one or just reading a good book. My weaknesses are clothes and books though. I’ve been able to curb my spending habit on clothes because I realized I was shopping out of boredom and unhappiness. Books are something I truly love and I feel less guilty knowing that it’s an investment for my mind 🙂
I love this article thank you so much, this is exactly what I needed to read today! I have been struggling so much with seeking this kind of lifestyle but I know deep down I can achieveit if I really want it! 🙂
Great ideas, especially #5. I’ve never been much about image. I don’t even wear makeup. But there was that 1 time as a teen – I just had to have a pair of Jordache jeans. After the new wore off, they were just jeans. That’s the last time I “had” to have a certain brand. Thankfully!
Melinda
Wow, I am so glad to hear that! I hope you tell your story of success because I’m sure many people will be encouraged to do the same.
I totally agree with every thing you said. When I was in debt for stuff I was never truly happy with my life and began to hate my job cause all I was doing was working for money that I was going to give away as soon as I received it. Once I learned to give up stuff life became much better. I got out of debt, began saving for my future and I no longer felt the dread of working. Living a frugal life has made me realize there’s more to be grateful for than stuff. Family and friends for one and not having to work so hard if I choose not to.
Thank you so much Chantel! I’m glad this resonated with you! Deals are my weakness too– but so often the bonus stuff just sits and sits!
I love this post Daisy!! I’ve been thinking a lot about numbers 3 & 4 lately and absolutely love how you’ve worded numbers 2 & 5! (Number 2 I have to remind myself of constantly, I find it so easy to get sucked in by deals!)
To wait for coupons deals for any desired product is a great money saving way. Many site helps in finding great deals on occasions and weekend. There are coupon site too like CouponsRain, RetailMenot, Lavishcoupon that has updated number of coupons per store. Use them wisely and as stated in this post Point#2, “Only purchase What is Needed!”.
Awesome Post Daisy 🙂
Mitchell | http://www.clothingric.com
I love this! I’ve been trying to cut down on my spending and pushing away the “omg I need that” thoughts that pop up every 2 minutes! It’s so hard in a society that is constantly bombarding you with ads!! These are great tips to keep in mind!
Chrissy x
http://www.chrissylilly.com
Glad to hear that Heather! I’m so glad this helped. Let’s stay in touch!
Thank you Neil! Yes… I’m pretty adamant that there are no “tricks” to accomplishing great things at the end of the day– they take hard work, discipline and patience. Thanks for reading!
Thank you Kurt! And yes, exactly; being able to choose wisely has to come from an internal desire to change rather than a few outward gestures. Thanks for reading!
I bought sooo much clothing and makeup, and always felt like I needed more. But I agree, money spent well does bring happiness, enjoyment and satisfaction. We do splurge on food occasionally, and I’d never be able to say I’m super frugal. 😉
Thanks Lisa, I’m so glad to hear that. Minimalism is definitely helping me save money (and spend more wisely) and also my sanity.
Thanks for this post! I’m just venturing into minimalism and this list really helps keep things in focus!
Great post! Contentment really is the key to financial freedom. And having the right mindset and motivation goes so much further in meeting financial goals than a few thrifty tips or tricks.
Nicely put! I tend to think that trying to save money by changing a few habits and cutting back here and there is akin to trying to lose weight by going on a diet–it works for many, while they’re ‘on program,’ and then it doesn’t work. What I get from your piece is that saving money effectively and consistently is about values, perspective, and mindset–philosophy, not practice, one might say.
I agree with so much of this. When I was working, I did buy a lot of stuff that i admittedly don’t need (mainly clothes and makeup), but I always made sure I moved a portion of my earnings into a savings account first. I didn’t spend too much money on other stuff, but cute clothes and makeup made me happy. It was hard to part with a lot of that stuff when we gave it up to go travel, but I don’t miss it most of the time! I do think that just sometimes, happiness can be bought though. 😛 Like in the form of a delicious egg tart or ice cream! 😀
Thanks Erin!!
absolutely! I love the idea that “less” actually adds to our lives. That is SO true.
