Minimalist Living: Simplify Life and Manage Debt

Ever stood in front of a packed fridge, only to declare there’s nothing good for supper? Or rummaged through a full closet and still felt like you have nothing to wear? Maybe you’re paying for five streaming services but barely watching half of them. You’re not alone—I’ve been there too. It’s great to have options, especially if we’ve spent part of our lives doing without. But here’s the catch: sometimes, all those options can feel less like blessings and more like a headache.

At some point, our purchases morph into inventory we’re forced to manage—clothes we shove aside to find what we actually want, clutter and knickknacks that demand cleaning (ok, at least occasionally). When this happens, it’s time to pause and reassess. What if simplifying your life isn’t just about budgeting dollars, but also about reclaiming your time and energy?

I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist, but over the past few years, I’ve taken a deep dive into our household “inventory.” The goal? To keep only what we love and truly need.

Here are a few strategies that have worked wonders for us:

1. Clear Out the Closet: Donate clothing that hasn’t been worn in the last year. Suddenly, everything in your closet feels like an option again.
2. Pantry Rescue Mission: Use up food before it expires (or donate it while it’s still good). Seeing what’s already “in the bank” helps us buy only what we need.
3. Subscription Slim-Down: Stick to one or two streaming services at a time. Cancel when you’re done, and snag discounts when re-subscribing. For audiobooks, free library options like Libby and Hoopla beat paid subscriptions any day.
4. Designated Spots for Essentials: Ever lost track of light bulbs or paper towels in your house? Giving items a “home” makes it easier to find them and avoid unnecessary duplicates.
5. Limit Duplicate Items: For us, it’s kitchen towels.  If the drawer fits 10 towels, keep 10 and throw out the old and stained ones. Life becomes easier when everything has a place where it fits comfortably.
6. “Wait-and-See” Bin: Unsure whether to toss something? Store it in a bin for a few months—if you don’t miss it, goodbye clutter!
7. Debt Management Program: Much like options for simplifying physical possessions, a DMP can simplify your financial life. These programs offer structured plans to consolidate debts, often reducing interest rates and monthly payments.

Ready to reclaim control of your space and finances? Start by taking one small step—clear out a drawer, cancel an unused subscription, or explore debt management options. Remember, simplifying isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating room for what truly matters. Let’s make it happen!