7 Things I Don’t Regret Spending Money on as a Minimalist

Recently, I read about an extreme minimalist who lives with just 44 items. The article disclosed everything he owned.

Scrolling through his punctuated possession list was inspiring—a stark reminder that we need much less than we think to be happy. 

It was also intriguing.

At first, I couldn’t believe he managed to live with just two pairs of underwear. But my curiosity grew as I read some of the 44 items he considered essential:

Tea strainer and refillable bag of loose-leaf tea.

Notebook and pen.

Lavender essential oil for relaxation.

His possessions depicted who he was. By looking at his list, I instantly knew a bit about his personality and what he deemed important. 

Not all minimalists own the same number of things (with five kids, a life of 44 items isn’t what I’m called to… I could well surpass that number with a pack of diapers). But, all minimalists are intentional about what they own and purchase.

The deeper I’ve journeyed into minimalist living, the more intentional and purposeful my purchasing behavior has become. What I spend money on now communicates what I value and supports my life.

Here are 7 things I don’t regret spending money on as a minimalist:

1. Travel

Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Not only does travel open our eyes to different ways of life, but it is rich for learning opportunities. After a trip to Florida, our seven-year-old daughter asked for books about hurricanes (after hearing about Helene) and clouds (after flying through them). 

Travel also gives you a new perspective on life at home. Stepping away from our daily routines in a new place allows for an “outside-looking-in” viewpoint. On the Florida trip, I realized our lives back home were too scheduled, and I needed to drop two commitments to allow for more margin in our lives. 

2. Stress reduction

While I do own lavender oil, like the extreme minimalist from the article, magnesium supplements are my go-to for stress relief and better sleep.

Truth is, 80% of the population has low energy, anxiety, depression, or problems sleeping due to magnesium deficiency (it’s almost impossible to get enough magnesium from food these days). 

Supplementing with magnesium makes me feel noticeably more grounded, present and calm during the day, and I’ve seen marked improvements in my sleep. 

The supplement I use for sleep is BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough. (Enter the code “Minimalist” at check out for a discount). It’s the only thing I’ve found to stop postpartum insomnia, and it helps me fall right back to sleep after nightly baby feeds.

Our bodies need seven forms of magnesium, and this one had all seven. I happily buy this supplement monthly because I’ve found that an investment in my health (especially my sleep) is an investment in everyone around me.

3. Causes I’m passionate about

Less random spending means more freedom to support causes that I’m passionate about. Knowing our money is being used to change lives instead of being used to accumulate stuff we don’t actually need is a wonderful feeling. 

Personally, my heart is drawn toward supporting underprivileged kids. Non-profits like Unbound, The Hope Effect, and ChildFund do just that.

Also, our purchasing habits can have a ripple effect on others. For example, 2.2 billion people lack access to save drinking water. Yet, the amount of water used in apparel production each year is enough to fill thirty-two million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Spending money on causes I’m passionate about instead of things like fast fashion has been a life-giving trade off.

4. Teva sandals

As a minimalist, I own five pairs of shoes. (You don’t have to! I choose to because it supports my lifestyle. Remember, minimalism isn’t about counting the number of things you own).

I own running shoes, Toms sneakers, tan boots, dress flats and… my Teva sandals. I live in these sandals most of the year, and wear them with dresses, workout clothes, jeans—basically with everything in my closet. I’m wearing them as I write this. My current pair is over three years old, and the Velcro is starting to fail in places. I’ll happily purchase a new pair next summer.

5. Baking ingredients

While I’m not much of a cook, I could bake any day and every day. And often do. Baking is a creative outlet for my children and me. It’s a time of connection and fun. We turn on music, we dance, we eat spoonfuls of dough. Our kids love it and request it (even our two-year-old daughter asks, “Me bake wif you, Mommy?”).

We keep our baking simple and dairy/gluten free because of allergies. A Costco-size bag of oats and dates are our go-to bases for all types of recipes. And I happily buy them weekly. 

6. Self-growth

As I said above, I’m a firm believer that any investment in yourself is an investment in those around you. Working to understand yourself (from what motivates you to what triggers you and why) helps you be more present and available to those who count on you daily. I’ve invested in everything from decluttering courses to healing retreats to therapy.

I’ve learned how to declutter my self-talk, process big emotions, overcome comparison, and quiet my mind. That doesn’t mean I achieve this daily—we’re all still works in progress and always will be—but the tools I’ve learned along the journey are invaluable. I intentionally teach these tools to my kids and know their lives will be better because of my investment in myself. 

7. Local nature center passes

Nature has healing and energizing effects that little else does.

“We don’t experience natural environments enough to realize how restored they can make us feel, nor are we aware that studies also show they make us healthier, more creative, more empathetic and more apt to engage with the world and with each other,” writes Florence Willams in her book The Nature Fix.

A minimalist lifestyle supports spending more time outdoors (less cleaning and picking up stuff indoors leaves more time for outdoor adventure). We live five minutes from our local arboretum, visit frequently, and plan to continue these outings.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you’ve whittled your possessions down to just 44 items or you’re just starting out on your minimalism journey, looking at your purchases and possessions through the lens of intentionality is the way to go.

Being rich, after all, isn’t about filling life with material possessions, but instead living a life full of what makes you come alive.  

Align your spending with your values, and you’ll curate a life that does just that.

***

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist. Her online projects on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached over 50 million people worldwide. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home where she lives with her husband and their five children. You can also find her on Instagram and Facebook.

P.S. You can now find my new book Declutter Your Heart and Your Home: How a Minimalist Life Yields Maximum Joy everywhere books are sold!