Living Simply: Gifts? What Makes You Happy?

The common question I hear over and over in December is, "What do you want for Christmas?" And to be fair, I'm asking my adult kids and a few others the same thing. I don't want people to waste money on things I don't want nor need - and I don't want to get people stuff that's going to sit in a closet for the same reason. What do we do? How about asking a second question to help answer the first:

What Makes You Happy? (or what are you into?)


If I answer this question, then it's easier to figure out what I could use. Asking others this question makes shopping easier for me. Here's my list from this question:

1.  I love to go out to eat or to a movie with my spouse, so a gift card for a movie or inexpensive restaurant would be great.

2.  I love books. People who know me either know the authors/types of books I like, or else they know where I like to shop for them. Gift certificates for either place or an actual book would be greatly appreciated.

3.  I enjoy anything live, whether it's a play or a concert - so tickets are wonderful.

4.  I like to cook so a cookbook that's unique to something I like is another winner (like one for making even better Greek food, or sugar-free, gluten-free desserts).

5.  I'm in college these days, so either a walmart gift card or a basket of supplies makes an easy gift.

6.  People know I like a bottle of Moscato, Pinot Grigio, or even tequila - that's an easy gift.

What I'm not into - jewelry, clothes, shoes, knick knacks, bath stuff (who has time for a bath), scented candles (I buy them on rare occasions like holiday scents, but 2 is plenty). I don't want people wasting money on that kind of stuff. If you can let others know what your into - and especially what you're NOT into - it can save money and space for everyone. 

Living Simply: Money

     People are scrambling for extra cash this holiday season. Most want it simply to spend on "stuff" for other people or themselves during the sale season. A few smart others are looking to earn extra to pay off debt, reduce expenses, etc. Here's a few quick ideas:

1.  Let's start with something "drastic" (according to many people), then the list will get easier. Start by shutting off your cable bill. With Netflix, Hulu, and other sites, there's so many affordable alternatives, there's no reason to spend over $200/month for cable unless you're a die-hard sports fan and you can't watch games any other way. You can pay for internet only through your cable company, they just don't advertise that - they want ALL your money.

2.  If you need to get ahead temporarily, you may find good offers from other credit cards that offer zero interest for the first year. Switching on ones that you could pay off quickly could help you get them totally paid off faster. But remember, paying cash/debit is always best unless you need a way to track business expenses. You'll never enjoy the feeling from a "thing" you bought on a credit card more than you'll enjoy the feeling of being debt-free.

3.  Skip the gym if you can find a local free fitness group. Check out The November Project where you can do free fitness with people in your area. You also can find barely used home gym equipment for a fraction of the cost on places like Craig's List. Gym fees on average are $50/month, so why not drop that $600/yr on debt and reduce it?

4.  Have an empty room? Get a roommate. Cut your living expenses. You already know you can afford where you live, so if you get a boarder, take whatever they pay you and pay down/off other bills.

5.  Take surveys online for cash. Yes, there are a lot of scam sites out there, but many legitimate ones too. Try Survey Junkie or SwagBucks. If you found a dozen of these, and rotate them out, you can earn extra money by just spending an hour or two a few days a week - replace your TV time with something lucrative and productive.

6.  Try Freelancing - you can make money as a writer, photographer, designer, logo artist, notary, and many other areas. Put those talents to work for you.

7.  Don't forget Groupon sites for things you need to pay for anyway, like cleaning heating/AC ducts, cleaning carpets or upholstery, yard work, dry cleaning, etc.

8.  Buy store brands when you're buying groceries. I know people think brand named products are better, but store brands are 30% - 40% cheaper and very often, they're made on the same conveyor belt, with exactly the same recipe as the big brands - they're just repackaged for grocery chains. Check ingredient lists to find the closest match, but on most things, the differences, if any, are minimal.

9.  Improve your gas mileage. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help you get better mileage and save you around $100/yr in gas. Not bad for one free simple thing. Aggressive driving drops your mpg too, so just balance out your starts and stops. Statistics show a savings as high as $600/yr saved on gas by eliminating aggressive driving in stop and go traffic. On longer trips, use your cruise control if you have it. You'll save because the driving is more even/gradual.

10.  Rent your car - if you have a car in decent shape that's only 5 years old or newer, you can use it to be a driver for Uber, Lyft, or any of the myriads of other taxi type services popping up all over the place. You set your own hours, areas you're willing to pick up, and running it all through a website allows extra safety features like knowing who you're picking up ahead of time, seeing their photo first, some things are covered under the company's policies to save you money too.

Living Simply: Quick Declutter

As we get closer to our December holidays, celebrations, and events, let's take a few minutes to talk about doing a quick declutter. This isn't going to take you from Dedicated Shopper to True Minimalist, but if you're working towards a more simple life, letting go of possessions you no longer value, or even just need a quick "time out" to get back on track during this busy season, here's a few things you can do quickly to simplify your space and your life:

1.  Take 5-10 min. to just toss that old food in your fridge. Throw out the condiments and carton items that are past their expiration dates. Throw out stuff in storage containers you know you don't want anymore. Wipe it all down and start fresh. Make room for holiday foods you're stocking up on or things you buy/bake/cook for bringing to events. Just a few minutes reduces time shuffling needless things from shelf to shelf.

2.  As you're pulling out your winter coats, hats, mittens, boots, and sweaters, think of others. Do you or other family members have more than a couple of these items? Have the kids outgrown last winter's stuff? Donate the extras to a homeless shelter or even a Salvation Army/Goodwill type of place. People need these items desperately this time of year. Extra blankets help too if you happen to come across them. If you can get by with 2 thick coats, let the other 3 or 4 go. People need them more than your closet does.

3.  Still have unused/unwanted gifts you received last year? Use them for gift exchanges, re-gift them, or donate them. No use hanging onto things that don't add value to your life. Let them go.

4.  Have some gently used books, movies, or CDs you no longer need? Donate or re-gift them. If you don't feel right giving someone an opened movie, make up a basket with half a dozen of them or so, some microwave popcorn, some soda pop or wine, and a few movie size treats. Give it as a whole basket gift.

5.  Have a bunch of useless knick knacks you don't need cluttering? Things others brought you from their travels but it has no personal meaning to you? Let it go.

6.  Delete old apps, emails, desktop items, things cluttering your digital world that no longer bring you value. Simplify.

7.  Do a quick 10 minute sweep of your most used living space (whether it's your dorm room, bedroom at your parents' house, living room, kitchen, or even your work office. Toss papers, empty trash, put away things you left out, just a 10 minute sweep. It'll ease your mind a bit every time you enter the room.

Live intentionally. Simplify. Enjoy life.