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ZERO-WASTE LIVING. Kondo cleaning. FIRE, or financial independence-retire early. Whatever your feelings are about these three movements, frugality is at their core, with the focus on minimizing possessions and living simply.
To these, you might want to add another, “possum living,” which has been hailed as a manifesto for living cheaply. Possum Living is the title of a book written in 1978 by a free-thinking, resourceful young woman who went by the pen name Dolly Freed. The book’s subtitle: How to Live Well Without a Job and (Almost) No Money.
Possum living is about dropping out of the rat race to live simply, growing food in your garden, living off the land and sometimes earning a little money from odd jobs. The author also offers a host of creative ideas for leading a laid-back lifestyle without a steady income. Freed talks about her love of growing tomatoes, her father’s love of fishing, and the chickens and rabbits they kept. Ultimately, the book is about living life on your own terms and saving money.
Decades later, there’s been renewed interest in the book and it’s been brought back into print. It was re-released in 2019, with an update from the author. I had always wondered what had happened to Freed, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that she went to college, became a NASA aerospace engineer, married, had two children and now has a big garden. And she doesn’t make moonshine anymore.
A frugal lifestyle can be fulfilling. In fact, it can make you happier than living large. Spending excessively has serious consequences. Today, the cost of carrying a credit-card balance is at its highest level in 40 years. Making $90,000 a year but spending $100,000? You may never be able to retire.
One of the richest people in America is a paragon of frugality. Warren Buffett still lives in the same relatively modest home in Omaha, Nebraska, that he bought in 1958—no millionaire’s mansion for him. He buys his breakfast at McDonald’s, which he then washes down with a Coke that he pours himself.
I’m not advocating for breakfast at McDonald’s—but here is a man who could have a sumptuous breakfast at the toniest restaurant in town, yet he prefers his humble breakfast at a fast-food chain. It’s said he enjoys eating at Dairy Queen, too.
Although Possum Living was an engaging, fun read, and may be doable for an 18-year-old, it’s a little too arduous for those of us in our senior years. Still, we should all strive for a simple lifestyle that we can afford and that’s sustainable over the long haul. Part possum, perhaps?
I read that book years ago. She advocated stealing, and dishonesty.
Apply for an apartment using the name of someone with good credit, to mask the identity of the low-Lifes (eviction history, credit problems) who would actually move in.
Stealing from neighbors’ gardens.
Waiting till a store owner/boss was out, then bluffing (lying) to a preferably young employee about supposed discounts and freebies that the boss had promised.
I’m all for honest frugality. The book did contain some honest options. But a person with ethics would be revolted at some of her tactics.
You still haven’t cited your sources for the allegations you made against a young girl. And I find your condemnation of her unconscionable. Many a callow teenager acts inappropriately. I wonder about your thinking in looking at all the negatives and none of the positives of Freeds book. What has happened to kindness and understanding. Her achievements far outweigh any misguided actions. Judge not lest ye be judged.
You didn’t mention your source for this information. In my research, I never read any of these allegations. However, if any of it is true, she is more to be lauded for turning her life around. You must remember she was only 18 years oldAt the time the book was written, and under the influence of an unstable father, who sometimes condoned unsavory practices.
I believe that one, so young is worthy of a second chance. she apparently saw the error of her ways, and shouldn’t be judged too harshly, in view of the fact that she now seems to be a solid citizen.
Interesting and reminds me of a book I picked up in the UK years ago called How to be Idle. I see it’s now available in the US as well. As I recall it’s more of a fun read than serious advice but it does get one thinking.
Freed made a good life for herself even though the odds were against her. It lends Credence to the old adage -“where there’s a will there’s a way”..
thanks for your comments Michael.
Possum living is well out of my comfort zone, but living below my means is how come I was able to retire early. Living below your means is why I disagree with Dick when he advocates replacing your income rather than your expenditure when planning for retirement. If I had tried to do that I might still be working.
I don’t know whether to credit my upbringing in England, or my genes, but I had no trouble living well below my salary. I don’t enjoy shopping, and I actively hate shopping for clothes (and yes, I’m female). I do shop for quality, but I expect things to last, and last.
Kathy, you learned early on the value of money, and the fact that you had to depend on yourself. congratulations on being able to buy into the CCRC of your choice. You did it all on your own and it was no small feat. Thanks for your comments.
Just to clarify i advocate striving to replace 100% of base pay and of course from that comes all taxes. For the most part income in retirement also pays taxes, including SS.
Knowing income is easy, knowing expenses over 30 years in the future, not so much. If a person can’t make the 100% target then spending must be adjusted, but what i see as risky is started with say 80% replacement, assuming expenses accordingly and then have so something go wrong -like a period of high inflation.
If someone only spends 60% of their income, why should they wait to replace 100% of it? If they are spending 110% of their income (credit cards), why would retiring on 100% of it be adequate?
If by base pay you mean before bonuses the megacorp I worked for didn’t pay bonuses until shortly before I retired. I say again, just because money comes in doesn’t mean you have to spend it.
Great point! Living below your means makes 100% unnecessary in retirement, that is my thinking anyway…
Same here. I’ve always hated shopping. I don’t understand how people can shop as a ‘hobby’. I was fortunate that during my thirty years of employment I never worked anywhere with a dress code. For the last 15 years, nearly all of my clothes have come from Costco. I don’t think any single item has cost more than $30. And don’t get me started on shoe shopping. I have never understood why anyone would own more than 2 or 3 pairs of shoes at any one time. I buy a pair, wear them out and then throw them away.
