The Minimalist Budget: A Practical Guide on How to Save Money, Spend Less and Live More with a Minimalist Lifestyle

by Simeon Lindstrom

“Budget" - it's a meager little word, one that all too often comes after “tight”... Maybe you think of this word as an adjective, something to describe a cheap and substandard car or hotel. “Budget” brings to mind rationing, a kind of money diet. If you're like many people, budgeting is something you do with a kind of deflated budgeting means bargain bin quality and the sad sense that what you want is going to be just out of reach. This book will try a different approach to budgeting altogether... This book will offer an expanded notion of what it means to budget. We'll look at how money is not the only resource that needs to be managed, and a “life budget” that acknowledges your emotional, behavioral, social and even spiritual capital is more likely to lead to smarter decisions. We'll explore shopping and spending habits, identify problem areas, think about debt and make achievable goals for home, work and more. We'll look at concrete ways to put some of these principles into action, and look at resources that will keep you focused and motivated. At the same time, this book is also about the philosophy of minimalism, not thriftiness. If you can pair your budget plan with a more nuanced understanding of your relationship with money and how it ties into how you want to live, the changes you make will be more authentic and longer lasting. Minimalism is not about doing with less than you need. Rather, it's about finding what you need and fulfilling that need exactly, without excess. It's a subtle and easily overlooked to have exactly enough is not suffering. Budgeting is therefore about understanding what you need to have enough, and how best you can allocate your resources to that end. Life is short. Money and material things can make our time on this earth better, and they can help us move closer to what we find meaningful and worthwhile. But they are not meaningful and worthwhile in themselves. Money is a tool and how we spend it is an expression of our values and what we think is important. How much would you pay for peace of mind and the calm you get from knowing you are living well? How much of your life do you give away when you work? Of all your expenses, have you remembered to include the time you waste stressing about money? These may seem like vague or overly philosophical questions, but they get to the root of how we earn, spend and think of money. Once we understand these roots, our efforts to save here and there not only become easier, they become more meaningful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Audiobook, Self Help, Money, Personal Finance, Business

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2014

Reviews

[Mindy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone on a budget, I can sometimes forget the value of time versus money. This book was a good reminder that I need to reevaluate my goals, values and passions in life and decide the amount of time and money I should be spending on them. Great, quick read!

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good alternative way of thinking about budgeting that not only includes money, but also your time and value.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book that takes a much more attainable and meaningful approach to budgeting than anything I've come across before. It changed my whole way of thinking about and approaching the matter, and has made the act seem far from miserable and self-denying - in fact, I feel happier and more empowered in my monetary situation, and not merely 'in control' like I might if I utilised standard methods. Being in control has merit of course, but what are you in control of? Making yourself unhappy? Then what's the point? You can balance your finances without punishing yourself, and this book explains how, simply and concisely, practising essentialism in the very construction of itself. I have needed this advice and insight for a long time and am raring to put it into practice!

[Sarah-Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book that talks about budgeting in terms of more than just money. Quick to read but gave me a lot to think about

[ANNEstories · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another frugal/budget/minimalism book, in my books! One thing I like with this one- the budgeting involving children. I really believe that kids should be introduced to „Finance” management as early as possible. This will help them realize responsibilities which come in handy when they’ve become full grown adults. Giving them a bank account will push them to learn how interest works. Which again will come in handy during adulthood. Thus, encourages them to save rather than consume.


„“
Not attempting to remove everything, but to remove that which doesn’t serve us.

Trimming away clutter allows us to have full attention to passion.

How much are you willing to devote a percent of your income to this hobby?

If spending is fulfilling for a particular item then you don’t need to save money on those areas.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have choices to make in our lives and really, it is up to us to take responsibility of them. Life is hard, and money is scarce, so our choices in how we spend what little we have is narrowing every day.

However, sometimes it doesn't take much to help ourselves and something as little as the kind of food you buy - this doesn't mean doing without - and planning and preparing more appropriately.

This book does have some good ideas, and it would be useful to keep as a diary, a reminder of what we can do if we really try...and feel all the better for it.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose, when all is said and done, that I am not a fan of self-help books. Of its kind, this is tolerable because it is brief. In terms of the notion of holistic minimalism (my term), it is worth a perusal. The case studies are the most interesting part of the book. And I suppose, in all fairness, the thing that bothers me the most about this book, or any self-help book for that matter, is WHY THE HECK HAVEN'T I WRITTEN ONE MYSELF? And that, dear friends, if I take its advice to heart, is the sum and substance of message of this book. The reason I haven't written a self-help book is because I have spent too much time watching British television drama, which gives me a mini-vacation from serious thought. Writing a self-help book would be just as tedious to do, as it is to read. But, for sure, it puts money in Simeon Lindstrom's bank account.

[Siegfried · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it was possible, I would give it less than a star.
First of all, the editing is AWFUL. Its all over the place and since it's on Kindle, I EXPECT that your editing is customizable, like all good books.
Second, the financial advice is horrible, outdated and out of touch with reality.
It's the exact experience of talking to your older Boomer uncle about finance.
And lastly, it's badly written. In a super condescending voice.
You wanna financial advice?
This is NOT the book.
Run

[JT · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine advice, but an incredibly short read.

[Na Ch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reminder to have a more holistic view and what counts is also peace of mind
Some useful tips on dealing with money budget.
It shows the importance of considering time budget as well

[Emilie Wilkinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Same ole' same ole' information.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent, quick read! I'm trying to implement healthier practices and this book is a great resource to refer back to as the approach to minimalism in budgeting is realistic and attainable.

[General · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good explanation of the economic side of a minimalist, although is more focused regarding saving money (to avoid debt) than reaching true happiness and balance (which are the true goals of the minimalist philosophy). I already practice most of the lessons, which makes me relieved to know that at least I'm not going towards the wrong direction.

