[dcacaac]

I am not really a minimalist intentionally, but I'd guess that at least by amount spent I rank near the very bottom of HN posters. Over the last 3 years I have averaged about $300-400 USD per month, which includes rent and a yearly visa. I don't own a phone and I have no air conditioning, hot water, television, etc. I bike or walk everywhere -- no car or moto. I do own a computer and a 12$ per month internet connection, a set of speakers, a table, a home-made standing desk, and a mattress. My wife / room mate has a few things too, but she is similarly minimal. We share books and colored pencils, but beyond that it's just assorted small items. Even with our relatively small number of possessions though, moving apartments still seems daunting.

[loxs]

What country is this in? Your budged is more than or maybe comparable to most people's budget in my home country - Bulgaria. And they certainly don't get to sacrifice hot water and phone.

Please note that I'm not saying this in order to mock you. I'm genuinely interested (and practice to some extent, though nowhere close to you) in minimalist living and saving money.

[dcacaac]

In Cambodia, and yes, while my lifestyle seems minimalistic to me and to most expats here, I still live on about 3-4x what an average Cambodian does.

It's also been easier because I live in a bustling local neighborhood with a big market nearby, and Cambodia naturally has some of the best fruits and vegetables in the world. I haven't had to sacrifice at all on food, which is important to me. I do miss the clean air and open space that more affluent cities tend to have though.

[746F7475]

I don't get this new fad of 'not having a phone'

[kagamine]

I have 2 phones and I would happily have none. My work phone is basically a calendar and email with some time-wasting junk on it (games etc). My personal phone is an mp3 player and a phone, but the damn things drive me crazy because people always want an answer NOW! and the phones need charging every day, at least once.

I have now left a programming book in the bathroom because reading up on something useful is a much better use of the now shorter time spent there than playing to get to the next level/high score.

Phones now feel oppressive where once they felt amazing. I think of all the great artists that came before us and I wonder if we are 'missing' great music or art from the alternative timeline in which a generation is not wasting time on shooting birds at pigs.

[dcacaac]

It's not a fad for me. I didn't use a phone much in the US and I've never owned a smart phone. I only associate with people in my neighborhood and people online, so I really have no need.