December 10, 2021 was my last day of full-time employment, and if I were to sum up my first year of semi-retirement in one statement, it’s this: I am prioritizing myself like I’ve never done before. And while this could be a side effect of the fact that no employer owns my workday, this is also me making a conscious choice… I’ve chosen this. I’ve re-prioritized. I’ve identified what matters to me, decided how I’m going to live my life, and I’m doing it. And ever since then, this choice has shown up in my life in several ways.
Tag: minimalism
My Secrets to Minimalist Fashion
Is it possible to be a fashionable minimalist? I really don’t know, but I think I look pretty put-together most days, and many of you seem to agree! So how do I look so “chic” without breaking the bank and without collecting too much stuff, especially since I’ve been living out of my SUV (one suitcase and three bins) for almost 2 years while traveling North America? Let's get into it.
I Looked Before I Leapt: How I Spent The Last 4 1/2 Years Getting Ready to Quit My Job and Travel the World
Before you say, "I’m one of those people who will never get ahead, who will never be able to save, who will never be able to not work"... in 2017, I had no job, a car I owed on, a $1,350 house payment on a house full of stuff I never used, peanuts in my 401K, and only $1,500 in cash. That was my situation, and I made changes. You can too.
My Metamorphosis: From Past Consumerist to Current Minimalist
I call myself a minimalist a bit reluctantly. Sure, from 2017 to 2019, I went on weeks-long backpacking trips with nothing but a carry-on... but back then, I had an entire house to come home to. Now, nomadic since 2020, I travel with a few bins of clothes, quite a few outfits and shoes to [...]
Nomad Life Month #15: Cleaning Out My Storage Unit, A New Chapter
If I'm to organize my nomad life journey into chapters, this is the end of one: going back to Phoenix to clear out my storage unit in November 2021. My trip marked a decision: the nomad life will continue indefinitely.
What Financial Freedom Means to Me
Take two people who make the same income: one of them saves 50% of their salary and lives simply. The other saves nothing; their salary funds their lifestyle of cars, renovations, luxury trips, expensive brunches and nights out. Who is wealthier?
What Are Your Money, Time, and Emotional Energy Wasters? Cut That Overhead
I had a great conversation recently with a new friend. As we were swapping downsizing stories, she threw this word out there — OVERHEAD — which immediately struck me. You business people know what ‘overhead’ is. But ‘life overhead,’ as I’ve decided to call it, is ongoing expenditures (whether money, time or emotional energy) that do not directly contribute or bring value or profit to YOUR LIFE — THE LIFE YOU DESIRE.
Living the Mantra: Experiences Over Possessions
“Experiences over possessions.” Idealistic, perhaps. But controversial, no. Most people would agree with this mantra. But would they live it?
Downsizing into my SUV: My Methodical Approach to Getting Rid of Stuff
July 24, 2020: My 35th birthday AND the day my house went under contract. My dream of traveling full-time as a gypsy, vagabonding nomad was right there on the horizon... and the only thing in the way of ultimate freedom? A house-full of stuff. I had 7 weeks until closing. So how did I decide what would go and what would stay?
I Made 2020 My Year, and You Should Too
2020 is not what I expected or planned for, and it's been uncomfortable and demoralizing in a lot of ways, but I take this approach: I take stock of all my blessings and accomplishments. Are you doing the same?
SUV & Airbnb Organization Tactics for Living the Nomad Life
One of the major concerns I've found with living a nomad life — where you travel to a destination and then live out of an AirBNB or similar accommodations for a period of several weeks — is keeping my things straight and sorted. Here's my "suite" of solutions!
The #1 Finance Fact That Guided my Decision to Downsize
I’m not a financial expert, nor can I predict the future. But I knew that I had significant equity and I had a willing buyer. Combine that with motive (excitement and eagerness for change) and opportunity (remote employment)... and it was an easy decision to sell my home of 7 years and become a full-time nomad.
Countdown to the Nomad Life: A Recap of the 6 Weeks I Spent Downsizing
Excitement, determination, worry: Here are some of my thoughts and musings during the 6-week time period from when my house went under contract (July 24) and when I was due to be out, September 4, 2020 — the day I started my full-time nomad journey.
How I Turned My Primary Residence into a Temporary Vacation Rental (and Tested Out Nomad Life)
If you can get over the fear of being temporarily homeless and having a bunch of strangers all up in your stuff… here's how to rent out your fully-furnished house and live a nomadic lifestyle!
From Unemployment to Saving More Than $40K in 2 Years
Two years ago I was filing for unemployment and down to my last $1,500. Well, I turned things around by re-shuffling where my money was going, making full use of my assets, and prioritizing experiences over possessions.
The Values Most Important to Me in 2018
As I look back on the last year, I feel fortunate to have adopted these three principles, now so wholly ingrained in my thinking that they might as well be a part of me.
My Exercise in Minimalism: Practicing Letting Go
Do you ever feel like you’ve collected a whole bunch of crap you don’t need for a reason you can’t place?
Downsizing… My Exercise in Minimalism
This Christmas, I spent the holiday weekend packing, cleaning, and moving, from my 1,600 square foot house into something one-quarter the size.
