Being a minimalist currently isn’t popular. Yes, I understand that minimalism was originally an art and design movement in the 1960s, yet it has also been used to describe a lifestyle that doesn’t rely on quantity in order to achieve satisfaction. Many people don’t take the time to evaluate their position in the minimalism hierarchy; mainly because their brain is cluttered with an automated inventory of all of their earthly possessions. You would think that a recession, itself, would be motivating enough to seek the solace of material introspection, alas it generally is not. 

So what does the trick? What will cause you to see the ridiculousness of our cultures subliminal obsession with collection? For me, it was cleaning out my garage on a cool August day. The end result was a clean garage, full trash cans, and an appreciation of a lesson learned.

I have a lot of crap. This not being a Gastrointestinal blog, I think you know that I mean, “I have a tremendous amount of stuff that I don’t need or want.” This was epitomized by the cooler filled with Thank You notes and golf tees. The irony. 

I urge you strongly to employ some sort of strategy with the purpose of discovery your place on the hording spectrum. You will de-clutter your life, your mind, and your spirit. 

About Green Candyâ„¢

Green Candy™ (www.GreenCandy.com) is an online financial assessment tool that helps Gen Y-ers and Millennials get on the right financial track before the “debt hits the fan.” Introduced by radio personality, comedian and financial expert Pete the Planner (www.PeteThePlanner.com), Green Candy’s ™ various “pods” allow users to assess their financial health and competency in common areas such as Debt, Budgeting, Investing, Charity, Risk Management and Major Purchases, as well as in areas unique to Gen Y. A subsequent series of targeted worksheets, podcasts, tip sheets, and action plans guides them to the financial promise land. Green Candy™: Get in control before the debt hits the fan.

About Pete the Planner

Pete the Planner (www.PeteThePlanner.com) is expert financial planner Peter Dunn’s super-saving alter ego. Peter is an award-winning comedian and rising star in the financial world. Named one of “Indy’s Best and Brightest” in finance in 2007 by KPMG, Peter was also declared one of NUVO magazine’s “30 under 30 to Watch in the Arts” for comedy. Peter is the author of What Your Dad Never Taught You About Budgeting (2006) and is the host of the popular radio show Skills Your Dad Never Taught You on News Talk 1430 (WXNT). He blogs regularly at www.petetheplanner.com/blog. Pete appears regularly on Fox News and Fox Business as well as various CBS stations. His newest book, 60 Days to Change, is due out in September.