There is an obvious but nonetheless important benefit of living well with less stuff: you are likely to spend less! I’ve been part of this challenge since March last year and just happen to be one of those (Dull? Sensible?) people that monitor their finances quite regularly. So a few weeks ago I decided to look at how much money I’ve spent during the challenge year compared to the year before, and the news is very good. On average I’ve spent £100 – £200 less a month!!!! I think this is amazing – especially because I don’t feel like I’ve been missing out. I’ve still bought things, and I don’t mean I’ve only bought things I really really need, I’ve also bought something’s just because I wanted them (hello, lovely boots I got at the Scope charity shop last weekend!). The only difference is that it’s all been second hand. In these difficult economic times, when for many the cost of living is rising more than salaries, having at least £100 extra left at the end of the month is a pretty healthy bottom line.