Why it's so important to simplify our financial lives

The Covid-19 pandemic has spurred many to reassess their priorities in life and save more money

Living a more simple life has become a priority for many people as they look for ways to cut back on spending and save more. Getty Images

The pandemic has caused many people to reassess their priorities. There is talk of moving out of the city, simplifying life and saving more money.

“I’m not going to spend money like that anymore,” my millennial daughter told me recently, talking about past shopping sprees on handbags, jewellery and, yes, lattes. “Financial security is fun now.”

This from the same person who, until recently, has annually paid to upgrade to the latest version of smartphone ever since she purchased her first Juicy Couture Sidekick back in 2005.

But, as usual, my daughter alerted me to a growing trend.

In an annual survey, consumer research firm The Family Room identifies prevailing trends in more than 150 psychological drivers. Determining changing priorities from year to year helps to identify emotional hot spots among different age groups.

The latest results show dramatic shifts in attitudes, The Family Room says, including a 14 per cent increase over the previous year’s survey among parents in “making my life simpler and less complicated”.

Changes are happening in the way people save, too. Among US adults who say they developed new financial habits during the pandemic, 58 per cent said they plan to continue cutting back spending on “wants” in 2021, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. Many (36 per cent) plan to continue building up general savings, and 30 per cent will continue stashing money in emergency savings.

Here are some ideas for simplifying your life and morphing your money habits from carefree to careful.

The gift of prioritisation

Leo Babauta, 46, a writer in Southern California, is on a mission to help people “implement zen habits in daily life”. He believes the pandemic has given us the gift of prioritisation.

“When things are falling apart, it helps us realise what’s most important to us,” Mr Babauta says. “This will help us to simplify our lives as we move forward because simplicity really boils down to two steps: identify what is most important to you, and eliminate everything else.”

On Mr Babauta’s blog at ZenHabits.net, he chronicles a long list of life changes through the years: quitting smoking, paying off debt, losing weight and taking control of his finances.

He stopped living paycheque to paycheque by addressing the things that turn us to bad financial habits in the first place: fear, anxiety and stress. Mr Babauta says that the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked him to be even more focused on “taking care of myself, meditating, walking and getting rest”.

“If we’re shopping too much, it’s because we’re stressed,” he says. “If we avoid budgeting, it’s because it causes us anxiety. Breaking the cycle is about choosing better habits to deal with that stress, like going for a walk or making a list, and then creating accountability and support to do the new habit every day, instead of the old habit.”

Tracking spending is essential 

Simplifying life is a theme echoed by Richard Liu, 26, a marketing manager in Sydney, Australia.

“One of the ways I helped simplify my expenses is using a money tracking application. Since so many things are digital, making purchases online has been the norm, so being able to track spending is essential,” Mr Liu says. He keeps tabs on his expenses, investments and net worth.

Like so many other Covid-19 castaways, Mr Liu says he is saving money on transportation due to less commuting – and on food by doing more of his own cooking. He also found ways to prepare for a post-pandemic financial rebound.

These include trimming non-essential recurring expenses such as monthly subscriptions and gym memberships. Mr Liu says he made a list of them all. It’s possible you’ll find more than a couple you’ve either forgotten about or haven’t used in a while.

Another idea he looked at was to refinance existing debt while interest rates are low. A mortgage, student loans or personal loans are all candidates for rate improvements. Perhaps even your car loan.

Mr Liu also shopped for better deals on existing insurance policies. With people driving fewer kilometres, some vehicle insurance rates have fallen. Many insurers have even issued rebates to policyholders.

Mr Liu says he’s combining these money-saving ideas with another important money-making component: he’s been taking on additional freelance work to help make extra cash.

“I think it’s never been so important to create side income or develop new streams of money. More money means more savings, but also stability,” he says. “This has been my main focus and priority and will continue to be.”

• AP