Every time I read what you write, I say to myself there is a unique, disciplined woman.
She shoots, loves lots of dogs, doesn’t shop, enjoys living in the desert and has no attraction to shoes.
Your husband has a winner.
I’m going to my wife’s closed and start counting her shoes – I’ll be back in a few hours.
Thanks Richard. I think my husband thinks I’m a winner–at least I hope so!
I’ve always been a bit of an outlier when it comes to most ‘typical’ female traits. In addition to my disdain for shopping and shoes, I have also never had my nails done and I’ve never had a pedicure.
I also HATE having my hair cut. I despise the necessary ‘small talk’ that goes along with it. I will often go 12-16 months between cuts and when it’s time, I go to Great Clips. I instruct them to trim 4 inches off my hair (it’s long and straight) and it usually takes the stylist less than five minutes for them to finish. I keep my eyes closed the entire time in the hopes that they won’t ask me about the weather, how my day is going or some other random question that I really don’t want to discuss.
I’m thankful that I’m comfortable in my own skin and, for the most part, always have been. I have little need to socialize and even less need to talk. Give me a pen and paper and I’ll write for hours but ask me a question and I’ll usually give you a one word reply.
I thought I was the only one on earth who never has had a manicure or pedicure! Or a facial . I only shop when absolutely necessary and when I do I buy clothes online. They are on the high end side but I get over 10 or more years of frequent wear. Never buy anything that must be dry cleaned and buy things that aren’t trendy . I must be doing something right because I get compliments from strangers on 20 year old sweaters.
I don’t do facials or manicures, but I do get occasional pedicures because my heels get rough (no polish). When I find something that fits I buy multiples to cut down on future shopping. I had virtually given up on jeans until I found L. L. Bean had a style that fit. I bought two pairs in each of three colors and hope to never need to buy another pair.
I, too, am fine with silence, which is why tinnitus is such a drag. I was perfectly happy home alone during Covid (given the library still functioned).
I must step in and say that there is no shame in indulging in things we enjoy within our financial means. I love my monthly pedicure, but if I ever cannot afford that $35 luxury, it would have to go!
I’ve been going to the same nail salon for years and spend $40 including tip on a nice pedicure, around once a month. The salon is owned by a nice hardworking immigrant couple. I enjoy my pedicures, and living in California, my toes are exposed a good percentage of the time!
I’ve been seeing the same hairstylist since 2005. She’s single, in her mid-60s now, and supports herself as a self-employed operator. Not only does she do a great job on my hair, but we’ve become friends over the years and I always enjoy my chats with her.
There’s nothing wrong with self-care if you can afford it, and I also like supporting local small business owners. My Pilates sessions (I go once a week and the owner of the studio is my instructor) are another example.
Self care and a little pampering..the enjoyment of being a woman. And the art of engaging with others enlarges our capacities. Well said, Dr. Lefty
A wife that doesn’t like to talk‼️ Youza‼️ your husband needs to write a book about his winning the lottery.
Kristine..by living simply and economically you kept your eyes on the prize. An early retirement was your reward. Thank you for your comments.
I agree with the what we can afford part, but simple is in the eye of the beholder. I think I live a simple life, but I doubt a person living in rural Kansas would agree. I definitely live within my means and always have, but that too is relative.
Unfortunately, if everyone lived within their means our economy might well collapse given it is built on spending.
Dick…I would go one step further..you can live very nicely living beneath your means. there are always those who will spend lavishly and extravagantly. there is a lot to be said for economizing sensibly.
Doesn’t that depend on your means to begin with? I read all the time about people who start retirement with x% replacement, living off primarily investments and if things don’t go according to plan, their backup is to “cut back.”
That just doesn’t seem very encouraging to me.
Perhaps my idea should be 60% replacement plus SS. That sounds easier but works mostly for middle class and lower I think.
I too have often wondered what would happen to the economy if everyone lived a more financially prudent life. I doubt we will ever find out.
My mind sometimes wanders in that direction. What would happen if all goods and services were truly useful, rather than a healthy portion devoted to mere entertainment?
Jack..most people would be less anxious and worried about their financial life by following the prudent path.
It would probably wreak havoc on the economy but be great for the environment.
Dan….And for peace of mind.
Not necessarily for those who lost their jobs or investments plummeted.
Now you are wandering into a different area. There are always exceptions. I Was speaking in generalities.
That is not to say you could be right.
Your comment reminded me of an article I wrote five years ago:
https://humbledollar.com/2018/02/subsidize-me/
Thank you for your comments Jamie. Freed wrote her book in response to the inflationary turmoil of the 70s. She was also determined to make something of herself exploring all opportunities. so many lessons to be learned here, in spite of some of the extreme methods.
Thank you for this article. I had never heard of Dolly Freed, but I am eager to find her book now!
See reply above.
The notion of living off the land has a romantic appeal, but comes with its own complexities. My wife was so happy when I finally gave up the chickens. Breaking the ice in their drinking water at daylight killed the romance for her.
Ed…there are drawbacks to caring for all creatures, great and small, still I bet it was fun and enjoyable while it lasted.
Thanks for your comments..always so appropriate.
note: for a fascinating look into Possum Living, please access the hyperlink the hyperlink “doesn’t make” in the 4th paragraph. The enduring charm of possum living is further explored and explained.
Nice link. It gave me a feel for both the author and the “possum living.”
Thank you for your positive comments, Steve. They are appreciated.