Article on consumption & living with less

maoftwinboys · **Article on consumption & living with less**

I wasn't sure if this should go in frugal living or simple living because article talks about doing with less is a sure fire way to help with your finances.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14377894/

I am getting both of these books they suggested from the library - I really like the one where she gives up something once a month. And I wonder how many of us have clothes with tags on them hanging unworn in our closet? Simple living is good for our pocketbook!

Kim · 08-19-2006, 11:24 AM

I read 1/2 of the first book: My year of living with less. I personally didn't find much value in it. There weren't many suggestions as to what the author learned from her experiences, it was more of a diary. I got the feeling that once each month was up she was going right back to her old ways anyway. And, the author being a single woman in Manhattan, I couldn't really relate to her lifestyle. It was hard for me to feel sorry for her having to give up her $10 Cosmos as the bar every night and designer clothes. Boo hoo.

The second book I haven't read either but I saw the author on Oprah. Again, she was a Manhattanite without kids, enjoying the luxuries most of us moms don't partake in: movies and dinners out with our spouses on a regular basis, $50 haircuts, etc.

If you want to read a good simple living book, I highly recommend the ones by Elaine St. James. Much more practical information in those. JM2C.

Let us know what you think!

jnbythesea · 08-19-2006, 12:08 PM

I read the second book... about not spending for a year. I thought it was good... it was a lot deeper than I expected and funny in spots. Some of it was a little boring (about politics and political donations- not so much of interest to me right now). I did feel like the author was changed by her experience.... again, she did not have kids. It would be interesting to see how some one with a family would fair doing this. Maybe one of us should do this, write a book and get on Oprah, LOL.

I agree with Kim, though- if you want a great book about things to do NOW to simplify, the Elaine St James books are a gold mine. However, I am going to get the first book from the library and read it. I love to read- thanks for the tip!