Living Simply – Beginning

Photograph: Sharron R. McMillan

We decided a long time ago to simplify our lifestyle not just our life. We sat down and figured out exactly how much money we needed to live: listed all our monthly bills, etc. You have to start where you are. Slow and steady.  Figure out how much you need to live on paying the minimum payment on each bill each month. That gives you an idea how much you actually NEED to live.

Now if you are fortunate enough to have an abundance of income over what you need, than you can pay off your bills as fast as you can. One at a time, start to pay all the excess money into your debt. If what you need is over what your income is, then you will have to take drastic measures to change your habits.

Try living out of your cupboards and your freezer for as long as you can without going shopping for anything other than fresh milk and produce. Use what you already have and use the money you save to pay off one of your debts. Start with just one, pay all the extra you can each month until it is paid off then start on another debt. Do not use your credit card at all for as many months as it takes to pay them off. You will be amazed at how much fun it is to NOT spend for awhile.

©1999 Sharron R. McMillan