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I’ll be the first to admit that simplicity isn’t always simple. When it comes to finances, it can often feel downright complicated—especially when juggling the realities of modern life. Let’s face it: sometimes, it’s easier (and faster) to call a repair person than to spend hours watching YouTube videos to figure out how to fix something yourself. Spending money can save time, and when you’re time-poor, that trade-off feels worth it.

But financial simplicity isn’t about depriving yourself or taking on every DIY task to save a buck. For me, it’s about stepping off autopilot, making intentional choices, and aligning my spending with the life I want to build—both now and in the long term. It's about cultivating a sense of purpose and control in a world that often pushes us toward mindless consumption.

Here are ten ways I’ve found to cultivate financial simplicity and live more intentionally.

1. Start with Your Values

Before you make any financial changes, get clear on what matters most to you. For me, the Wheel of the Year offers a natural framework for reflection. Each season invites me to consider what I want to nurture, let go of, or bring into balance. Aligning my financial choices with these cycles—like saving during times of abundance or cutting back when I feel overstretched—helps me stay grounded.

2. Embrace Mindful Spending

Mindful spending means pausing to ask, Do I really need this? or Does this align with my values? It’s not about never buying something—it’s about making purchases that truly add value to my life. Whether it’s a handmade item that supports a small business or an investment in a tool I’ll use for years, I aim to spend in a way that feels intentional.

3. Simplify Your Subscriptions

One of the easiest ways to simplify your finances is to audit your recurring expenses. I recently canceled a few streaming services I rarely use and redirected that money toward something I value more—a local CSA (community-supported agriculture) share that brings fresh, seasonal produce into my home.

4. Learn a Few DIY Skills

I’m not saying you have to tackle every home repair or sew your own clothes, but learning a few basic skills can save money and foster independence. I’ve learned to mend small tears in my clothes and even patch a flat bike tire—both of which saved me time and money.

5. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

This principle has been life-changing for me. I’d rather own fewer, well-made items that last than fill my home with cheap products that need constant replacing. Whether it’s a sturdy winter coat or a high-quality cast-iron skillet, choosing quality helps simplify my finances in the long run.

6. Create a Seasonal Budget

Just as the Wheel of the Year cycles through different seasons, our financial needs can shift throughout the year. I’ve started creating seasonal budgets to reflect those changes. For example, I save more during the quieter winter months so I can spend freely on travel or outdoor activities in the summer.

7. Focus on Gratitude and Contentment

One of the simplest ways to cultivate financial simplicity is to appreciate what you already have. I often spend a few minutes each day journaling about things I’m grateful for—my cozy home, my favorite mug, or the time I spent in nature. Gratitude shifts my focus from what I want to what I have.

8. Practice Low-Spend Months

Every now and then, I’ll commit to a low-spend month. During this time, I focus on using what I already have—whether that’s food in the pantry, books on my shelf, or craft supplies I’ve been meaning to dig into. It’s a reset that reminds me how much abundance I already have in my life.

9. Tend to Your Space

Financial simplicity isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about creating a life that feels intentional and aligned. I find that when my space is clutter-free and organized, I make better financial choices. Regularly tending to my home—decluttering, cleaning, and repairing—brings a sense of calm that ripples into other areas of my life.

10. Invest in Joyful, Free Activities

Not everything that brings joy requires spending money. I love activities that align with the rhythms of nature—like walking through the woods during autumn, gardening in spring, or stargazing on a summer night. These moments of connection and joy are priceless.

Recommended Books on Simple and Intentional Living

If you’re looking to dive deeper into financial simplicity and intentional living, here are some books that have inspired me:

Cultivating Simplicity as an Ongoing Practice

As I reflect on the Wheel of the Year and its seasonal lessons, I’m reminded that simplicity isn’t a one-time goal—it’s an ongoing practice. Some seasons of life will naturally feel busier or more complex, and that’s okay. Financial simplicity isn’t about perfection. It’s about making thoughtful choices that support the life you want to live.

What steps can you take today to cultivate financial simplicity? Maybe it’s canceling a subscription, mending a favorite shirt, or simply pausing before your next purchase to ask, Does this align with the life I want to create?

One small step at a time, we can move closer to a life that feels rich in all the ways that matter most.