Becoming a Minimalist

I live comfortable,

pay my bills on time, etc.

However, lately I have began to think

of how many things in my life that I could 

do without. Then I have watched a few videos

of others who are doing a 2020 Minimal year.

It seems like such a cool challenge and although

I have always been known to never live above my means,

I don't care about what I drive as long as it is dependable

and get me from point A to point B.

I am not a big jewelry person and have had the same purse

for three years. Although I buy clothing I like,

it is usually from Walmart or Stage. 

I guess what I am trying to say is even though

I can be called cheap.... no lets use frugal,

there are still things I can save on.

After watching a you tube video on ideas

for the year of Minimalism, even I have come up with 

many things I can change in my life to save.

I keep adding to the list in my head and

it has actually become like a game.

Here are a few things I have began or will begin.

1) Keep tract of where every penny goes.

 I started an old fashioned ledger as how many 

times I have cash in my wallet and next thing I know

it is empty and I can't tell you where it went.

Saving and documenting every receipt, charge I make.

2) Will begin ordering most groceries via Amazon.

It is a thing they do, you shop on their site and they sent

it to you for a great price, you can earn money as well shopping

there. If I don't put myself in Walmart, I won't have a basket

full of things I don't need and it is free shipping delivered

straight to your door.

3) Magazines and books.

I am crazy for these two things. I cannot go into a Barnes without

buying my favorite magazines and a few books.

Having a true library in my home proves I love these things.

Yet, when I get them home, I have found I normally don't really

look at them thoroughly. I can find most these same books and

mags. for free on their own site or the library app called LIBBY.

4) Gas prices.

I have never cared what the gas was, if I needed gas I tanked up.

This year will take advantage of lower prices and get gas 

when it is cheap even when I may not be on E.

5) Clothing.

I have enough clothes in enough sizes that I probably could 

go the rest of my life without buying another piece.

Most days I am home painting so I don't dress up or 

need great clothes for that. Except for under garments

will not be buying any clothes this year and at the end

of the year, getting rid of all those things I have either worn

out or have not worn this year.

6) Possessions

Okay, this will be my hard part. I love all my collections and

it is very hard for me to rid myself of any of my treasures.

However, I don't need to add to any of these collections

this year. Also I don't need more than one of something.

Also if I don't use it, then I will sell it.

7) Lighting

I am so fortunate that where I live, all my utilities including

garbage, water, gas, electricity, are on one bill.

I will remember to shut off lights which I am terrible at.

Instead of washing clothing daily just to have none dirty,

won't wash unless I have a full load.

I like my Cottage cool. I warm it up when the grandgirls

come to visit, but when I am home alone, fireplace and

wall heater to be used instead of the heater unless very cold.

I can put on a sweater, use a blanket, wear warmer clothing.

8) Insurances

I have looked at all my policies and made changes as I 

have always been one to be overinsured. Made minimal changes

and have saved over 500 dollars per 6 months.

9) cable, internet and phones

I called to cancel my cable because I rarely watch tv

and when I do, it is usually Netflix, Hulu or Youtube.

However when I called and told them my plan, 

they found me a plan. Cable for under 30 dollars a month

for a year and even gave me more channels. 

This is for a year so I will be calling yearly to cancel cable.

10) Eating out

I don't do much fast food unless I have the grandgirls.

But there are times I do drive through because I just

don't feel like fixing anything. This year,

with the help of my air fryer, I am going to cook for myself.

I will still eat out with friends and family if it means

spending time with those I love but no more 

eating out by myself.

This is the beginning of becoming a Minimalist and

I am sure I will find other ways but starting this way

and at the end of the year, want to see just how much money

I have saved! 

Jump on the band wagon! 

and if you are not interested in doing, then support others

by giving ideas on other ways to save.

This may be the first New Years resolution I actually keep!