Living Well on Less and Loving It
Joan SprainFamily Living Agent
UW-Extension-St. Croix Co.
Topics we’ll talk about… Simple living
principles Money values Tracking spending Money saving tips Un-shopping
guide
Activity 1 Share a money
saving tip
What is simple living?
Living a life that is deeply satisfying, fulfilling, and appealing
becauseit is socially, environmentally, and
economically responsible.
Simple Living is…
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
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…
Using intuition to simplify decision making
Reducing time eaters
Doing what you love
Pausing to enjoy
What simple living is not:
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 valuesColor of Money
Step-2- Keep track of spending
Step 3- Find money saving tips and ideas
Saving money on everything…
Home Transportation Food Clothing & Personal Fun
Home Utilities-Use energy saving lights, shut lights of
Heating & Cooling-Change furnace filter, adjust thermostat
Upkeep-Barter, do simple repairs
Phone-Compare cell plans, buy calling cards
TV-Choose a basic plan
Home furnishings-Use what you have, sell or give away what you don’t need,look for clearance items & sales.
Transportation Combine trips Carpool Do routine maintenance Correct tire inflation Review insurance policies Buy used
Food
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
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
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… Do I really need this? Will this item bring enjoyment &
beauty into my life? Will it benefit others? Will this item help me engage in
life more fully?
Universal Shopping List:Un-shopping card Continued…
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