Even though it is considered against the cultural understanding of success and happiness, living without money is an option that more and more people are considering. Apart from reducing stress due to financial problems, living without money also offers many benefits including less impact on the environment, increased understanding and appreciation of what you have, and helping to create a more rewarding life. Even if you know you can't live completely without money, the following steps can help reduce waste in your life.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Creating a Financial Plan
Step 1. Try to reduce your expenses before you decide to live without money
Making the decision to live without money is a life change, especially if you live with or are a supporter of others. Trying to start slowly and go through a week or a month without spending any money can help you figure out if you are fit to live without money. There are many things you can do to reduce your daily expenses, and even if you don't intend to live completely penniless, the following steps can help you save money.
- If you live in an environment that allows you to travel only on foot or by bicycle, you can reduce your motor vehicle use and expenses (such as gas, toll tickets, parking tickets, car maintenance) by using human-powered transportation. In addition, such transportation can also be a means of fun sports!
- Try not to shop for a week. Use the food available in your kitchen and refrigerator to make meals. There are many sites on the internet that offer ideas for making meals from the ingredients you have on hand.
- If you like going out for fun, look for free entertainment held in your city. The local newspaper site in your city usually has a list of activities or events that you can participate in for free. For example, in public libraries, apart from being able to read books and use the internet for free, you can often see free movie screenings. Other than going to the library, taking a walk around where you live or spending an afternoon playing a game with friends or family won't cost you any money.
- www.moneyless.org is an online database that has useful tips and strategies to help you save money.
Step 2. Examine the needs of you and your family
If you live alone, living without money will be easier to do, compared to living with your family. Because living without money requires a big commitment, you need to make sure that your basic needs can still be met, even if you don't spend money.
- For example, if you or your family members often need medical treatment or medication, living without money may not be the right decision.
- If you live in an extreme climate, such as very hot or very cold areas, it may not be safe for you to not have a temperature controller in your home. This is also important to remember especially if there are children or elderly people living in your home. They tend to be prone to illnesses or accidents caused by extreme temperature conditions.
Step 3. Read other people's experiences of living without money
Whether you want a cashless nomadic lifestyle like Heidemarie Schwermer from Germany, or a secluded cave life like Daniel Suelo, reading the experiences of people living without money can help you determine if you're up for the moneyless challenge.
- Mark Boyle wrote a book about his life experiences entitled The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living. In addition, he also writes on his blog, wrote a book called The Moneyless Manifesto, and launched a website on how to live frugally called Streetbank.
- Mark Sundeen wrote a biography entitled The Man Who Quit Money. The biography tells of a man named Daniel Suelo who has been living without money for 14 years.
- The 2012 documentary titled Living Without Money tells the story of Heidemarie Schwermer, a German woman who has been living without money since the 1990s.
Step 4. Consider what you want to invest
There are several things that can make living without money easier, such as growing vegetables, using solar power, building compost toilets, and building wells. However, you need to invest your money first to do these things. These things can reduce or even eliminate your household bills significantly, but the process will of course take some time.
If you live in an urban area and/or don't own your own home, chances are you have fewer options to choose from. Therefore, it's a good idea to find out in advance what you might do where you live
Step 5. Understand that you need to spend on some things
For example, if you need treatment, of course you can't just stop using your money to pay for treatment. It's a good idea to consult your problem with your doctor before stopping the medication you are taking. If you can't or don't want to sell your home, you should still pay the mortgage to avoid foreclosure or eviction.
- If you want to keep working, you have to keep paying taxes.
- In the United States, everyone who is considered an adult must have health insurance, in accordance with the mandate of the Affordable Care Act. You may need to pay health insurance or a fine, depending on how much income you earn in one year (currently, the limit is $10,000 per year, but the limit is subject to change).
Method 2 of 5: Arranging Residence
Step 1. Live without using the power grid
Find or build a home powered by solar, wind, or other renewable energy sources. Use water from a well or other spring (eg river). Build a compost toilet. Besides being able to help save water, compost toilets also help protect the environment and produce manure that is useful for vegetable gardens.
- A camper van (also known as a caravan or recreational vehicle) can be a great option if you can't afford a large family home with the amenities listed above. With a movable house, you will also find it easier to find a location close to a water source.
- Earthship is an inexpensive, eco-friendly type of residence made using leftovers such as old car tires and beer bottles. In addition to items that can be obtained for free (or at a low price), you can trade energy with your friends for help building earthships.
