Many years ago, a financial advisor asked my wife and me to take part in a financial diet. She wanted us to track all our expenses for one month. During the month, we also had to ask this question each time we went to buy something: Do you need to make this purchase to live?

At the end of the month, we compared our spending from the previous month with that of the financial diet. What a shock. We were making purchases on things that we didn’t need (and sometimes even want).

We found old monthly services that were being charged to our credit card that we no longer needed, and we saw how we wasted money on frivolous expenses.

Over the years, I’ve seen many other parallels to a financial diet and how it affects friends and family. As I write this, I’m still in the sheltering at home during the Coronavirus pandemic. Since many businesses are closed and people are sheltering at home, our expenses on eating out, entertainment items, and many other expenses are on hold.

Now is a good time to reflect and look at what we’re not spending our money on but also our time.

To simplify one’s life is to reflect on what’s working for us during the day-to-day and cast off any activities that aren’t bringing us joy.

But there’s a deeper issue here: As an American, I see how so many of us use food, drugs (both legal and illegal prescriptions), alcohol, and other items to try and fill a void within us.

How many times have you seen a friend or family member try to “buy” themselves happiness? They’re sad, upset, and go and spend money. It’s the American way for many.

Maybe you’re not having an issue with overspending, eating, or drinking, but taking time to reflect on simplifying your life can help you review what’s been healthy for you and what isn’t.

It’s easy to say, “I won’t watch TV all night,” but it’s hard to break a bad habit.

What level of comfort each of us has on how we spend money or our time is different as it depends on our individual preferences.

When you go through your day, think about simplicity, and what makes you happy and centered.

Name those and include them in your life.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.