A Minimal Wallet

There’s something quietly satisfying about holding a wallet that doesn’t bulge like a stuffed sausage. Mine is a slim Pokémon-themed number — a little bit nostalgic, a little bit cheeky, and honestly, just the right size for what I actually need. Over the last decade, minimalism has helped me cut down not just what’s in my wallet but also how I spend my money and, more importantly, how I spend my time.

Minimalism didn’t just sneak into my life; it showed up when I was searching for something more—something easier. Over ten years ago, I devoured minimalist books (mostly audio because, hey, multitasking) and started decluttering stuff I’d held onto for years. It felt like clearing space in my life and my wallet at the same time.

Shrinking the Wallet: How I Changed My Spending

One of the first big changes I made was ditching loyalty cards. Sounds small, but goodbye to the physical reminders nudging me towards spending at Nero, Costa, Tesco, or Co-op. Without those cards staring back at me, my wallet literally shrunk by about 60%. Now, it’s just a handful of cards and my ID tucked inside that Pokémon wallet I mentioned. A simple change like this saved me from unnecessary spending—and that’s the heart of minimalism for my money.

How Minimalism Showed Up in My Life (And Why It Stayed)

Minimalism isn’t just about having fewer things — it’s about creating space to focus on what matters. I still have a PS1 and games I love — not because I’m failing at decluttering, but because they spark something meaningful. The difference now is that I’m intentional. This simplicity has allowed me to focus on what truly matters and helped me streamline how I live.

Take finances: we keep it simple. A joint account for shared expenses, a personal account with a set “allowance” for guilt-free spending, and low-cost index funds for investing — no chasing trends, no stress.

Back to the physical side of things — everything I keep has a reason. And everything I let go of gives me more room:

• Mentally — I don’t overthink decisions; my money moves where I want it to, and my routines feel lighter.
• Physically — I can find what I need without digging through clutter.
• Emotionally and financially — I spend less, and when I do, it’s on better-quality things.

All of this adds up to what matters most: like taking a walk to the local park with the little one. That moment when their legs start shaking with excitement at the sight of the swings — that’s the kind of richness I want to make space for.

Financial Wins: How My Bank Balance Improved

Since embracing minimalism, my bills have dropped by around 20%, and my everyday spending is down by 20-30%. That’s not because I’m pinching pennies constantly, but because I’m more intentional. For example, I needed new shorts — those with holes had to go! If I was not happy with the shorts the first time around, I might have bought 3, 4, 5 pairs. But the two I got have lasted 3 years plus, and I know they fit and suit me. This also helps me avoid window shopping as I’m not looking for the next best shorts, and the bonus is no impulsive buys.

Spending with Intention: Choosing What Really Matters

Minimalism taught me to ask, “Do I actually need this?” instead of “Would this be nice?” It’s about quality over quantity. And when I do splurge, it’s guilt-free. Like recently, I treated myself to a fancy kombucha in ginger elderflower. Yes, please! This may sound odd but I LOVE trying random drinks — no idea why, but I love can designs, different tastes, how there are different cans in different countries (looking at you BOSS coffee in Japan — it was hot)!

The best part? Minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It’s about freedom — the freedom to spend where it counts and to let go of things that don’t serve you anymore. That means I don’t feel bad about the odd fancy drink or the nostalgic items I’m still holding on to.

Technology and Slowing Down in a Fast World

Minimalism also nudged me to slow down with technology. My family’s approach has always been about making do, checking what’s really needed, and finding the simplest way to get things done. I spend less on new gadgets and more on being present with loved ones — and that’s priceless. My favourite “make do” has always been my mother — she has repaired her favourite curtain around 3 times over 20 years. This includes swapping broken strings or trying the latest peg system to keep them held up. This kind of thinking is about looking at problems and finding solutions.

In my own life, this has helped my wallet. My phone is perfectly functional, but I was getting irritated and wanted a new one. Here’s where slowing down came in. Instead of a new phone, I got a new case — a nice clear one with a Growlithe sticker that makes me smile every time I see it.

The Ongoing Challenge of Letting Go

It’s not all smooth sailing. Letting go of old tech, holey T-shirts, and beloved consoles is still hard — not because I need them, but because they hold memories, identity, comfort. Some days I’m ready to declutter with gusto. Other days, I just want to keep my PS1 and quietly pretend the T-shirt isn’t falling apart.

But minimalism reminds me: it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real. And being real means allowing space for the things that matter — and the time it takes to decide what those are.

What helps? Audiobooks. The Minimalists, Marie Kondo — their voices have been in my ears for years now, gently nudging me forward. They remind me that this process isn’t about ruthlessness — it’s about rhythm. Each time I let something go, I get a little more space: in my home, in my head, and yes, in my wallet.

Gentle Questions for the Road: Reflecting on Minimalism and Money

Right now, I’m still working on letting go of some tech and nostalgic items. But overall, minimalism has helped me spend less, slow down, and focus on what truly matters. Here’s where I leave you with some gentle questions:

• What’s one thing in your wallet or spending habits that you could simplify to make life easier?
• How does your spending reflect what you truly value?
• Are there any possessions you’re holding on to that no longer serve you but feel hard to let go of?

Minimalism isn’t a checklist or a finish line — it’s a way to find space for what’s really important, both in your wallet and your life.