- Even if you don't intend to move house or live completely penniless, items like solar panels and composting toilets can help save money and are also friendly to the environment.
Step 2. Volunteer on an organic farm
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a trusted organization that provides opportunities for volunteers around the world. You need to pay a subscription fee to join this service. Usually you trade your energy for lodging and food. Some plantations accept families to live on their plantations.
- If you want to volunteer and work abroad, you will need to pay for a work visa. Apart from that, you also need enough money to cover your travel expenses.
- Volunteering on an organic farm can be a great way to learn gardening skills that you can use later to grow your own food source.
Step 3. Move on and join a like-minded community
There are many cooperative communities willing to share a home, with members who share goals and aspirations that align with yours. Abroad, these communities are sometimes referred to as 'intentional communities', 'communes', 'co-ops', 'ecovillage' (ecological villages) or 'cohousing'. You can exchange skills or food for shelter and help. To get more information about these communities, you can visit this site.
You may be able to contact the community you want and visit it first before deciding to live there. Not everyone wants to live in a commune, and you need to make sure that it fits your personality and values
Step 4. Be a house keeper
If you enjoy moving from place to place, building your reputation as a responsible and trusted housekeeper can be a fun way to travel and live in a comfortable place. If you live in the United States, try joining online communities such as Trusted House Sitters or Mind My House, or let your local community know that you are a house keeper you can turn to if members of your community go on vacation.
If you are looking for temporary accommodation, or have flexible plans, and are interested in meeting new people, you can search for information about organizations such as Couchsurfing or The Hospitality Club
Step 5. Live in the wild
While living like this will take time and effort to develop the necessary skills, there are many opportunities to live in a different place than usual. Caves and other natural shelters can be the right place to live.
- Understand that this is a tough lifestyle to follow and requires good health and physical fitness. If you have health problems, or have family members with children or the elderly, this lifestyle is not the right choice.
- Move to an area with a warmer climate. It will be easier for you to stay outdoors if there are no significant changes in temperature, heavy rain, or very cold temperature conditions.
Step 6. Try joining a religious community
There are many religions that have communities dedicated to giving up worldly life, such as Buddhist Sanghas and Christian monasteries and nuns. These communities usually provide essential basic needs such as clothing, shelter, and food. In exchange, you must demonstrate your service and commitment to the community.
- If you feel that your values and beliefs are compatible with your experience of living in that community, you can search the internet for information about available community options or by contacting someone who has joined the religious community you wish to join.
- Religious communities usually only accept one person. If you have a family, living in a religious community may not be the right choice.
Method 3 of 5: Finding and Growing Food Sources
Step 1. Learn about your food choices
If you plan to source your own food, look for guides that cover the types of plants that can be grown in your area, types of plants that are edible, and which plants are poisonous. Food For Free by Richard Mabey is an illustrated handbook that is sold in many places and has received many positive reviews. If you plan to grow your own crops as your food source, find out the most effective ways to divide your land, plant seeds, and harvest the produce.
- If there is a university in your city, find out if it has additional cooperative networks. The network's offices provide public education in many areas, including food processing and sourcing. Often the classes held or the information provided can be attended or obtained free of charge.
- Keep in mind that food crops grow seasonally. Berries can usually be harvested in the summer, while apple trees and legumes can be harvested in the fall. Meanwhile, green vegetables can usually be harvested all year round. Regardless of whether you source or grow your own food sources, make sure there are food sources that can be harvested year-round to maintain the nutritional balance of your diet.
Step 2. Look for food sources that grow wild
Picking up over-the-counter food sources that grow in your neighborhood can be a fun and eco-friendly way to spend your day and prepare meals. Even if you live in a suburban area, your neighbors may have crops such as fruit trees that produce more fruit than they need. Remember to always ask the plant owner's permission before you pick up the fruit.
- Avoid picking nuts or fruits that have signs such as plant parts that have been partially eaten by animals, fallen from trees and exposed (e.g. split apples), or partially rotted, as there may be growth of harmful bacteria at these sources. the food source.
- Do not pick green vegetables or other plants that grow near busy streets, or factory areas. It is possible that the waste or pollution generated by motor vehicles or factories has contaminated these plants. Therefore, look for food sources in rural areas or areas that are not much developed and far from motor vehicles, industry, and technology.
