How Will I Cope?: The Financial Side of Downshifting.
By Sally Lever
1. How much money do I need in order to downshift?
You would need to have an income of some form that is higher than your living costs. If your downshifting plans involve quitting your job and having some time out, either between jobs or in order to start your own business, then it would be wise to reduce your living costs and have some money put aside in savings to cover for that while your income is reduced. Money experts tend to recommend a sum equivalent to 6 months’ income.
2. Can anyone downshift?
Most people can. Downshifting by definition means trading a high standard of living and low (often highly stressful) quality of life for a higher quality of life. A downshifted life is a simpler life and often richer in time rather than in money. So, in order to downshift, one needs to have some money to spare at first. This might not necessarily be a lump sum in the bank. It might be equity tied up in your home or other possessions that you could sell. Downshifting might then involve moving to a smaller home or a similar home in a less expensive area or selling some of your possessions.
3. What if I am in debt?
If you are in debt then this is an issue you will probably want to tackle as a matter of urgency. Living frugally and downshifting your lifestyle may well form part of your plans for lifting yourself out of debt. It can be a very satisfying way to decrease your living costs without feeling that you are depriving yourself.
4. How does anyone manage to live on less?
There are many pressures on us in Western Society to consume. Whilst we continually expose ourselves to this through television, newspapers and magazines, we can easily form the opinion that we have to keep acquiring more and succeeding more in order to be accepted. Here are a few simple things to try for one week to demonstrate to yourself that you can reduce your costs and change your money spending activities:
- have a week that is media-free i.e. no television, radio, newspapers or magazines and notice how you are less tempted to spend money on what you feel you “ought to have.”
- Stay away from supermarkets. Buy your food only from local independent retailers or farms. Notice how much less you spend on food now that you have to work a little harder to get it and that you are less tempted to impulse buy.
- No eating out or takeaways. If you feel like having a food treat, make yourself a special candle-lit dinner.
- Put your credit cards away and only buy what you can afford in your current account. Better still, take an amount of cash out of the bank that is your budget for the whole week and only spend that. Notice how much more aware you are of how you are spending your money.
If you don’t think you can manage all of those at one time, then try each of them in turn for a week.
5. Does downshifting always involve living on less?
It usually does to begin with. Ironically, in the longer term some downshifters earn more money, or have a higher level of disposable income, having reduced their costs and found a way of earning money that is more aligned with their values.
6. Isn’t it selfish?
It isn’t selfish to want to be the best you can be. Ultimately others will benefit when you live in a way that is in alignment with your values and passions. There are diplomatic and considerate ways to express your wishes to your nearest and dearest (see my article “How to tell your other half that you’re leaving the Rat Race” on the articles page of my website.)
7. Won’t I be plunged into poverty?
There is an important difference between poverty and frugal simplicity. Poverty is involuntary and disabling whereas frugal simplicity is voluntary and empowering. In my personal experience, the key to finding the right way for you is to stay assertive, focussed and informed in everything you do on the downshifting path.
8. Is it a one-way ticket?
This will depend on your confidence in your ability to:
- earn money when necessary
- stay flexible and learn from your mistakes
- continue learning new skills
Keep in mind that there are many possibilities for how you can live you life in simplicity and in alignment with your true nature. And, you’re allowed to try out as many of those possibilities as you like.
Have fun exploring the potentialities. :o)
Suggested Further Reading
Your Money or Your Life – Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
© Sally Lever 2006 www.sallylever.co.uk
Sally Lever is a Sustainable Living Coach who specializes in supporting and inspiring those who are downshifting or otherwise moving towards a more sustainable way of life. She offers one-to-one coaching, teleclasses in “How to step off the Treadmill” and a free email newsletter.
This article was posted by Sally Lever
