Embracing Simple Living: Living on One Income

Photo by Tara Evans on Unsplash

I became a mother at 20. My husband was still in college and looking back I wonder how we made it through financially. There were years where we were living on only a part time income. We made mistakes and learned from them. But, in a world filled with endless options and the constant pressure to consume, our family made a conscious choice to embrace simple living. This decision not only transformed our lifestyle but also enabled us to thrive on a single, modest income.

Discovering the Power of Less

We realized that our lives were cluttered with things we didn’t need. We spend a lot of time decluttering our home, selling or donating items that no longer served us. This process was liberating—it helped us to identify what we truly need and provided a sense of clarity. Without the distraction of excess, we found that our time and energy were freed up for more meaningful experiences. The more you own, the more to upkeep! We still go through our home regularly, because things just have a way of “creeping in”. My mom jokes that I always have a donation bag in the garage. It is endless, but I love getting rid of things! We live in 1200 square foot home and that honestly helps us because we don’t have a big house to fill up with lots of stuff. We have to be very intentional about what we bring in because clutter makes me cringe!

Intentional Budgeting

Living on one income meant we had to be intentional about our spending. We created a budget that prioritized our needs over our wants. By tracking our expenses and being mindful of our purchases, we learned to distinguish between essential and non-essential items. This discipline allowed us to stretch our income further, enabling us to save for emergencies and enjoy occasional treats without financial stress. We don’t buy things on credit and if we don’t have the money, we simply don’t buy it!

Embracing Frugality

We discovered that frugality doesn’t mean deprivation; it’s about making conscious choices. We cook nearly all our meals from scratch and find creative ways to entertain ourselves without spending a lot of money. Family game nights, movie nights and nature walks became cherished traditions. I learned to make lists for needs and look for them secondhand rather than buying them new immediately when I want them. My husband and my dad made a beautiful farmhouse table for us that cost maybe $200 versus purchasing one for $1000+. Rather than buying new books or movies, we use the library. There are so many resources these days to be able to have access to free content like Youtube, Hoopla or Libby. We only have one car for our family of 5. I make mostly all of our non-toxic cleaning products at home as well as most of my skincare products. I simplified every area of our life. For instance, I bought my children reusable silicone lunch containers rather than wasteful single use plastic bags.

Mindful Consumption

Simple living encouraged us to think critically about what we brought into our home. We became more selective about purchases, choosing quality over quantity. This mindset shift not only saved us money but also aligned our lifestyle with our values, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. We have become “minimalists” not only because of money but because it is a freeing lifestyle that allows us to shed the constant overwhelm and emptiness of consumerism. Before we buy something we want, we take a moment to ask “Do I actually need this?” “Will this add value to my life?” “Will this end up in my donation pile eventually?” We still make mistakes and make purchases occasionally that we regret, but it is a lifelong learning experience and a practice that we get better at over time. We must unlearn many of the lessons we learned from popular culture to embrace this new way of thinking and living, and that takes time.

A New Perspective on Wealth

Living simply shifted our perspective on wealth. We realized that true abundance comes from experiences, relationships, and gratitude rather than material possessions. This mindset transformed our approach to life, allowing us to appreciate the little things—reading good books, laughter, spending time in nature, a good meal and the warmth of home.

Conclusion

Simple living has not only made it possible for us to thrive on a small income, but it has also enriched our lives. By focusing on what truly matters, we’ve built a life filled with meaning and real joy, rather than the fleeting happiness that material goods give. I think you have to make the decision to be “weird” and that you are going to live differently. My kids are still learning that because sometimes they don’t get why we don’t do all the same things that other families do. But, I believe it is a gift- to learn to be content with the simple things in life. If you're considering a similar path, remember: less can indeed be more.