- Don't eat anything you don't recognize. If you're not sure if the type of plant you've found is dangerous, it's best not to pick it.
Step 3. Ask for leftovers at shops, markets, and restaurants in your city
Many grocery stores and restaurants just throw away leftover or unnecessary food, including expired foods that can still be eaten. Ask the store or restaurant manager about the policy on disposing of these foods. You can also ask sellers at the market if they have leftovers you can take home.
- Be careful with products such as meat, dairy products, and eggs. These products are at a higher risk of developing bacteria and causing food poisoning.
- Independent and family-run shops may be of more help to you than larger outlets, although there are some well-known convenience stores that can provide leftovers for free.
- Spread information about you in your community. Within a year, many families waste large sums of money on food that is ultimately inedible. Try placing a flyer at the community center in your city about yourself and your views on living without money. Chances are there will be lots of people who are happy to give you fruit, vegetables, or other dry foods.
Step 4. Barter for food
Bartering or haggling for food can be a great way to negotiate prices, increase your variety of food, and trade items you no longer want for more useful items.
- Check what you can exchange. Do you grow vegetables that your neighbors don't grow? Do you have the skills that people around you need? Try using potatoes you grow yourself and berries you pick yourself, or skills in painting fences or babysitting, and your experience taking dogs for walks in exchange for fruit you didn't grow or pick yourself.
- Keep in mind that in successful negotiations, both parties benefit. When asking for something, make sure you make a reasonable request. Think back to whether looking after a child or baby for an hour makes you eligible for 4.5 pounds of apples, or would it be fairer to pay for your services with just 2.25 kilograms of apples?
Step 5. Grow your own food sources
Gardening can be an option that helps you save money and, personally, meet your food needs from your own land and business. Even if you live in an urban area or in the suburbs, you can still grow fruits and vegetables. While you can't live entirely on food sources that you grow yourself, vegetables and fruit that you harvest yourself will be much healthier and cheaper than those that you buy in stores.
- Find out what plants are best suited to grow where you live. The easiest way to find out what plants do best in your area is to visit a farm in your area, or talk to someone who owns a vegetable or fruit garden. Differences in climate and soil significantly affect what crops (both fruits and vegetables) can grow optimally in different areas.
- Build a greenhouse! Using large plastic bags attached to wooden frames, you can grow crops that are weather-resistant, such as potatoes, brussels sprouts, and radishes, in cold climates, even when snow covers the ground in your yard.
- Ask your neighbors if they are interested in sharing their land for gardening. Sharing the energy and time it takes to care for your crops, in exchange for more land and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables is a great way to diversify your food sources, reduce workload, and build kinship with your neighbors.
Step 6. Start collecting compost for your garden near your home
Food that is no longer edible can still be used as compost for your soil. That way, your soil will become more fertile, making it good for the growth of fruit, vegetable and grain crops.
Method 4 of 5: Providing Other Needs
Step 1. Learn to barter
Many internet communities, such as Freegle, Freecycle, and Streetbank, offer a list of skilled goods and services that you can get for free. Sometimes, the goods or services offered are things that the owner just wants to give for free. In addition, you can also find people who are willing to exchange their goods for the services of your expertise.
- Look for items you no longer use. What you throw away may become the item someone else is looking for. Therefore, instead of selling your old shoes or watches on sales sites, or throwing them away, try using them in exchange for the goods or services you need.
- Keep in mind that you can also exchange services. If you need a home improvement, see if you can trade your time or expertise for a home improvement service that someone else can provide.
Step 2. Provide your own bathroom necessities
You can grow soapwort plants in your garden to use as organic soaps and shampoos. For homemade natural toothpaste, you can make it using baking soda or even real salt.
Step 3. Look for the items you need in the large trash can
There are a lot of things that are just thrown away, but they can be useful to help you live without money.
- Many shops and restaurants throw away leftover food. It's a good idea not to eat foods that contain meat, dairy products, shellfish, or eggs. In addition, you should also not take food that smells bad or strange. Foods such as bread, canned goods, and packaged products such as chips can usually be consumed safely. However, make sure the products are well packaged and not dented, torn, or bulging.
- Be careful because in the trash can there are many dangerous things such as broken glass, mice, and even biological waste. If you want to find something in the trash, make sure you prepare yourself by wearing rubber boots and gloves, and bringing a flashlight.
