How does minimalism save money?

Own less stuff . In almost any and every scenario, the fewer items you buy, the more money you will save. We made the intentional change to own less years ago and were shocked to discover how much of our money was simply being wasted on things we didn't need.

What are the benefits of financial minimalism?

Reduced Financial Stress By simplifying your financial commitments and living more frugally, you can let go of the constant worry that your spending is outpacing your earnings. Financial minimalism can help lessen the anxiety of debt and the pressure to live extravagantly.

Do minimalists spend less money?

A minimalist budget isn't necessarily about spending less money . It's about spending money on fewer things, so you're only spending money on what you truly value.

What are the benefits of minimalist living?

The Pros and Cons of Minimalism: A life of Deprivation or Abundance? Pros of minimalism Cons of minimalism Easier to find things The burden of living up to expectations Increases clarity Gifting customs get awkward More opportunities for enriching experiences Minimalist aesthetic rules the narrative 6 more rows Aug 16, 2023

What is the 20 rule minimalist?

Then we tested our hypothesis: the 20/20 Rule. Anything we get rid of that we truly need, we can replace for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from our current location . Thus far, this hypothesis has become a theory that has held true 100% of the time.

What is the 15 minute rule becoming minimalist?

You just set the timer and you start. Fifteen minutes to go for a walk outside. Fifteen minutes to clear your mind and journal. Fifteen minutes to write some good sentences or call a friend just to hear their voice and check-in .

What is the 90 90 rule for minimalism?

It asks two simple questions: Have you used this in the past 90 days? Will you use it in the next 90 days? If your answer to both is no (with the exception of things like seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, or anything used only for a specific part of the year), it's time to get rid of that thing.

What is the 30 30 rule for minimalists?

To stave off impulse, I created a rule that helps me avoid unnecessary purchases. If something I want costs more than $30, I ask myself whether I can get by without it for the next 30 hours . Hence, “the 30/30 Rule.” (If it's $100 or more, I tend to wait 30 days.)

What is the 1 in 1 out rule minimalism?

What Is the One-In, One-Out Rule? It's simple: for every new item that comes into your home, a similar one must go . There's nothing new to this advice. Since the minimalist movement became mainstream, many organizing pros have been recommending it as a way to keep the clutter at bay.

Are minimalists happier?

According to a survey by the Simplicity Institute, an organization that surveyed 2,500 people across various countries who self-identified themselves as living with fewer possessions, 87 percent of respondents indicated they were happier now than when they owned more possessions .

Why do people want minimalists?

Being a minimalist is a state of mind, and not a set of rules. It can actually mean you have more of what you need, are able to enjoy everything you have and are not worried about what you don't have . All of that can help make living life a lot less stressful and can make it more fulfilling.

What are the mental benefits of minimalism?

A: Extreme minimalism can improve mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting a clearer and more organized mind . It removes distractions and allows individuals to focus on what truly matters, leading to improved overall mental health.

What is the 50 20 30 budget rule?

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings .

How a minimalist lifestyle can help you save money (2024)

From light, muted colors to clean lines and empty space, minimalism has certainly made a mark on the design and decorating world. But the “less-is-more” principle can also be applied to many different parts of life. Living frugally isn’t just about reducing your expenses and impact, but also planning for your future. So, what exactly does a minimalist, cost-cutting lifestyle look like — and why do people go for it? And what can the average person do to live more frugally and work toward their financial goals? Here, find answers to these questions and much more.

What is minimalism?

Minimalism is more than just a trend — for some, it’s a way of life. Minimalist living could mean having very little furniture and plenty of open space in your home. Others take the concept even further, opting for an alternative living concept or becoming a digital nomad.

Regardless, people who adopt a minimalist lifestyle are usually also frugal and thrifty. Instead of spending money on stuff, they may opt to put it into stocks or other investments.

Living minimally is all about owning less, and therefore buying yourself more financial freedom. Rather than constantly consuming, those who hop on the minimalism trend are usually trying to live by their principles, like spending more time in nature or connecting with their friends — or venturing out of the corporate world and into freelance work.

The advantages of minimalist living

A third pair of sneakers, a vintage bottle of wine, a new speaker — every time we buy something, we inject our hard-earned cash back into the economy. It’s fair to say that modern society depends on us continuing to spend. But this also has a price: The environment is buckling under the weight of our consumption, and there’s a general sense of malaise and dissatisfaction spreading across even the wealthiest parts of the world. After all, the buzz you get from a new purchase only lasts so long.