[Bookreaderljh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty much standard self help ideas. Nothing new here really. The only thing that was good was the author kept going back to the point that minimalist budgeting is not just money but there is also a time component on how money is spent. Sometimes making your life feel more important means allocating funds to those things that mean most to you. Of course always within reason.

[Alma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spend time and money on whatever really matters to you. There. No need to read this. Definitely no need to buy it.
Two stars, because it might be somewhat helpful to the strange being who has no clue whatsoever about minimalism and / or budgeting.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and interesting read! Reiterating principles I've already had in mind for some time about the value of both time and money.

[Julie-Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't bother

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Minimalist Budget by Simeon Lindstrom is a light read that guide its readers through meaningful budgeting. The book was published in 2014, there isn’t really any new information that you wouldn’t be able to find online otherwise, but it sure is nice to have all of those consolidated in one book together. There are lots of pointers on how to be a mindful consumer, practical ways to save money on food, clothes, health, home & cleaning, and heaps of miscellaneous tips overall.

What I loved about the book is the approach towards budgeting. You know how other budgeting tips would dive right into finance tracking and expenditure logs? The book takes into consideration your own values in life; it makes you assess your goals and your priorities in life and then gives guidance on how to budget in a way that would work for you.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “In the end, budgeting is just a natural extension from a way of looking at life in general. It is pointless to ask yourself to cut down spending so that you are only buying the “essentials” when you haven’t actually defined what is essential for your life. A budget is only as good as the purpose it’s meant to fulfill, and only you can decide what that purpose is.”

If you’re looking for a quick read about budgeting, I would recommend you give this one a look!

[Valerie Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Financial Should Read...

Loved this book! It's a relatively short read, but chocked full of good things. i just recently turned 65, and this book was almost like a spiritual awakening on the financial front for me. I lost my job of almost 21 years during Covid, took a much lower paying job; to survive, have had to dip significantly into my 401k, and had other financial and personal challenges that have caused me to be so off synched. I started a capsule wardrobe, almost 8 yrs ago & started to try to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, so no wonder this book has made so much more sense to me, especially since I'm contemplating actual (work part-time) retirement within the next 1 1/2 yrs. While other financial budget books & retirement living books have offered some good sound advice, this book really hit my core objectives for this season in my life. Looking forward to starting the first steps of evaluating my "time" Also looking forward to reading Mr. Lindstrom's book on decluttering to mesh with the financial piece. Kudos, for sharing your gifts & talent, this senior ( scratch that), mature woman greatly appreciates it! :)

[Nannika · Rating 5 out of 5]

We forget that budgeting doesn't only necessarily have to be about saving money or utilizing money. We need to budget our time as well. Separate and apart form that, price should not be the only key factor in our choices. When you try to hold on to money you end up spending much more in the long run. For example...looking for a bargain. The closest store has the product a bit more expensive that the store that requires you to drive for 20mins...in the long run...that 20mins could have been spent doing something more productive or even enjoyable...also...you can't get that 20mins back. That time is already spent...and if you want to 'get it back' something else has to take a back seat or you have to altogether not do 20 mins worth of something else.

[Roshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly precise and to the point

I read this book just out of curiosity and was expecting it to be one of the budgeting books that tell you to live frugal to the very extent of poverty and that's the only way you can save any money for the future. This book takes a different approach towards budgeting and personal finance in general and I am so glad my initial notion about it was wrong. Totally enjoyed it and absolutely recommended for all readers irrespective of whether you are seeking personal finance help or not - it's a good read.

[KC · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice quick read about how to spend your money and time on things that really matter to you. But what really matters to you? Turns out that is far more tricky to determine than how much you should allocate to this or that.

This book contains some good advice, and seems grounded in decent financial and psychological principles. The list of blogs and websites at the end is bound to get dated fast, so don't expect this book to be an enduring classic.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound, practical Financial Advice

With the pandemic I faced the dilemma of stretching every dollar I could. This year I resolved, like many, to better my finances. This book provided engaging and practical steps to help with this resolution. I enjoyed one of the last chapters that addressed the criticism of those who have less not out of choice but circumstances. The book overall is a good choice for a quick and useful financial read.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different take on budgeting

This was a relatively entertaining take on budgeting. I appreciate the view that money is not our only resource to budget but that time and value are equally, if not more, important. Some of the suggestions in the book are not particularly environmentally conscious but I get that that isn't the main focus of the book.

[Kelly Braunel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick super simple rid like minimalism should be. We often times over complicate life especially money. I personally have been gravitating towards minimalism and find that I'm happier along the way. I'm changing my approach to budgeting by saving first and focusing on one goal at the time and not stressing how long it takes.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Start

Good start for your basic budgeting. I like that the author makes it clear that money or lack thereof does not define you no matter what US society says.
Enjoyed the step by step process given. The chapter on how to put it all together was very useful.
I will seek out some of the author’s more advanced books on finances.

[Jerrid Kruse · Rating 1 out of 5]

An ok reminder that value and money are not always the same and that time is a resource we can’t get back or more of. The book ended in what seemed like a sales pitch for the author’s newsletter. Good thing it was short.

[Neil Arnesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

I though the book was good at showing the why in minimalism. I thought it should have a little more on the action steps. Good overall as it changed the reasons for minimalism.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

More philosophical than research-based. I absolutely agree with the main message. The purpose of a budget is not to cut out all unnecessary spending; the purpose of a budget is to align our spending with the things that add value to our life.

[Mrnaghi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book and useful for beginners in minimalism philosophy.
It has some practical tips.
This book however, does not make you wow.
Its more of presenting a set of ideas and thoughts and not facts and researches.