I want to give an overview about my ERE-lifestyle with cost influencing topics.
In some of my next posts, I am going to show my 12-month average rolling cost. Then you can compare a bit and have a reference. I think the list of my ERE-lifestyle is mainly for ERE-newbies to give an overview and inspiration. But all feedback is appreciated!
Housing:
- I live in my own apartement outside of a city
- On average I use my dish washer every 3 three weeks, when all plates are used
- On average I use my washing machine every 3 three weeks
- I don't have a dryer
- There is a fridge in my kitchen, but I don't use it. I store food in the cellar or on the balcony
- Very seldomly I use heating when it is cold outside
- I use sunlight as much as possible for activities that need light, e.g. reading a book, ...
- Therefore I use my laptop and TV mostly in the mornings or evenings when it is darker
- I only switch the light on in the room if I am in there
- My average electric power consumption is about 200kwh (no heating or hot water included)
- I try to reduce my water usage as much as possible
Mobility:
- I don't have a car. I commute by bike to work (one way 15km)
- In January and February, when it is really cold and snowy, I use public transportation
Food:
- I eat a wholesome, plantbased diet (very seldomly I eat meat or cheese...)
- I buy fresh food regurlarly
- I only drink tap water or most of the time green tea
- I buy my green tea in whole leaves in big bags (1kg)
- Most of the food (beside fresh one) I buy in bulk
- I optimized my recipes that I only need one pan/pot for cooking
- I do intermittent fasting, which means I only eat for lunch and dinner (no breakfast and no snacks)
- I don't buy sweets in the supermarket because I don't eat any, because of the sugar
Leisure:
- I use a internet connection
- My mobile phone contract is flexible. I only pay what I use
- I borrow books and magazines from the library
- Very seldomly I buy books. When I buy, I try to buy used ones
- I don't subsribe any newspaper. I avoid news as much as possible.
- I don't buy any movies and I don't go into the cinema. Instead I wait till they are shown in the free TV. (but I don't have pay-TV)
- Very seldomly I buy a series, which really interest me
- I have bought my favourite music, therefore I don't subscribe or stream any music flatrate
- I do: reading, mountainbiking, writing, journaling, exercices at home, meditating, watching movies in TV, watching series on DVD, internet, hiking, visiting family and friends
- I don't go to cafes and I don't buy snacks or drinks to go
- I don't go to clubs any more and very seldomly to bars
- I very seldomly go to restaurants or buy street/fast food
Personal Finances:
- I have three insurances: life, accident and travel
- My bank account doesn't cost me anything
- I don't have any mortgages, loans, credits and I don't want any of it ever
Buying things, gadgets, electronics:
- I buy high quality and durable shoes and clothing, which I wear around 5-10 years
- I use my laptop and smartphone for about 3-5 years. Then I try to buy used ones again.
- I plug off / switch off every electronic gadget in my apartement when I don't use it. (never standby)
- My apartement and facility is based on the principle "as simple and (multi)functional as possible"
- If something breaks down, I try to repair it first
- I don't go shopping and I try to avoid advertisements (especially in TV) as much as possible
- If I can browse or watch something on my smartphone instead on my laptop I do it, because of the less electric power consumption
Other:
- I cut my hair by myself
The many "I don't"s seem very restrictive, but because of my ERE-lifestyle I feel very free and independent. Of course you understand, but I wanted it to say for new ERE members. As Jacob stated many times it is possible to live with almost the same quality of life, but with a fraction of the average household expenses in a country. I have understood and learned that it is possible by using System-Thinking, Web-of-Goals, ... It is so liberating...
Thank you Jacob!