To try to exit this vicious cycle, many folks have decided to embrace minimalist living. They want to preserve resources, focus on the essentials, and consume consciously. This can mean avoiding fast fashion and instead going for high-quality items that are made to last. Or, people might choose to spend on experiences rather than things — like a bike trip through Europe, a visit to an art exhibition, or a workshop on how to grow your own vegetables. Others might live hyper-frugally and save as much money as possible in a short amount of time to try to retire early.

Is it cheaper to be a minimalist?

The answer is pretty straightforward: The less you buy, the more money you save. However, minimalism isn’t necessarily cheaper — it depends on your taste and values. If you decorate your apartment with a tiny selection of handmade designer objects or only shop for organic food, you’ll probably spend a lot more than if you buy second-hand furniture and bulk discount produce.

Whatever your taste, minimalism offers ample opportunities to save, especially on resources. For example, you can reduce your electricity bill by unplugging your appliances when you’re not using them. Instead of pouring cooking water down the drain, let it cool and use it to water your plants — it’s a great way to save on your water bill and help the environment. And do you really need to pay for colorful Post-it notes, or can you write your to-do lists on scrap paper or old envelopes?

How to get started with a minimalist lifestyle

Minimalism doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire life. It’s more about creating space for the things that are most important to you. Think about where you can start cutting back, and bit by bit, minimalism will start to seep into parts of your life where you didn’t expect it.

Cook at home

With so many delivery services, restaurants, and ready-made products, it’s easy to avoid cooking at home. But when you prepare your own food, you’ll reduce food waste, save on packaging, and save money. Plus, you have the chance to get creative and try out new dishes!

Before you head to the supermarket, create a meal plan and a shopping list so that you don’t end up buying items you don’t need. This way, you’ll reduce waste and save yourself the stress of trying to use items before they go bad.

Cooking for yourself can have other benefits, too. Following a vegan diet and foregoing animal by-products not only saves you money, it’s good for animals and for the planet.

Declutter your apartment

The most well-known minimalism tip is to clean up your living space. Whether you want to try the Marie Kondo method or choose your own decluttering system, putting things in order can be extremely satisfying. Here are some major categories where you can start sorting:

Clothes, underwear, and socks
Shoes, scarves, hats, and gloves
Jewelry and accessories
Bags, backpacks, and cosmetic bags
Makeup and toiletries
Towels and washcloths
Dishes and silverware
Kitchen appliances
Books and magazines
CDs and DVDs
Cables and technical equipment
Tools
Decorations
Papers, schoolwork, and files

To make it easy on yourself, plan a few hours every week for decluttering and tackle one category at a time. You’ll likely need to throw plenty of things out, but you can also donate, gift, or sell your things online or at a garage sale.

Find a better work-life balance

Minimalism and frugality aren’t only great ways to reduce your consumption, they can also help you improve your work-life balance. If you’re working long hours in the office or frantically searching for new freelance gigs, living minimally can help you get back to basics.

Think about how you can reduce your working hours and find more space in your weekly routine. For example, why not spend your lunch break in the park or a cafe instead of at your desk? Experts agree that you should take breaks during the day to avoid overworking yourself. You might also want to test out some project management tools to improve your efficiency. Use your newfound time to relax, work on personal projects, or try out a new hobby.

Leave your car at home

If you’re tired of sitting in traffic or looking for a parking place, why not use another form of transport, such as public transit, walking, or cycling? Reducing your car use is better for the planet, your wallet, and your health. If you live in a rural area and need a car to get around, try carpooling with your neighbors to school or for shopping trips. You’ll save time and money and strengthen your ties to your community.

Mobile banking, built with you in mind.

Did you know that there are plenty of digital tools that can help you lead a more minimal lifestyle? With a mobile bank account at N26, you can save yourself the paperwork and make transfers on your smartphone in seconds. Our smart Insights feature lets you keep an eye on your spending and track how your new minimalist lifestyle impacts your finances. As a premium customer, you can easily move your savings to one of 10 Spaces sub-accounts. These virtual piggy banks sit right alongside your main account, helping you save for the goals that matter most to you. Why wait? Check out our accounts today and find the one that’s right for you.

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