[lonewolf]

redacted

[Ludi]

My household spends relatively little time working for money. Money that takes a lot of time and trouble to earn we call "expensive money."

[bart]

Thanks for posting the excerpt, lonewolf.

Voluntary simplicity is one of the most effective ways to prepare for peak oil. In the meantime, it's a great way to get your finances in order. Life becomes calmer and more satisfying.

WorldChanging had a short article on voluntary simplicity recently:
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003785.html

[Heineken]

I read "Your Money or Your Life" many years ago, and it became a blueprint for my financial future. Although I didn't have the patience to formally follow the "wall-chart" method and track every last penny in and out, I did emulate most of the principles espoused in this wonderful book, and today am financially independent at the age of 50.

The basic program, for those of you who haven't read the book, is to (1) pay off all your outstanding debt, (2) simplify your life and reduce your spending, such that you are living well below your means (although, as the authors explain, sacrifice need not mean suffering, and can actually lead to greater fulfillment and fewer hassles), and (3) save the surplus funds in an income-generating vehicle (given the low interest rates that have prevailed forever, my own vehicle has been conservative, dividend-paying stocks, which the authors however frown on). Once the earnings power of your savings exceeds your low monthly outlays, you're in the dreamland of financial independence.

As the authors note, anybody can do it, from a hotel maid to a physician, although obviously it will take the hotel maid longer.

The book is full of wisdom and far beyond its time and totally out of step with the idiotic mentality toward money that prevails in the good 'ol USA.

[ONeil]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('lonewolf', 'A') Detailed Summary http://www.simpleliving.net/ymoyl/fom-about-summary.asp

[advancedatheist]

Unfortunately we don't have "simple living" choices for healthcare, certainly nothing equivalent to the thrift shops and other sources for cheap alternatives to necessities.

[Ayoob]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('advancedatheist', 'U')nfortunately we don't have "simple living" choices for healthcare, certainly nothing equivalent to the thrift shops and other sources for cheap alternatives to necessities.

[advancedatheist]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ayoob', '
')county hospital

[lonewolf]

redacted