Living Well on Less and Loving It Joan

Living Well on Less and Loving It Joan Sprain Family Living Agent UW-Extension-St. Croix Co.

Topics we’ll talk about… n n n Simple living principles Money values Tracking spending Money saving tips Un-shopping guide

Activity 1 n Share a money saving tip

What is simple living? Living a life that is deeply satisfying, fulfilling, and appealing because it is socially, environmentally, and economically responsible.

Simple Living is… n n clearing away the clutter that detracts from the true purpose of life. taking a fresh look at values & aligning time, energy & money to support important goals. Source: Sustainable Living Project, Oregon State University Extension Service

Principles of Simple Living n n n Creating balance Often initiated by a wake-up call Need vs. greed Clearing away clutter Making a fresh start Living with a universal shopping list

Principles of Simple Living Continued… n n Using intuition to simplify decision making Reducing time eaters Doing what you love Pausing to enjoy

What simple living is not: n n Living in poverty Bare bones budgeting or being a miser Shunning technology Living entirely back to nature or in the backwoods

So how do you live more simply? 1. Assess values. (Color of Money) 2. Keep Track of spending. (worksheet) 3. Find money saving tips. 4. Use a universal shopping list

Step 1 - Assess values Color of Money

Step-2 - Keep track of spending

Step 3 - Find money saving tips and ideas

Saving money on everything… n n n Home Transportation Food Clothing & Personal Fun

Home n Utilities-Use energy saving lights, shut lights of n Heating & Cooling-Change furnace filter, adjust thermostat n Upkeep-Barter, do simple repairs n Phone-Compare cell plans, buy calling cards n TV-Choose a basic plan n Home furnishings-Use what you have, sell or give away what you don’t need, look for clearance items & sales.

Transportation n n n Combine trips Carpool Do routine maintenance Correct tire inflation Review insurance policies Buy used

Food n n n Go shopping as few times as possible Eat before shopping Shop alone Make a list & check store specials Limit eating out Buy in quantity, purchase together

Clothing & Personal n n n Inventory your wardrobe, sell or give away what you no longer wear Never pay retail price Look for sales & clearance aisles Buy washable items Checkout consignment, thrift & garage sales.

Fun n n Use the library for books, videos, DVDs magazines, & newspapers Attend matinee of new movies Trade magazines & DVDs with others Look for free local activities

4. Use a universal shopping list: un-shopping card When shopping ask yourself… n Do I really need this? n Will this item bring enjoyment & beauty into my life? n Will it benefit others? n Will this item help me engage in life more fully?

Universal Shopping List: Unshopping card Continued… n n n Is the cost of the item worth the time it takes to earn the money to buy it? Could I buy used? Rent? Share the purchase with someone else? How will this purchase affect the environment?

Example 1

Example 2

Remember the 3 steps to Simple Living… 1. Identifying values. 2. Realigning spending with values. 3. Find everyday money saving ideas. 4. Use a Universal Shopping List