Five Areas of Your Life to Simplify So You Can Live Better

Written By Mary Beth Eastman
Last updated March 8, 2019

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Money Saving Tips
March 8, 2019

Simple. Thrifty. Living.

Marie Kondo has made a name for herself by launching a movement that’s inspiring people to simplify their possessions by keeping only belongings that “spark joy.” Her books and Netflix series are popular because followers of the “KonMari method” discover that decluttering is liberating. It frees up physical and mental space, which leaves more room to enjoying life.

Simplifying your life by removing things that are unnecessary, things that weigh you down, improves your quality of life. Clutter is just one superfluous thing you can remove from your life to live better. Here are other examples of things you’ll be better off without!

Arguably the area of life that you’ll benefit most from simplifying is your finances. Being in debt can be paralyzing and an all-consuming source of anxiety. It may not be easy or pleasant, but the sooner you address your debt and begin the process of reversing it the sooner your quality of life will improve. Your anxiety will wane, and your opportunities will grow. Once you’ve paid off outstanding debt, you can stop making payments to creditors and use that money to grow your savings, which will better your quality of life. Settle or consolidate your debts if necessary, by using a company like Freedom Debt Relief (review) or another well-respected debt relief company.

Newspapers, magazines, email newsletters, automated deliveries of razors or anti-acne products, gym or country club memberships … look at the “autopilot” things in your life. It’s probably been a while since you did. You’ll probably realize there are many you don’t want or need anymore. Cancel these subscriptions, and you’ll save money, free up time dealing with things you don’t want, and eliminate a source of clutter. Looking for a simple way to rid your unused subscriptions? The Trim financial manager will help you easily eliminate unnecessary extras.

Are you a yes-man or -woman? Do you feel obligated to accept invitations you’re not excited about or volunteer for projects or events you’d rather skip? Are you the friend or relative others repeatedly borrow money from? You can’t live your best life if you are putting others’ needs and desires ahead of your own! You don’t have to stop being generous with your time and your resources! But you should be comfortable saying no sometimes.

Sometimes, less is more. Does paying for and maintaining a large house stress you out? Maybe you would you be happier downsizing to a smaller house, or try condo or apartment living. The house may have served you well and been a source of happiness at one point in life, but it may eventually become a burden.

“Living better” looks different to different people. The key to living your best life is to regularly evaluate and re-evaluate your life – what’s going well and what’s not. Just because you’ve always done or had something doesn’t mean you should always do it or have it.

About the Author

Mary Beth Eastman

Mary Beth Eastman serves as the content manager for Simple. Thrifty. Living, where she is dedicated to helping readers use money and credit wisely. Mary Beth believes that access to the right financial information paired with a growth mindset are essential tools for getting out of debt and building wealth. Mary Beth has a degree in Journalism from Bowling Green State University and has focused her 20-year journalism career on putting readers front and center, carefully considering their concerns and presenting information that will help them in their everyday lives. She has won numerous statewide journalism awards. Her writing on personal finance as been featured on numerous websites in addition to Simple. Thrifty. Living, including Huffington Post and Lexington Law blog. Mary Beth resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her family and two rescue dogs.

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