Comments on: How to Buy Nothing

on 10/20/2007 As a dematerialist we would concur -plato
http://platospages.googlepages.com/hahaiga

on 10/20/2007 As a dematerialist we would concur -plato
http://platospages.googlepages.com/hahaiga

on 9/26/2007 In order to take satisfaction from money saved, try tracking your monthly or quarterly total savings (or net worth) in a spreadsheet, perhaps using Excel. Make a graph. Watch the curve of that graph over time. Ideally it will go up most months. If it does not, examine what purchases or changes to income affected your total. Think about what could make the graph go up faster. However, remember that financial worth is not the same as happiness; the best things in life are and always will be free. But financial stress is also definitely not the same as happiness.

on 9/26/2007 remember that "Savers will be Loosers",dont'put your money in a saving account.With inflation running between 4 to 9 percent per year you will loose anyway.
Instead,invest in inflation protected assets like gold, or even try stock market (like oil or solar energy companies)but be careful!!!

on 9/26/2007 Your step 5 is incorrect. Section 1031 of the internal revenue code allows for like kind exchanges. Exchanges of assets for services are not like-kind. Be careful - the IRS has "blown-up" several of these barter clubs. Even though no cash exchanges hands doesn't mean the transaction is tax-free.

on 10/30/2007 Here you can buy nothing: http://www.nothingforsalesite.com/

on 4/3/2006 Happiness is not having what you want but wanting what you have.

on 3/2/2006 Any form of contempt for anyone for any behavior, is wrong. Get over yourself. Saving and learning to live minimalistically is very good. So is the self discipline required for such a lifestyle. But there are extremes.

on 12/30/2005 One must not be contemptuous of those who are in the mental prison of having to buy something to be something. However, we should realize that they are a slave to consumerism, and have mercy for their addiction.

on 12/30/2005 Be sure to splurge every once in a while on that one special item at that store that you wish that you could shop in. Those items end up being the ones you use the most!

on 11/22/2005 Bartering is taxable. Be careful, so you are not responsible for back taxes and penalties.
See http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc420.html