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The Minimalist Lifestyle
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A recent blog post by my brother John O’Connor, also an advisor at Adam Smith Advisors, mentioned my interest and study of minimalism. I am happy to share my overview of minimalism with you.
Minimalism is living with meaning each day. It is being grateful for what you have today, knowing what you need, and finding joy in the things you prioritize as the most important to you. The best thing about minimalism is that it encompasses many different aspects of life. It is a lifestyle decision that creates a plan that is different and purpose driven for each individual.
If you are interested in minimalism, there are many resource available today. Podcasts, books, blogs, and documentaries on the topic can be found in abundance. You can study minimalist architecture (less to clean, pure aesthetic, being surrounded only by items that bring you joy), minimalist parenting (teaching children to appreciate what they have and forming character based on family values), minimalist dressing (limiting wardrobes to 33 items), minimalist health (taking care of yourself through diet, exercise, medicines, sleep), minimalist technology (taking a day off from technology and be present each week–if a full day sounds daunting start with a couple hours), and even minimalist finance.
I am fortunate to be raised by a family that taught me minimalist financial values long before minimalist lifestyle became cool. It is a philosophy and strategy that values hard work, making a contribution to society, being present to the people most important to you, and paying yourself first. It isn’t easy to delay purchasing something in a world where we are constantly marketed 24 hours a day. But there is great joy in living life with low debt (or debt free for the minimalist super stars), saving up to buy quality products that will last, and putting dollars away each paycheck for retirement.
Our investment strategy at Adam Smith Advisors is also minimalist. It is a broadly diversified global strategy that is low cost and tax efficient. It is a strategy free of noise and constant marketing. It is a personal plan that sets a path in front of you to achieve your goals and live life. Who wants to wait until retirement to achieve your bucket list? Make a plan today and adopt a minimalist financial plan. It is hard work, but very rewarding to put your money in line with your values and balance living life fully today and continuing a comfortable lifestyle in retirement[/fusion_text][separator style_type=”single” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]
Legal Disclaimer: These posts do not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any securities or instruments or to participate in any particular investment or trading strategy. They are for informational purposes only. ASA gathers its data from sources it considers reliable. However, ASA makes no express or implied warranties regarding the accuracy of this information or any opinions expressed by the author and may update or change them without prior notification.
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