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• Jeannie's "Crossover" (reaching financial independence)
• Besides Financial independence, what else is the goal?
• "Practical Wisdom" => things we can share with one another (about saving money/time/the environment...)
• Taming the "gremlins" and staying on (the simple living) track
• Clutter
• Insights on dealing with partners (on simplifying, financial independence...)
• Personal Priorities

Discussion began on dealing with partners who are less than enthusiastic about simplicity, doing the nine steps in the book Your Money Or Your Life, reaching a point where one no longer needs to accept pay for what they do... Several possibilities and examples where shared. Some couples keep finances separate, which allows one partner to pursue simplification independently (up to a point) of the other. Mike knows of a couple where one spouse reached financial independence (FI) first, with the other spouse anticipating to reach independence eighteen months later. A consensus evolved that being an example of action and results, could provide a strong positive influence a reluctant partner. What if a partner's reluctance is rooted from really enjoying their work, and not wanting to stop that work after reaching FI?? The group observed there certainly is nothing out of sorts with continuing to work and continuing to be paid for it upon reaching FI (this also led to discussion on "personal priorities").

Discussion then turned towards, "besides FI, what else is the goal?". Jeannie observed that an "uncertainty" about what to do next in life seems to emerge as an item/issue for several folks after reaching FI. The unprecedented freedom to pursue, literally anything one might like to do surfaces a new level of reality in general for FI'ers. Linda noted a similar experience. With FI anticipated this coming November, moving to Hamlin Lake in Michigan is no longer a dream for her and Mike-a "that would be nice to do", suddenly became, "we can really do this now". The reality of which raised the question, "Yes we can, but is this something we REALLY want to do?" Laura observed after being FI for the past two years, this freedom allows you to take on life on your own terms. Volunteer Hospice work helps Laura realize the shortness of life, illuminating the importance of seeking real fulfillment each and every day. Laura can pick clients/opportunities... as she finds that best bring fulfillment, happiness and completeness into her life. This is no longer something "that would be nice" for FI'ers, but a real reality. What really brings fulfillment and happiness into your life? With the biggest barrier you have had gone, needing to be paid for what you do, how do you find out what to do next?

This provided rich insights, observations and connections, which lead the group through the remainder of the meeting discussion items...

With regards to taming "the gremlins" and staying on track, Laura observed a simple yet powerful technique of asking yourself, "Why?" at least five times. Ask yourself, "why am I making this purchase", or "why am I continuing in a job that I don't like", or "why don't I like this job". Whatever answer comes to mind, ask yourself "why?" again. And again, and again. Jeannie observed you will reach the real answer when you ask "Why?" enough times -- "...it will become very apparent. You'll know it when you get there". Carole noted a similar realization when several items she had brought with her on a recent volunteer expedition became "clutter", ie, she never used them. Carole observed the most basic and simple things brought her much satisfaction and fulfillment during the trip. She began asking why this was so, and immediately began gaining new insights and understanding. Through a series of internal questioning, Mike realized the ONLY reason he was continuing a volunteer board position was because he had made a one year commitment-not because he had real energy and input left for the project. He realized it was best to step aside to make space for someone who could actively move the work along.

Various examples of Practical Wisdom emerged throughout the morning. One can get many free samples of perfume by just passing through a store- enough to last quite a long time. "Use up whatever you already have on hand, including all those sample you get in the mail...", was another. The North Chicago Simplicity Group calculated a sharver recently purchased would save $10,000 in haircuts over a lifetime (my, how the "little" things add up...). One can also use bartering. Linda attended a Bartering Conference in Chicago last June. She relayed information on two available bartering systems-Ithaca Dollars and Time Dollars. Ithaca is actual currency (and thus IRS taxable) one exchanges with participating members and merchants. Time Dollars, a computer logged/tracked, is an even hour for hour exchange system-a lawyer exchanged an hour of his services for an hour of babysitting. In another example, a disable individual realized he could provide prayer, and thus was able to exchange an hour of prayer for an hour of services he needed. Jeannie exchanged some of her advertising expertise for hair cutting, and grass cutting an elderly neighbor's lawn for mail box pickup during her extended trip out west. Linda exchanged a no longer used sewing machine for hair cuts, and Mike repaired a leaking water line at a dental office and received a nice discount on his bill. There are lots of opportunities available. Think the possibility, and be open to ask about bartering when the opportunity emerges-"If I did this, would you be willing to...".

Time flew by, and we wrapped up the meeting at 11:55 with a bartering swap for the pound cake recipe.

(Posted by: Mike Lenich)

Simple Living Network: www.slnet.com

New Road Map Foundation: www.newroadmap.org

Financial Intelligence Associates: www.fiassociates.org

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Email: vschicago@juno.com