Our journey towards financial freedom has been paved with the principles of minimalism and intentional spending. By decluttering our home and changing our purchasing habits, we have been able to save hundreds of dollars each month. One key change has been to stop buying books and instead utilize the library for free access to a wide range of reading materials. By borrowing books rather than purchasing them, we have saved thousands of dollars and have access to new releases and a variety of formats including e-books and audiobooks.
Another expense we have cut out is bottled water, opting instead for sustainable water filter alternatives. With Americans purchasing 50 billion water bottles per year and only recycling a fraction of them, it is both a costly and environmentally harmful habit to maintain. Similarly, we have re-evaluated our streaming service subscriptions to ensure we are not overspending on unnecessary accounts. By periodically reviewing and canceling lesser used subscriptions, we are able to save money and be more intentional about our TV watching habits.
Bulk shopping memberships, such as Costco, are another area where we have found cost savings by canceling our membership. While the allure of cash back and exclusive benefits may seem appealing, it is important to consider whether the membership fee and impulse purchases outweigh the potential savings on bulk items. By doing our homework and comparing prices at different stores, we have found that most products can be purchased for the same price or even cheaper without a membership.
When it comes to items with coupons, we have learned to resist the temptation to try new products simply because of a discount. Coupons are a form of advertising designed to create a perceived need and entice consumers to make purchases. Instead of falling into this marketing trap, we stick to a grocery budget and only purchase items that we truly need and use regularly. By avoiding unnecessary purchases and staying disciplined with our spending, we are able to save money and stay on track towards our financial goals.
In conclusion, our journey towards financial freedom has been marked by intentional choices to cut out unnecessary expenses and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. By reassessing our spending habits, utilizing resources like the library, and avoiding impulse purchases, we have been able to save significant amounts of money each month. By making conscious decisions about where we allocate our funds, we are able to prioritize our financial goals and work towards a more secure future.
