I used to think “more” meant success—more income, more things, more hustle. But somewhere between juggling side gigs and drowning in subscription fees, I realized I was spending more than I was living. That’s when I stumbled across minimalist living—not the all-white aesthetic you see on Instagram, but the kind that transforms your relationship with money.
This wasn’t about giving things up. It was about getting my peace back. And today, I want to share the mindset shift that helped me ditch financial stress and rediscover real satisfaction. Welcome to my version of the Minimalist Money Challenge—a lifestyle pivot that might just change everything for you, too.
What Does Financial Minimalism Really Mean?
Let’s clear something up right away: Minimalism isn’t about extreme frugality or living off instant noodles. It’s about living with intention.
When I first started down this path, I realized I wasn’t just overspending—I was misaligning. My budget didn’t reflect my values. I was funding a lifestyle that looked good on paper but didn’t feel good in real life.
What You Really Value
Ask yourself: What are my top five life priorities? Go ahead—I actually wrote mine in a notebook. For me, it was family time, freedom to travel, health, creative work, and saving for a future home. But when I looked at my credit card statements? Yikes. Most of it was takeout, random online shopping, and apps I barely used.
Money Move! List your top five priorities today. Then compare them to last month’s expenses. Even catching one mismatch is a huge win—and a great place to start trimming without feeling deprived.
Tracking Where the Money Goes (and Why It Matters)
You know that moment when you think, "I should be saving more, but where’s all my money going?" Yep—been there. When I first started digging into minimalist finance, I didn’t jump straight to cutting things out. I got curious instead.
Turns out, I was right to pause and take a closer look. A study I came across in JSTOR really stuck with me—it showed that automating your savings and actively monitoring your budget aren’t just smart habits. They’re actually proven ways to bridge the gap between what you make and what you keep. That gave me the nudge I needed to pay attention—because this wasn’t just about being frugal. It was about building consistency and stability.
So I tried a little experiment: for one full month, I tracked every dollar. I didn’t judge myself. I just observed. And let me tell you, watching those “small” charges—$7 here, $12 there—pile up into hundreds? Total reality check.
1. Use Tools, Not Just Willpower
I leaned on apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget) and Rocket Money, and suddenly my spending habits weren’t a mystery—they were a map.
2. Little Leaks, Big Problems
It’s wild how often we justify the small stuff. That daily coffee? “It’s just $5.” But over a month, that’s a chunk of change. And if it’s not adding value, it’s clutter.
3. Savings That Work in the Background
Automation was a game-changer. The moment I started automatically transferring a small amount into savings each week, I stopped waiting for the “perfect time” to save—and just started doing it.
Money Move! Set up an automatic transfer of $20 a week to a high-yield savings account. You won’t miss it, but you’ll love seeing it add up over time.
Cutting Financial Clutter (With Zero Guilt)
If you’ve ever done a closet cleanout, you know how freeing it feels. Now imagine that, but with your bank account.
1. Start With Subscriptions
I had five streaming services. Five! I asked myself which ones actually brought joy (hello, Korean dramas), and canceled the rest.
2. Call and Negotiate
I used to dread calling customer service, but once I did, I shaved $30/month off my internet bill. Worth every minute.
3. Consolidate and Simplify
I also looked into consolidating student loans and credit card balances. Fewer bills = less stress. And it made me feel more in control.
Money Move! Pick one bill or subscription today to reevaluate. If it’s not worth it, let it go—and reroute that money to something more meaningful (like your “Fun Fund,” which we’ll get to next).
Learning to Spend Intentionally (Not Just Less)
This was the part that surprised me: Minimalism isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom.
"Once I started pausing before I bought something, I discovered how many purchases were driven by boredom or emotion, not need."
1. Try the 24-Hour Rule
Anytime I wanted something that wasn’t essential, I waited a full day. Half the time, I’d forget about it. The other half? I made the purchase guilt-free, knowing it passed the “I really want this” test.
2. Invest in Quality, Not Quantity
Instead of buying cheap clothes that wore out quickly, I now buy fewer, better-made items. My wallet (and closet) thank me.
3. Make Room for Joyful Spending
I created a small “Fun Fund”—money I could spend however I wanted, without judgment. Whether it was a sushi dinner with a friend or a painting class, it reminded me that joy is still part of the plan.
Money Move! Set aside $25 a month for your personal joy fund. It keeps the minimalist journey balanced, fun, and sustainable.
The Gratitude Shift: More of What Money Can’t Buy
You know what really flipped the switch for me? Gratitude. When I stopped chasing stuff, I had more space to notice what was already working in my life. My health. My dog’s goofy grin. That cup of coffee I made at home while watching the sunrise.
Create a Gratitude Habit
Each night, I started jotting down three things I was grateful for. Sometimes they were big, like paying off a credit card. Other times? Just how good my sheets felt after a long day.
Notice the “Enough”
There’s a quiet power in realizing, “Hey, I don’t need more right now.” That doesn’t mean you’ll never want things. It just means you’re not letting those wants drive your life anymore.
Money Move! Start a gratitude journal today. Keep it in your phone or a notebook—three simple things a day. It’ll train your brain to see the wealth you already have.
Leaning on Community for Motivation and Ideas
One of the biggest motivators on this journey? Finding my people. There’s a whole world of folks online and IRL practicing minimalist finance—and their stories, wins, and struggles helped me stay inspired.
1. Join a Minimalist Money Group
I started lurking on Reddit’s r/simpleliving and r/frugal, then eventually started contributing. I found people cutting unnecessary spending, sharing hacks, and cheering each other on.
2. Be Open About Your Goals
When I told my friends about my money challenge, I expected judgment. What I got was support—and even a few who wanted to join in.
3. Learn from Others’ Mistakes and Wins
It’s not just about inspiration. I learned practical strategies, like negotiating rent or meal prepping to avoid overspending on food. Community saves you time by giving you a shortcut to what works.
Money Move! Share your journey with someone this week. Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or online group, speaking it out loud can help you stay on track—and maybe even help someone else.
How to Know It’s Working
So how do you know you’re “winning” at minimalist finance? Spoiler: It’s not about hitting a certain number in your savings account. It’s how your life feels.
1. Less Stress, More Space
I used to panic when unexpected expenses popped up. Now, I have a buffer—and the mental clarity to handle it without spiraling.
2. Enjoying the Little Things Again
There’s so much more pleasure in a homemade meal when you’re not burned out by spending. I find joy in walks, deep conversations, and even boring errands because I’m not rushing to the next thing.
3. Alignment Over Perfection
Minimalist living isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about doing it real. If your lifestyle feels aligned with your values, you’re already ahead.
Money Moves! Recap
Let’s make it easy to take action. Here are your six Money Moves! from this journey:
- Define Your Priorities – Compare them with your spending to find alignment.
- Automate Your Savings – Set a recurring transfer, even if it’s small.
- Cut One Financial Clutter Point – A subscription, bill, or loan that no longer serves you.
- Start a “Fun Fund” – Guilt-free money for experiences you love.
- Begin a Gratitude Journal – Shift focus from “more” to “enough.”
- Tell Someone – Community and accountability make it all stick.
Less Money Stress, More Life
This minimalist money challenge didn’t just change my bank account. It changed me. I spend less now, but I live so much more. I’ve built a financial routine that feels empowering—not restrictive—and created space in my life for what really matters.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a spending cycle that doesn’t serve you, I invite you to try just one of the changes above. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be intentional.
Here’s to less clutter, more clarity, and a whole new kind of wealth—the kind that actually feels good.
—Danielle 💛
