Our decision to search out simplicity grew out of our initial desire to be financially free. I have endlessly reminded my wife how I love the simplicity of our living situation and she reminds me how much we are saving. Daily, the stated benefit of our living changes. When we have enough money to eat out without stress, the financial freedom is great. When we are sitting under our awning watching the boys ride their bikes without a care in the world, the simplicity is nearly overwhelming. Nevertheless, how ever you view our lifestyle, it is not normal!
A discussion of what “normal” people do would not be complete without trying to define normal. I want to take a moment to focus on normal defined by finances. You see, I like to listen to Dave Ramsey (a financial nut) and if you have ever heard him, you know where I am going. In the United States of America:
- 7 out of 10 American households live paycheck to paycheck
- The average American family carries $8000 in credit card debt
As Dave says, “Normal is broke!” We have conscientiously made the decision to live differently. When we started this journey, many people gave us differing suggestions on what we should do, but they were all the normal options. Rent out our basement. Down-size in house. Rent an apartment. However, we knew that to achieve simplicity and financial freedom on the level we wanted, we HAD to be extreme. We have to live like no one else so that one day we can live like no one else!
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