Comments on: Achieving a Simpler Life — Step 1: Track Your Spending

By: Andi

Andi — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:50:59 +0000

This is good advice whether or not someone wants to live a simpler life. Thank you for taking the time to write this website; I think it’s going to be a great resource for me for a very long time.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:18:42 +0000

I know that this will seem like a strange approach but this is how it worked for me. We now live in Alaska in a log house, but years ago when I lived in the lower 48 We would take fishing trips to Canada. These were always fly in trips where we were in remote areas with no water, electricity or communication. I found it was so much fun and enjoyed it so much not only for the fishing but for the simplicity. We would come home and I would tell my wife that we are out of touch as to what is necessity. Food, clothing and shelter is all that we really need and beyond that everything is a convenience or luxury. I think what I am trying to say is start with only the necessities and go from there rather than trying to scale back from all that you have now. What this will do is teach you to buy or acquire only the things that you find that you actually need. We cook on a wood cook stove heat with a Toyostove but we also have a propane gas range for backup and use in the summer months. We try to think about each purchase now and ask ourselves if this is something that we really need or is it just something we would like to have. Remember that the less that you have the simplistic your life will be. As someone mentioned earlier don’t assume that if it is basic or simple that it will be easy or not as much work. The nice thing is you will begin to feel rewards for simple things like a wood shed filled with perfectly split fire wood in the middle of August knowing that you are ready for the cold winter months ahead.
Bill

By: GM

GM — Sun, 10 May 2009 17:20:00 +0000

I have been scaling down my life for the past 3 years now. I am still not where I want to be! My dream is to live completly off the grid, self sustained lifestyle. Can’t wait!!

By: Maria

Maria — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:08:56 +0000

I am serious and I am determined. Today *is* going to be the first day of a new life for us. Thank you for another inspiring post.

By: Kimmie B.

Kimmie B. — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:06:10 +0000

I want this so bad. We have tried before and backslid but your post makes me think I can do this. I accept your challenge and I will start today to track our spending. Thanks for the great advise.