Category: Minimalism

Why I prefer access to ownership, part 1: cars, books and more

On By Nicole HennigIn Apps, Location flexibility, Minimalism1 Comment

This article is part 1 of a series. See also: Why I prefer access to ownership, part 2: housing

For me, access is better than ownership for most things. I’ll talk about why in this post and the next (a two-part series).

Car-sharing: better than owning just one car

Zipcar
photo by mathoov on Flickr

When I got rid of my car in 2005, I started using Zipcar from time to time. With Zipcar, I have a many different types of cars at my disposal. That’s much better than having to choose one type of car to own! I can reserve an SUV, a Mini-Cooper, or any other type of car, depending on what I need it for. And the cars are always clean and practically brand new. The gas is included with Zipcar rentals – you just use their credit card kept above the visor. Continue reading “Why I prefer access to ownership, part 1: cars, books and more” →

Location-flexible living in the U.S. — deciding where to live next year

On By Nicole HennigIn Housing, Living in the U.S., Location flexibility, Minimalism2 Comments

Now that I’ve lived in Oaxaca for a few months, I’m starting to think about future locations. I’m glad I came here this year and I haven’t ruled out returning at some point, but I think I’d like to try some U.S. locations in 2014.

For a summary of what it’s been like living here, see my last post: Living in Oaxaca, what it’s like for me.

I now have a renewed appreciation of the convenient infrastructure of the U.S. Here are some things I’m looking forward to:

  • drinkable tap water
  • reliable internet
  • convenient shopping (i.e., Trader Joe’s)
  • speaking in my native language
  • paying for most things with credit cards (so I can earn more frequent flyer points… see my post about “travel hacking“)
  • a good selection of indie films (one of my favorite things to do for fun)
  • discounts on electronics, and being able to have things shipped cheaply from Amazon
  • being able to stream Netflix or Pandora without needing to use a VPN service. (I use and like Tunnel Bear, but it can slow down your connection).

Continue reading “Location-flexible living in the U.S. — deciding where to live next year” →

Books and blogs that inspired me to quit my job, work online, and move to Mexico

On By Nicole HennigIn Living abroad, Living in the U.S., Location flexibility, Mexico, Minimalism, Travel, Work & money1 Comment

Books, simple living
Before I became location-flexible, I spent a few years thinking, dreaming and reading about it. I’ve always loved reading about other people’s experiences for inspiration.

At first it didn’t seem possible to find a way to live without my salary. I had some income from side businesses, but not nearly enough to live on. It looked like I had only two choices: stay in the rat race and continue to earn a good salary and benefits, or quit my job and become a bag lady, struggling to make ends meet. Continue reading “Books and blogs that inspired me to quit my job, work online, and move to Mexico” →