In this era of consumerism, many people pursue high-paying jobs, luxury brands, and material comforts. However, I chose a different way of life—a budget-conscious life, and I found that this life brought me no less satisfaction than the short-term pleasures that money could bring.
For many years, instead of working a 9-to-5 job, I chose a more leisurely pace of life. This meant that I didn't have a steady source of income and had to learn how to live on a limited budget. I started looking for ways to save money in every way: when it came to eating, I gave up the habit of eating out often. Walking into a restaurant, a meal can easily cost a few hundred yuan, and cooking by yourself is not only healthy, but also saves a lot of money. The kitchen has become my new testing ground, where I try out various recipes and enjoy the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with cooking.
In terms of wearing, I no longer pursue expensive brands and fashion items. Simple clothes and comfortable canvas bags have become my daily choices. Not only does this reduce unnecessary expenses, but it also makes my wardrobe more eco-friendly.
In terms of use, I adhere to the principle of "less is more". I only choose the basic functions for each item, because complex functions often mean more expenses and possibly idleness. Just like the ceiling lamp in my study, faced with the choice of smart luxury version and simple basic version, I did not hesitate to choose the latter. This not only saves my budget, but also meets my actual needs.
In day-to-day life, shopping becomes a game. But it's a game that needs to be followed by rules: I consider it a success only if the purchase meets the rules of the game I set. My needs had to be met and at the same time cost-effective. I believe that true financial freedom is not about having unlimited spending power, but about having enough.
One might ask: What is financial freedom? Is it really the more the freer? I think when you have enough resources to meet your basic needs and a few small desires, you have freedom. Because freedom is not about having much, it's about having enough.
My lifestyle may be different from most, but the satisfaction and peace I feel inside me is real. I enjoyed every minute of my calculations, because I knew that this was my own financial freedom. In this fast-paced world, I chose to slow down and savor every detail of life. This kind of life is the most beautiful for me.