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It’s Not About The Money: Minimalism

October 10, 2017 by Jason Fieber 37 Comments

This is part of an ongoing series where I dissect and discuss the reasoning behind various facets of my lifestyle. Through this, I’m attempting to separate the money aspect from the decision-making process, showing that I live a lifestyle that’s largely divorced from concerns about money whatsoever. Essentially, this is a lifestyle that I’d live regardless of my income/wealth. These facets thus aren’t about the money at all, but rather the result of thoughtful choices based around what I value and what drives my happiness.

Minimalism.

Liberating. Freeing. Clarifying.

It lightens the heart, the mind, and the surroundings, all while making the wallet heavier.

However, I see minimalism as this wonderful way to look at life in general; the fact that it can save one a lot of money is just icing on what’s already a mighty tasty cake.

We all have limited resources. There’s only so much time in the day. Only so much energy we can expend within a given time frame. Only so much focus we can sustain in bursts.

And every moment we spend thinking about, looking at, buying, arranging, moving, cleaning, and otherwise taking care of stuff in our lives, is one less moment we can spend on the things that really matter.

That which adds happiness and value to our lives is what we should take great care of. That’s what we should have in abundance. That’s what we should chase with reckless abandon. That’s what we should spend our energy, time, and focus on.

See, I believe the more stuff I own, the more stuff owns me. Stuff handcuffs me to it. Stuff limits my options. Stuff costs me so much – and not just in money terms.

Minimalism, though, does the opposite. Minimalism frees me. Minimalism expands my options. Minimalism costs me so little – and not just in money terms.

Indeed, minimalism isn’t about the money for me.

Minimalism instead is about pretty much everything else.

Minimalism is actually, in many ways, maximalism. 

It maximizes who you can be, what you can accomplish, and how much freedom you have in your life. It maximizes your flexibility, happiness, and personal space. It maximizes your perspective and the size of your world. It maximizes your ability to strive toward your potential as a human being, which is perhaps the best definition of happiness we have.

Without minimalism in my life, I wouldn’t have been able to relocate to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I wouldn’t be on this amazing adventure, having the time of my life. I wouldn’t be financially free, as I would have been instead chained to stuff – and the job required to pay for all that stuff.

Most importantly, I wouldn’t own my time. I’d instead own a hell of a lot of everything else, which is really silly.

What could be more worthy of ownership than one’s time?

Time is life itself.

As such, what could be more valuable than your life? 

These are incredibly valuable questions to ask. Yet few people tackle them. Is it because they lack the clarity? Is it a lack of interest? A narrow perspective? Or maybe they don’t have the time… because stuff is handcuffing them to an endless merry-go-round of earning to spend and working to live?

I can list a lot of stuff I don’t own:

  • A house
  • A car
  • A TV
  • Furniture
  • A set of keys
  • Various household goods and supplies
  • More than three pairs of shoes
  • More than a handful of clothes

In fact, all of my stuff fits inside of two small carry-on bags, as I recently tweeted about. All of my physical possessions fit inside a backpack and a small duffel bag – which I took with me to Thailand.

Indeed, my physical possessions are quite small in number and nature.

A few pairs of shoes. A couple dozen articles of clothing. A laptop. A phone. Some basic toiletries.

If I had to move tomorrow, my 400-square-foot apartment could be cleaned out within an hour.

However, my digital possessions are far greater in number and value.

I own equity stakes in more than 100 of the highest-quality businesses in the world – which, in aggregate, pay me five-figure (and growing!) passive dividend income. That renders me financially independent.

I also own an online business (which includes this very blog), which provides me an incredible outlet for my creativity (as well as additional income). Writing and inspiring people makes me very happy, so I spend a lot of time on that (instead of, say, cutting grass or having the oil changed on a car).

Due to the amazing power and ingenuity of the Internet, I’m able to live a life that’s almost completely digital and borderless. The Internet acts as a cheap (or even free) storage unit for extremely valuable assets, allowing me to stay light and carefree in the physical world.

Moreover, minimalism allows me to “own” non-possessions like my good health, which I nurture through constant exercise. I’m able to hit the gym six days per week and absolutely murder it precisely because I’m not so worn out from a day job (which would ordinarily be required to pay for a bunch of stuff).

And I hope to very soon count on mutual love, respect, and admiration through the relationship with a significant other as another one of those non-possessions that I have in abundance.

Minimalism is an amazing way to approach life, in my view. Its name, however, belies its true power: maximizing everything worthwhile in your life.