- Do not search for items in prohibited places or the like. Besides being illegal, it's certainly not fun if you have to be stopped or even arrested while doing a search.
Step 4. Hold an exchange event in your neighborhood
If you have items that you no longer use, try holding an exchange night in your neighborhood. Invite your friends and neighbors and ask them to bring things they no longer want (in general, no longer needed or used). You can spread the word about the night of the exchange through flyers or posts on sites like Craigslist, Facebook, and other social media sites.
Exchange nights can be a fun way to get rid of items like baby clothes that your child no longer fits or toys that no longer play with. You can also swap books you've read for new ones you haven't read, or swap leftover linens and towels for things you need more
Step 5. Make your own clothes
Barter for sewing kits and fabrics, and trade items for a few free sewing lessons. You can search for worn, but still usable, clothes, towels and sheets to use as fabric. In addition, fabric stores and craft stores may also have fabric scraps that they can give away for free.
Repair holes, torn parts, and wear on your clothes. Save scraps of leftover fabric from unused clothes to use as patches if you need to
Step 6. Have a skill exchange
Bartering is not only done to get goods and services. Create skill-sharing groups in your neighborhood so people can teach others the skills they know and learn other skills they don't know. This activity can be a fun way to socialize and make friends, without spending money.
Method 5 of 5: Planning Your Transportation
Step 1. Sell or exchange your car
You can't have a car without using money, unless you know a mechanic who accepts exchange or barter for goods as payment for his services, and a gas station owner who allows you to work there for free gas.
Find out information about the ride-hailing community or group. If you absolutely must own a car, some areas offer incentive funds if you give someone else a ride. You can also keep driving to work, and someone else who's hitchhiking will help pay for your gas and car maintenance costs
Step 2. Ask your neighbors or friends for a ride
Many people travel daily to work, school and other places. If you hitch a ride with someone else, give them a free meal or favor as a thank you for letting you hitch a ride.
- In Indonesia, the Nebengers service site can help you find free rides and car-sharing options in your city.
- Hitching a ride can also be an option for traveling if you need to travel long distances. However, you should still be careful. Riding on someone else may be dangerous, especially if you are traveling alone.
Step 3. Own a bike
If you need to travel longer distances each day, and you can't do it on foot, cycling can be a faster and more environmentally friendly option. In addition, cycling also helps to keep your body fit!
Install baskets on the front and back of your bike to make it easier for you to carry food and other items
Step 4. Keep your body in good condition
Walking is the easiest and most accessible transportation option, and it doesn't cost much. With a healthy body and maintained body fluids, you can walk as far as 32 kilometers in one day, without experiencing cramps. However, in order to walk that distance, you need the right shoes, as well as water and food to keep your body energized.
Have a backup contingency plan in case you have to walk in cold weather. A small snowfall can turn instantly into a blizzard, and if you've walked a few kilometers from home, it can become an emergency. So it's a good idea to go with your friends, or make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back
Tips
- Start this lifestyle slowly. It is likely to be difficult for someone who is used to paying rent for an apartment, buying clothes, driving a car, and having a standard job from morning to evening to change his lifestyle to one without money in a short period of time. Start by focusing on emotional and entertainment needs that don't require you to spend money. Try to spend your time with friends outside the house instead of eating at a restaurant, or going for a walk instead of shopping, and so on.
- Stay with people who agree with you. Having a money-free lifestyle will be easier to do if you do it with a lot of people. That way, you can share the work. In addition, certain skills can be combined and problems can be solved together. Regardless of whether you're going to live with a particular community, or form a group of friends who share similar interests and ambitions, being able to share your experiences as a consumer who spends no money at all can be an emotional satisfaction in itself and, of course, rewarding.
- Move to a place with a warmer climate. It will be easier for you to grow crops, garden, live outdoors, and in a simple home that you build yourself if you live in a place with moderate temperatures and not much change.
Warning
- Periodically evaluate your nutritional intake to ensure that you are eating a balanced diet and keeping your body healthy.
- If you live with children or the elderly, keep in mind that they will be more susceptible to illness caused by food poisoning, extreme temperature conditions, and fatigue from physical activity. Don't put them in an unsafe situation.
- Be careful. Riding, living in the great outdoors, and walking alone over long distances have the potential to put your safety at risk. Therefore, learn the best ways to keep yourself safe.