This is great! Thanks for sharing! <3
I love all of your thoughts, but especially this one: “Secret #2: Ask not where the greatest deal is, but where the greatest need is.” I definitely tend to be more minimalist in nature, and it’s helped me save a lot of money (and my sanity!) over the years. There’s something so freeing about having less. — Lisa | Two Martinis
I always have to remind myself of secret #1. I am not defined by my things! Thanks for the reminder.
I love this Daisy! Striving to be more of a minimalist has been by far the easiest way to curb my spending habits and naturally save money as a result. It feels less like I’m restricting myself from purchases when I don’t buy something, but more like I’m adding to the lifestyle I desire when I refrain from making an unnecessary purchase.
Thanks Kristen! and yes– so awesome.
Yup! Thanks for reading, Jo-Anne! 🙂
Thank you Robin! And yes, your concept is exactly right– saving sooner rather than later is not only good investment-wise, but also for building good habits!
Thanks Allison, I’m so glad to hear that. I LOVE to travel too, so I totally understand and support your decision!
Aw thank you Kiki! That is so encouraging! I’m really glad that you’ve been paying attention more to how you shop– I have been, too! I’m so glad we can be on this journey together!
Thanks girl!!
Thanks Chelsea! I’m so glad this resonates.
Thank you Amanda. I used to be a huge believer in good “deals” and free bonuses. I’ve realized that I wasn’t actually getting a lot out of them!
Thanks girl! And yes, as someone who has spent a lot of time and money in the past procuring my own image, I can say that changing my perspective has healed me and my wallet!
Yes, I feel that Anna!
Thanks Nabihah! Yes, shopping sales for things you need is a great strategy!
Thanks Renee! So glad I could help 🙂
Amen! Love this post! One of my favorite pins is The Buyerarchy of Needs pyramid! Minimalism and living intently!
Oh yeah I agree with these, money buys stuff but often we use it to buy stuff we don’t need and in some cases stuff we only think we need
These are great tips! I needed this reminder, because I am trying to build up my savings for college and beyond that. Saving less sooner results in more money than saving more later.
A lot of these points really resonated with me. Last year when I was unhappy in my job, I spent all my spare time and money online shopping. I loved accumulating clothes, and nice things for my apartment to fill a void. When I gave it all up to travel, I really didn’t miss it at all!
http://www.headelsewhere.com
Discovering you was so good for my soul. haha It’s so hard when everyone is like “buy this,” “you need this dress,” “this is on major sale.” Clearly when I see that little snazzy dress I’m like yes add to cart! But then a tiny part of me, I’ve actually been referring to it as the minimalist part, stops me from clicking the checkout button. By asking myself why I want it, I’ve really thrown a curve ball. Do I need it? What will it do for me? Do I have something similar? Is this something I could wear multiple seasons? The last thing I purchased for myself was a jacket from the Target website. I was a lot bigger this time last year and swimming in my summer jacket. It was a great purchase and I felt right about it. You’ve really brought out the best in me and remembered what it is to save, and almost eliminated buyers remorse. (:
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
These are absolutely fantastic tips. So helpful! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
These are so great, and so relevant! #1 and #3 probably resonate with me the most. “Saving money in a significant way has to come from the heart.” So true.
This is so helpful!
Well said. I’ve been focusing on changing my spending habits for a while now so this really resonates with me. I think one of the biggest revelations is how much shopping at sales was really costing me. Being more intentional about my purchases has made a big difference.
Well done, Daisy! You did a great job of taking a big, hairy subject (money! eek!) and boiling it down into beautiful ideas about contentment. I think all the other points flow so much out of #1 — when we stop being defined by what we have and can acquire, we become so much more free to make wise decisions with money.
I really do need to start focusing on putting more in my savings account. It’s been the same amount for a while now, haha.
I love this, I find that the easiest way to save money is pretty much only buying what you need! I used to throw my money on everything but recently I’ve tried to buy ONLY what I need despite great sales and it’s helped quite a bit!
Nabihah | thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
Such a great read!! You always put so much thought and effort into every post! I desperately need to start adding to my savings account.
Renee | Lose The Road