From Clutter to Clarity: How I Saved $400 a Month Through Financial Minimalism
The Artist's Garden at Eragny. Camille Pissarro, 1898. Courtesy the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
A well-tended garden yields the most exquisite blooms, and so too does a well-managed budget.
In the pursuit of a refined life, we often focus on the tangible—the perfectly curated wardrobe and the elegantly designed home. Yet, true intentional luxury begins with a solid foundation: financial minimalism. It's not about deprivation but rather about aligning your spending with your deepest values, choosing quality over quantity, and experiences over fleeting material possessions.
Financial Minimalism: The Cornerstone of Intentional Luxury
As a modern homemaker, I've come to understand that financial minimalism is the cornerstone of living life on your own terms. It's about shedding the influence of trends and societal pressures and, instead, focusing on what truly enriches your life. Even for someone like me, who strives to minimize expenses, regular financial decluttering is essential.
Decluttering Your Finances: A Necessary Ritual
Recently, I embarked on a personal audit of my monthly expenses. As a business owner and mother, I often explore new apps and services, seeking tools to streamline my work and life. However, what starts as a necessity can easily become an unnecessary expense over time. Just as we declutter our homes, our finances require periodic attention.
I was genuinely surprised to discover nearly $400 in savings by eliminating services and subscriptions I no longer needed. This experience underscored the importance of regularly reviewing recurring expenses and being honest with yourself. Will you truly use this item or service? Does it add meaningful value to your life?
The Psychology of Spending: Recognizing Patterns
The psychology is remarkably similar to household decluttering. We cling to subscriptions with the hope of future use, much like we hold onto possessions with the promise of “someday.” But just as decluttering our homes requires us to make difficult choices, so does decluttering our finances. Over time, this process becomes easier as we learn to discern between true needs, fleeting wants, or things that no longer serve us.
My Savings Breakdown and Practical Tips
As a sole proprietor, my personal and business expenses often intertwine, so here's a breakdown of my recent savings from decluttering both areas:
Downgraded LinkedIn Premium: $56
Canceled unused productivity apps: $35
Transferred website payment to client: $50
Paused redundant business management software: $24
Canceled supplemental health insurance: $220
Total Savings: $385
This exercise reinforced the power of intentional spending and the freedom that comes with financial clarity. By embracing the principles of minimalist living, we can create a home and a life that truly reflects our values.
To maximize your savings, I recommend dedicating a specific time to review your expenses. Block out an hour, gather your statements, and tackle it all at once. The immediate sense of accomplishment and the tangible savings will motivate you. And remember, most companies make it easy to rejoin if you find you truly miss a service.
Embrace the Refined Life: Intentionality in All Things
Embracing a refined life means understanding that true luxury is found in the intentionality of our choices, both in our homes and in our finances.
If you’re interested in learning more about decluttering your finances and embracing financial minimalism, I’m excited to announce my new mini-course designed to help you align your spending with your values.
I'd love to hear about your experiences with decluttering your finances. Share your thoughts on Instagram or Substack, and let's continue this conversation.
This mini-course provides a concise introduction to the core principles of financial minimalism, the foundation of a minimalist luxury lifestyle.
