The Drawbacks of Fiscal Simplicity
The other day, I was reading an article about the concept of voluntary simplicity. That is, the practice of shunning materialism and only going with what is essential. There are several proponents of the theory bouncing around, writing books about it and appearing on television to hawk their practices.
Aside from the irony of buying another possession to help you simplify your life, I’m not so sure I’m ready to embrace the practice.
One particular author talked about how he has no use for a big, fancy television. He has no use for an expensive car. He only owned a few basic clothing items which he, of course, washes by hand and dries in the open air. He described an ideal evening where he picks vegetables from his garden and then cooks them for dinner. Then, he reads a book checked out from the public library. He says that not only does this help him simplify his life, it allows him to save an incredible amount of money.
How unquaint do you feel right now?
Oh, sure. I can appreciate the mindset. I guess. If you combine a sense of minimalism with strong fiscal responsibility, you’re going to save an awful lot of money in this life. Which reminds me of this tale, which I just made up.
“There was once a wise man who decided that his main goal was to save for the future. This man rid himself of his expensive television, cut down his wardrobe of designer suits and stopped eating out at fancy restaurants, which had been a several-times-per-week habit for him. He got rid of his cable television and home Internet. He saved obsessively.
Predictably, his savings began to pile up due to a lack of obligations and possessions. Travel, which has once been an expensive luxury, was cut down to nothing. He no longer bought frivolous gadgets and gizmos from Amazon.com and eBay. He made smart investments and tucked away money into IRAs and high-yield savings accounts.
As the years grew, so did his savings. His minimalist lifestyle caused him some headaches at times, but he rested comfortably (on an air mattress; why spend lots of cash on something you’re not awake to enjoy?) at night because he had his savings — nearly $700,000 after 15 years of his fiscal minimalism.
One day, he woke up and decided to go for his morning walk. On that walk, he was hit by a speeding Lexus and died instantly from head trauma.
The end.”
So, guess what happened to all of his savings? Well, I don’t know. I didn’t get that far as I was making that story up to support my viewpoint. His family probably squabbled over them and then used their portions to buy designer moonboots and spaceships.
You’re probably asking, “Eli, what’s your point in all of this?” And I’m telling you that you should have known better than to expect that.
The point, dear readers, is that I kind of like my television. In honor of me, I suggest you buy one frivolous item this week, whether that is splurging on a fancy meal for yourself, a new shirt or even just going all-out and Supersizing your next meal at McDonald’s.
Oh yeah. Live a little.
2 comments Click to reply »
August 12th, 2008
My frivolous item is going to be moonboots.
August 13th, 2008
Very nice. May I suggest this site?
http://www.moon-boots.com/