Believe in it. Harness it. Live and breathe it.

And then you’ll see the light as I do.

What do you think? Is minimalism actually maximalism?

Thanks for reading.

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Filed Under: Happiness

About Jason Fieber

Jason Fieber became financially free at 33 years old by using dividend growth investing to his advantage. Jason has authored two best-selling books: The Dividend Mantra Way and 5 Steps To Retire In 5 Years (also available in paperback).

 

Jason recommends Personal Capital for portfolio management, Mint for budgeting, Schwab for the brokerage account, and Morningstar, Daily Trade Alert, and Motley Fool for stock ideas. This blog is hosted by Bluehost. If you'd like to start your own blog, Jason offers free coaching when you use our Bluehost affiliate link.

 

Jason's writing and/or story has been featured across international media like USA Today, Business Insider, and CNBC.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. HP @ Full-TIme Dollars says

    October 10, 2017 at 11:22 am

    Hey Jason,

    It must be a nice feeling to have very little to your name. It’s not as though I have an overabundance of things. I have grown fond of certain sentimental possessions. I can’t get rid of those types of things, but yes everything else can go. I just started following “the minimalists” on Instagram. They have a whole movement around being minimalistic. You share some of their same beliefs, so you may want to check them out.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 11:40 am

      HP,

      Hey, we all want/need different things in our lives. It all comes down to value. If something provides the appropriate amount of value for you (to offset the carrying cost/weight and associated limitations, etc.), it’s okay. 🙂

      I follow them on Twitter, although I’m honestly not on social media too much. I also saw their documentary a while back. Pretty neat.

      Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Fred says

    October 10, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    I love minimalism. I suppose my sentimental items could be packed in 1 suitcase. Other needed items in a 2nd suitcase. I do own some cheap furniture, but it’s so cheap that I consider it disposable.

    I’ve known the ups & downs of romance over my decades of life. I’d recommend to anyone that they not be too eager to find that special someone. It leads to hasty decisions. The trick is to be very content living alone until someone really special comes along. I might add that a young man should seek out the casual company of several women. It prevents selecting a SO based disproportionately on lustful criteria.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 10:38 pm

      Fred,

      Yeah, I’m with you. Sentimental items, too, have been downsized in the age of the Internet. Photos used to take up boxes. Now they’re stored digitally. It’s an amazing time to be alive.

      In regard to relationships, I’ve done well there. My last relationship was a very successful long-term relationship. I see no reason why that can’t happen again. Most guys I’ve met with terrible relationships end up in those positions due to their own issues.

      Cheers!

      Reply
  3. Pallaire says

    October 10, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    That is really impressive! Congratz. I would like to be at that level, but I am not there yet, but the process is started. Sold the house ( 5BR ) to go in an apartment ( 2 BR ) that was full to the ceiling in one of the room. In 1st quarter of 2018, we are planning to move to a 1 BR.

    I still own a truck, because I am evaluating/trying many type of trailer camping to see if full timing could be a thing for us in the future. But on a daily basis, I walk to work. Sold the motorcycle. Cut the cable TV, but not the internet… It’s a slow process, but I see progression.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      Pallaire,

      Hey, it was a slow, evolving process for me, too. It doesn’t happen overnight. But I saw the results over time. I kept seeing these improvements in my life as all of these elements of my holistic lifestyle (minimalism being a major element) fit together and become more than the sum of the parts.

      Have fun as you evolve and figure out what works, makes you happy, and adds value to your life. 🙂

      Best regards.

      Reply
  4. Allan says

    October 10, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    Very well said Jason! I can’t do nothing but agree with all you are sàying. Cheers

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 10:44 pm

      Allan,

      Thanks so much! 🙂

      Best wishes.

      Reply
  5. Roy says

    October 10, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Hello Jason,

    Very interesting concept/idea. That could be also one of the reasons people in general enjoy holidays, besides being in a sunny destination, that they are less confronted with all their “stuff” at home. Cheers, Roy.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 10:45 pm

      Roy,

      Definitely. I can see that. It’s a relief to get away from these things (the job, the stuff, the responsibilities) imprisoning you, even if the respite is brief. It’s exactly why I feel like I’m on vacation all the time over here. I basically have no stress in my life. It’s wonderful. 🙂

      Thanks for dropping by!

      Best regards.

      Reply
  6. Jason says

    October 10, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    I have been slowly downsize over the last six months and feels great. I hope in another six month I can have it close too what you have. Live Free !!!

