I’m one of those people for whom Mint.com is like porn. I also manage my sister’s finances, even though she’s the oldest. We’ve never wanted for anything…ever. I’m sure that I would make different daily choices if I had a scarcity mentality.

One question: Did you ever give plasma when you were unable to afford Ramen?

Just last week I emptied out most of the content of my closet and took them over to Goodwill. I am in the process of cleaning up my bookcase and I intend to list all my books in a post on my blog soon and give it away to my readers if they want it. I will then take the left over books to the library, as I have done in the past.

I have always been a minimalist and don’t like to accumulate stuff, but they seem to gather up regardless, so I go through purging every year or two, and it feels good every time I do it.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted on your adventures.

Rasheed

@Phil: Very good point…if you zoom in close enough on the graph that shows a constant increase, there will almost always be periods where the line dips down to uncomfortably low positions. Being able to weather those times is vital for one’s sanity, comfort and survival.

@Kristin: Thanks for visiting the blog, Kristin! That’s such a bummer about your luggage, but it’s great that you were able to spin the event into a positive life experience rather than a completely negative one.

You raise a good point, too, that sometimes later in life it makes sense to have a bit more than when you’re younger. If you’ve got more space, then it makes a bit more sense, and you can still do it tastefully and without FILLING every nook and cranny.

I imagine in your profession, too, it would be hard not to have that closet full of designer clothes

J.D.: Amen to that, brother. It’s no fun being broke and starving. Life itself can be the most effective classroom.

@John: I’ve been doing the same thing, evaluating every single new purchase as something I can take with me or something that I’ll have to get rid of before I leave. I’m moving away from LA in only 10 days, and I’ve still got a living room full of random stuff to sell or give away. Stressful? Mucho. It’s great that you’re getting a major head start on this.

I totally agree that possessions aren’t inherently evil or anything like that. In fact, I love my possessions so much that I don’t want to divide my love between too many things. If I only have a bag full of great, super-high-quality clothes, devices, etc, then I can focus my attention (and protection) on them, rather than spreading myself too thin.

@Josh: Thanks for the comment, Josh! I’m in the same boat, being anything but anti-consumerism, but at the same time being very anti-waste, anti-over-consumerism, etc. Digital products have definitely helped me cope with how to get the information and products that I need without creating a whole lot of waste (and wasting a whole lot of space).

Purchasing only the highest (or near-highest) quality of whatever I happen to be buying helps, too, as it limits me financially from over-purchasing, makes me think long and hard about a purchase before I pull the trigger on it, and results in my being happier with my purchases at the end of the day.

I’m not anti-stuff or anti-consumerism, but I’m constantly amazed at how immediate the relief at cleaning up a bit is.

Take care friend, always a pleasure.
Josh

I did it once before but it was so rushed that I basically just abandoned everything. Now, it will be slightly more organized.

It really is a change in mindset. Every potential purchase now is evaluated by whether it is something that I will take with me in a backpack. If it isn’t that essential it is not worth buying.

Things are not entirely evil. Possessions help make us who we are, in a good away. Musical instruments, sporting goods, computer accessories, and books are all cherished so I can’t say that I won’t miss them. However, it is liberating to find out that we are not the defined by the purchases we make.

I’ve been beyond broke and it’s been my best teacher for an attitude of gratitude.

It is more convenient as well if I were to pick up and move again, which is very likely, or want to travel. There is more freedom in having less.

Now don’t get me wrong. When I am more settled in life, if that ever happens, and I have more money I definitely want nice things and whole closet full of designer clothes but for now and my situation… what I have is perfect.

I think what you are doing is WONDERFUL and I look forward to reading about your journey.

Life is full fluctuations, and even those on an average climb experience varying levels of peaks and valleys in terms of personal success. Nor do most people ever bother to put anything away during the good times for when things aren’t so great.