She Strengthens

Spring Cleaning for Your Wallet

As we welcome the new season, it’s the perfect time to refresh our living spaces and reassess our relationship with stuff. A cluttered home can lead to financial woes, from duplicate purchases to forgotten items collecting dust. It’s time to take control of our belongings and our budgets.

The Story of a Life-Changing Declutter

Meet Cary Fortin, a 34-year-old entrepreneur who transformed her life by embracing minimalism. In 2010, she was stuck in a corporate job, feeling uninspired and trapped. With limited savings, she knew she needed to make a change. By creating her first budget, she discovered the harsh reality of her impulse buys and misplaced priorities.

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Consumption

Cary’s newfound awareness sparked a commitment to save at least half her paycheck. She cut back on non-essentials, sold unwanted items on eBay, and took on odd jobs to make ends meet. The discipline paid off, and she eventually quit her job with $10,000 in savings. This newfound freedom allowed her to pursue her passion for decluttering and design.

The 100 Thing Challenge: A Journey to Minimalism

In 2012, Cary stumbled upon a book that would change her life: “The 100 Thing Challenge.” Inspired by the idea of whittling down her belongings to just 100 items, she embarked on a journey to simplify her life. The process wasn’t easy, but the emotional benefits and potential cost savings made it worthwhile.

Lessons Learned

By letting go of 200 personal items, Cary discovered the true value of simplicity. She no longer felt tempted by random sales or impulse buys. Instead, she shopped intentionally, only purchasing what she truly needed. This newfound mindfulness transformed her finances, allowing her to achieve significant goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house, paying off her car, and building a healthy investment portfolio.

The Power of Simple Living

Cary’s story serves as a powerful reminder that financial freedom is within reach. By embracing minimalism and simplicity, we can break free from the cycle of consumption and focus on what truly matters. With more money in our pockets, we can pursue our passions and live a life that aligns with our values.