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 10:47 pm

      Jason,

      Best of luck with the downsizing process. It’s freeing and clarifying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it. 🙂

      Cheers!

      Reply
  7. Alex Galimov says

    October 10, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    Jason – what an amazing article! You hit the nail on the head – the modern Western society is caught in an endless cycle of consumerism. People are never happy because they’re constantly bombarded by ads whose message is “buy more! buy this! you can’t be happy until you have this!”

    Good on you, mate!

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 10:49 pm

      Alex,

      Thank you very much. Really glad you enjoyed the article!

      I always say to each their own. But I can’t live like that. Never liked it. Never was happy with it. I’m just glad that I saw the light at a pretty young age.

      Best regards.

      Reply
  8. David says

    October 10, 2017 at 11:21 pm

    Great article.. I agree less is more. Having less stuff allows you more time to enjoy other experiences. It is better to value people than things and buy experiences rather than stuff. You are an inspiration my friend.

    David

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 10, 2017 at 11:42 pm

      David,

      Less is more, indeed. Moreover, less allows you more. It’s just less of what doesn’t matter making room for more of what does matter. 🙂

      Thanks so much!

      Cheers.

      Reply
  9. Thunder God says

    October 11, 2017 at 4:41 am

    Jason,

    I know you’ll have good answers for these but I just have to ask about some stuff that most people need to maintain their lives. You said.. “no furniture”. I assume you must have rented fully furnished apartments? Secondly, how did you prepare and eat food back in FL (I assume all meals are eaten out in your new locale). It takes plates, knives, forks etc. Finally, how do you clean things such as your toilet without some sort of cleaning supplies?

    Thanks. Just trying to learn.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 11, 2017 at 5:38 am

      Thunder God,

      Easy. Anything that Claudia didn’t already own, I let her keep when I moved out of the apartment we shared in Florida.

      Cheers!

      Reply
  10. Derrick says

    October 11, 2017 at 9:43 am

    I don’t get minimalism. I mean if you (or anyone else) prefer it that’s cool with me. But the overall concept.

    I think it is great what it has done for you it allows you the freedom to do what you want and write etc.. But for someone that generally likes the job they have etc.. and are able to save an ample amount of money what benefit does not having a TV or car etc.. give them. In a sense not having a car is lack of freedom. I would had to depend on public transport, taxi or Uber if I needed to go somewhere moderately far away. Granted you don’t need a 2017 BMW but a modest car.

    At the same time the other end of the spectrum of extreme consumerism is right either. I think being somewhere in the middle leaning more towards the minimalist side is ideal for me.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 11, 2017 at 10:00 am

      Derrick,

      Well, to each their own. I laid the case out for minimalism here. But what others do is up to them. Someone spending their money doesn’t negatively affect my budget. If anything, I benefit from others buying stuff in general, as it helps my bottom line (my growing dividend income). 🙂

      Cheers!

      Reply
  11. MrDoublingDollars says

    October 12, 2017 at 3:03 am

    I just cleaned up the house the other day, and boy does getting rid of stuff make me happy when I get home now!

    Plus here is one point not mentioned here, minimalism helps the planet! No wasted packaging to be thrown away, one less doodad that needs to be manufactured, and to just be eventually tossed in the garbage mountain.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 12, 2017 at 3:46 am

      MDD,

      Great point. That which adds real (not superficial) value to your life tends to often add value to the world, returning value back to you. Minimalism (in terms of the lighter environmental footprint) is a prime example of that. Our species is in many ways a bane to this planet. Any chance to minimize that is always welcome by me. A lot of people talk a big game about being environmentalists or whatever, but I’m actually out here putting out a very small footprint.

      Best regards!

      Reply
  12. Dividend Diplomats says

    October 12, 2017 at 7:32 pm

    Jason –

    Indeed it is. Recently wrote an article on the 5 benefits of getting rid of your stuff, as that’s what I’ve been doing the last handful of months. I feel alive each possession I get rid of; one less worry, one less thing to take care of that doesn’t add value.. it’s amazing.

    -Lanny

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 12, 2017 at 10:50 pm

      Lanny,

      It’s a wonderful feeling to be free of stuff, which allows you the ability to direct resources toward that which truly matters in your life. Maybe I’ll even get to the point to where all of my stuff can fit into just ONE bag. 🙂

      Thanks for dropping by!

      Best wishes.

