Many people think that if you start earning good money, then you should live a flashy life too—big house, luxury car, designer clothes, the most expensive vacations, and so on. But when I finally came around to earning much more than I ever thought I would, I made a very different choice. I decided to live simply.
It had nothing to do with the fact that I couldn’t afford more. It was because I knew that a simple life would give me more peace, freedom, and happiness than an endless quest for luxury ever could.
Success used to mean what you had on display. But the truth? Doing it just for the sake of appearances only brought stress, clutter, and waste. Choosing simplicity was one of the best decisions of my life.
In this post, I’ll tell you my method of simple living, why it’s important—regardless of your income—and my own step-by-step guide to living simply.
What Does Living Simply Mean?
Before we get too far into the “how,” let’s clarify what it means to live simply.
Living simply doesn’t mean being frugal or stingy with yourself. It means:
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Choosing quality over quantity
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Shopping thoughtfully rather than impulsively
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Embracing less clutter, less debt, and a clearer mind
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Moving away from material accumulation to emphasize experiences, relationships, and health
To me, the way to simple living is about making money work for you, rather than the other way around.
RELATED: 10 Simple Frugal Habits to Start Today
Why Live Simply When You Can Afford More?
You might ask, why live simply when you have enough money to enjoy the luxuries of life?
Here’s what I discovered:
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Happiness isn’t based on stuff. People enjoy having new items, but the excitement fades while the burden of maintaining them remains.
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Peace of mind is priceless. Living simply brings clarity and balance.
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Freedom matters more than luxury. By limiting consumption, you spend less, save more, and reduce financial pressure.
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It keeps you grounded. Money can change people. Simple living keeps you humble and focused on what truly matters.
Whether you are in the USA, UK, Nigeria, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, these reasons are universal.
I also declutter regularly (I don’t want clutter to rob me of my peace).
Here are the steps I take to live simply, even on a high income:
Related: Frugal Living Tips For Large Families
How to Live Simply
1. Define What “Enough” Means
Life simplification begins with knowing what sufficiency looks like for you. Ask yourself:
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How much space do I really need?
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How many clothes do I actually wear?
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Do I need constant upgrades?
Once I defined my “enough,” I stopped chasing more just because I could.
2. Keep Your Home Simple and Uncluttered
Instead of buying a house that was too big for my needs, I chose a smaller home. A clean, organized, and modest space makes daily life easier and less stressful.
A simple home is one of the easiest ways to simplify your daily routine.
Related: 7 Frugal Christmas Bucket List Ideas
3. Spend With Intention
When your income increases, it’s easy to buy on impulse. But I’ve trained myself to stop and ask:
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Do I need this?
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Will it add lasting value?
Quality beats impulse every time. I live better and spend less by being intentional.
4. Drive a Car for You, Not Your Ego
I could buy a luxury car, but I don’t. Instead, I drive something reliable and economical. Cars are tools, not trophies.
No matter where you live, this one choice can save thousands every year.
5. Practice Gratitude Daily
Living simply isn’t just about finances—it’s also about mindset. Practicing gratitude helps me avoid the trap of always wanting more.
Gratitude allows you to see how abundant your life already is.
6. Focus on Experiences, Not Things
Instead of chasing gadgets, I spend on experiences: traveling, enjoying time with friends, learning new skills.
Memories last far longer than material possessions.
Related; 8 Effective Ways to Live Frugally
7. Simplify Your Digital Life
Clutter doesn’t just exist in our homes—it exists on our phones too. I reduced screen time, unsubscribed from junk emails, and deleted unused apps.
A clean digital space creates a calmer, less stressful life.
8. Save and Invest Wisely
The powerful truth is this: you can build wealth quickly if you live simply while earning good money.
I save aggressively and invest in assets that give me financial independence—whether I’m in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles.
9. Cook More, Eat Out Less
Even though I can afford to eat out every day, I still cook at home. Some of my favorite evenings are simple: watching movies, playing games, or taking a walk.
Simple meals, fresh ingredients, and home cooking keep me grounded in the basics of life.
10. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
Living simply is easier when you’re around people who share your values. I avoid environments where everyone competes with status symbols.
Instead, I seek out people who value connection, learning, and meaningful conversations.
11. Give Generously
Because I don’t waste money on things I don’t need, I have more to give. Supporting local causes, helping someone in need, or donating brings me more joy than buying another gadget ever could.
Generosity makes simple living even richer.
12. Focus on Health and Wellness
Simple living also extends to health. I don’t chase expensive wellness fads. Instead, I focus on the basics: eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
In the end, health is true wealth.
13. Learn to Say No
Living simply also means protecting your time and energy. I avoid unnecessary commitments, shopping trips, or activities that don’t align with my values.
Saying no isn’t losing out—it’s gaining freedom.
14. Keep Entertainment Simple
I don’t need luxury nightlife to enjoy life. Joy doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
Simple pleasures—like a walk, a movie night, or a good conversation—are often the most fulfilling.
15. Keep Growing Without Overspending
Living simply doesn’t mean stagnation. I continue learning, exploring new hobbies, and growing—but I do it affordably.
Books, online courses, and low-cost hobbies keep life exciting without draining my finances.
What I’ve Learned From Living Simply
Here are the key lessons I’ve taken from this lifestyle:
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Peace of mind: Less clutter, fewer bills, more calm.
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Happiness: True contentment comes from relationships and experiences, not things.
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Freedom: Lower expenses mean more savings and more choices.
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Grounding: Staying humble and grateful, no matter how much I earn.
Final Thoughts
Living simply doesn’t mean depriving yourself—it means setting yourself free. It’s about choosing what matters most and letting go of what doesn’t.
I make good money, but I know that money doesn’t control my lifestyle. Simplicity does. And honestly? My life is richer, calmer, and more fulfilling than it ever was when I was chasing “more.”
If you’re ready to give it a try, start small. Define your own idea of “enough,” declutter, and focus on what truly matters. The principles of simple living apply everywhere—whether you’re in New York, London, Lagos, or Toronto.
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