An Unexpected Benefit of Minimalism - Our RV Journey - Summer Trip - Day 12

When I went to the store the other day, we picked up a few items. I reflected on each purchase - wondering do we actually need this item? I also wondered what do we have the space for? I can’t really put too much more in the camper – mostly food or a replacement item (if that was needed, it would be minimal). That’s an exciting thought! We have our clothes. The kids will both need bathing suits come swimming time. Aside from that I can’t really think of too much else.

We are working on the outside of our campsite. We do have a small wish list of items, however we only have so much space. We don’t want to junk things up out there, so we are carefully deliberating those items.

An additional, unexpected benefit of living in the RV with limited space, needs and wants is we should be saving money this summer! Other than gas or food, I can’t think of any additional spending. My daughter wants to participate in a 1 week camp. We all have plenty of recreational activities that are low to no cost. We are keeping our bodies moving and our minds stimulated. We are learning new skills, catching up with old friends and making new friends.

~ Happy Camper

Making Changes: Auto Insurance

I was on a quest to review our current insurances and save money. I have been a loyal customer with one auto carrier for 20 years. That's not to say I've never shopped around. I frequent shop around to save money. After being with one company for such a long time, I haven't been able to get a better rate. My friend had mentioned that she gets a better rate with another company. So I've been looking into it. I got some good online quotes from them. Although I did have to put some information into their website, I was pleased with the results. It also provided the opportunity for me to change some of the coverages to see what the differences would be in cost. Something I've never had a chance to do before.
I obtained these quotes a few months ago and I was pleased so I followed up by phone to get a quote with the same company for homeowner's insurance. Well after giving them all of this great information, I was put on hold waiting for a quote.....the associate came back on and said she could not offer me a quote as I was too close to the water! Hmmm, a little bummed about that. I left the insurance idea alone for a bit.
My quest resurfaced as our auto policy came do. I did the quotes again for auto and took them with my current policy into my agent. We talked for quite some time and went over several figures. He expressed gratitude to me for coming in and addressing this with me, then seemed determined to get me a lower rate. Well, it turns out, he couldn't get me a better rate.
A week later, I got a bill in the mail for a $20 increase!
So that was it, I called the other insurer, finished my quote and got a new policy! Free after 20 years! I am going to save $146.30 every 6 months. Hubby figured that out to be 39% savings. We are happy and we'll have the same coverage.

Shopping with the Kids

Simplifying my life has for the most part saved me money. That was an added bonus....or maybe the two work together hand in hand. When I first started simplifying, my children were young and we were on one income. I decided to stay home and raise my children. I evolved to become a Work at Home Mom and a Home Manager!

When my children were really young, we did not go out a lot. I hear other Moms talk about taking the kids out shopping. Shopping really never "worked" for us, at least not on a regular basis. Every once in a while I would meet my Mom halfway with my baby or later with my kids. We'd have lunch and have an errand to run at a store afterwards. That's about it.

So staying out of the stores or malls has saved us money. If I'm not there, the kids can't ask for it and I can't spend any money. Tip I heard long ago, if you are trying to save money, stay out of the stores!

At this point in time, we go shopping once a week. We food shop and pick up any other things we may need at that same store. Is this saving me money? It is for me. It's saving me money and time; it's definitely simplifying things for me. I rarely comparison shop though now. So I may be losing money there. I think in the long run you have to look at what is best for you. Simplifying and saving time are priorities for me