      Reply
  13. FiscalVoyage says

    October 13, 2017 at 10:37 am

    I love Minimalism. It truly makes me happy with the less stuff I have. I actually got my girlfriend thinking the same way and she loves it as well. We are so much happy because of it.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 13, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      FV,

      I’m with you 100%. I own a lot of “possessions”. It just so happens that they’re digital, keeping my physical life light, flexible, and carefree. 🙂

      Cheers!

      Reply
  14. DividendFamilyGuy says

    October 14, 2017 at 8:08 am

    Jason, You are an inspiration as always (and correct). If I look at where I spend most of my time it is with my kids and unfortunately work. Take away work and I would use that time to rest and take care of myself more. Some day I will join your ranks. Thanks for keeping me going.
    DFG

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 14, 2017 at 10:05 am

      DFG,

      Thanks so much!

      I’m sure you’ll be there before you know it. The rewards are worth the hard work. 🙂

      Best wishes.

      Reply
  15. SC says

    October 14, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    Hi Jason, your journey to Thailand is very inspiring and interesting to read about. I’m making a big life change at the moment, moving from DC to Florida for a, hopefully, more interesting career opportunity and a lower cost of living area with better weather.

    My partner and I are also trying to keep our lifestyle relatively minimal as we’ll be moving from a studio apartment to another studio apartment. I’ll be walking distance from my new job and so hope to continue a 1 car lifestyle.

    I’m concerned about leaving behind family and friends, but also realize those connections can remain strong with today’s technology and speed of communication. Plus Florida isn’t really very far from DC.

    I’d be interested in learning more about how you cope with the distance. It’s exciting to be in a new place a meet new people, but I’m sure you have connections back in the States that you’d like to keep up with.

    Keep up the great writing and looking forward to learning more about your expat experience overseas!

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 15, 2017 at 12:17 am

      SC,

      That’s an exciting move. I made a somewhat similar move (MI to FL) back in 2009. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. There are a few pivotal decisions I’ve made in my life that totally transformed my future. I’ve come to believe that big changes are necessary once in a while to really break through barriers and grow as a person. Perhaps this move will serve you guys in the same capacity. 🙂

      Keeping in touch with people isn’t that hard. The same technology that makes that easy in the States makes it easy globally. I can text, email, and call people for free. It’s no big deal. That said, I don’t have a ton of relationships over there. I don’t have hundreds of people in my social circle. So your experience may vary there.

      Thanks for all the support. And thanks for following along!

      Best regards.

      Reply
  16. Juan says

    October 16, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Careful Jason…you’re coming extremely close to finding/fulfilling self-actualization ( if you haven’t already )…:) Looking forward to how your journey progresses…well done!

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 16, 2017 at 10:35 am

      Juan,

      Indeed. 🙂

      Appreciate the support. It’s been working out even better than I had expected over here. Looking forward to sharing my experiences (and personal growth) as I go.

      Best wishes!

      Reply
  17. Lyn Alden says

    October 16, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    Yeah I view saving money as just a side benefit of minimalism. Great article.

    What I really get out of it is the extra time and freedom of mind. I hate mental and physical clutter.

    I haven’t felt the need to get quite that minimal (I have 13 pairs of shoes!), but I’m at a sweet spot for me. Your relocation to Thailand seems like an awesome idea, and is something I would consider if my work was location-independent as well. I’ll actually be visiting that country in December.

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      October 17, 2017 at 3:40 am

      Lyn,

      Absolutely. Stuff is essentially “clutter” for me. It clutters my physical, mental, and financial spaces. There’s just no value there for me. If anything, the clutter takes away value from my life.

      Having 13 pairs of shoes is just fine if it adds value to your life. If you derive value and happiness from each pair of shoes (at least commensurate with the cost, weight, space, etc. it costs you), you’re fine. If I find value in something, I buy and keep it. I don’t ever deprive myself of something. It’s just that I tend not to value a lot of things that most other people spend a lot of their resources acquiring.

      If you find yourself in Chiang Mai in December, make sure to drop me a note. It’d be great to have a chat and a coffee or something! 🙂

      Best regards.

      Reply
  18. Ben says

    May 21, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    Hi Jason,

    I practise minimalism at work. I will clear my desk in a few minutes when retrenchment occurs.

    Less stuff, quick departure and less hassle.

    Ben

    Reply
    • Jason Fieber says

      May 22, 2018 at 12:38 am

      Ben,

      Less is often more. 🙂

      Cheers!

      Reply

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Hi. I'm Jason Fieber. I achieved financial independence and retired in my early 30s by using dividend growth investing to my advantage. I cover stock analyses, market news, dividend updates, and the dividend growth investing strategy.

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