In the book YMOYL states that financial integrity is achieved by learning the true impact of your earning and spending, both on your immediate family and on the planet. They state it is knowing what is enough money and material goods to keep you at the peak of fulfillment - and what is just excess and clutter. They also state it is having all aspects of your financial life in alignment with your values.


Are you at a point where you have financial integrity?

I really like that thought. I think I have entirely too much "stufrf" and clutter to really appreciate anything right now. I am trying to change my mind set to be content with what I have and to really think before I buy anything new.

I'm about half-way thru this book and am LOVING the challenge it offers. The challenge to really look, long & hard, at your life. And it's presented in such a non-judgemental way.

That said, I think I am on my way to Financial Integrity. Of course, we are still paying for past 'sins' (debt), but other than that, there is only one category of purchase that, every month, I regret. And that is eating out, either a sit-down with the family or a drive-thru on the way to work. The pleasure is brief, the calories get stored long-term, and the cost is high (financial, health, environmental). I've recently decluttered my entire house TWICE - I probably need to do it again. Each time, I find more STUFF that I really don't need. And I'm learning that just because it's a good deal (at a yard sale or whatever), doesn't mean I need to buy it. It's okay to walk away.

I hope you don't think I'm saying I've got it together. I just mean that I'm pretty aware and I'm getting better.

I got the book a few years ago, and didn't think it applied to me. I recently got it again, and this time its really talking to me as I am completely on board with all the ideas in the book. I think I am not too far from financial integrity. I think for me, I would be at that point the day we stop using so many non-renewable resources. I can get pretty an*l at times (for example I was thinking about the true benefit of energy saving bulbs as it contains mercury), and I believe that I will be at par with the concept of financial integrity if I am at peace with my actions (if they are performed with much thought).

However....homesteadmamma, I am curious about you... I've been reading some of the old archives and I am curious about your thoughts on where you consider yourself to be with regard to financial integrity.

Hi,
I'm finding I fluctuate quite a lot - sometimes I'm doing well with understanding what is "enough" and other times I want more (even though I know "more" doesn't really bring "more fulfillment"). It's an interesting journey though and I'm finding it's a good tool for keeping things in perspective.:)

I'm getting close. I decided this summer that I own too many things so I'm working on letting go of a lot of stuff. I'm keeping better track of my spending and savings habits. So, I guess I don't have financial integrity yet, but I'm on my way.

I haven't found the book to read yet.
We definately have to much clutter and we are doing something about it. Its taking time.
Hope to be able to get to the library Thursday night.

Haven't read it yet, but sounds interesting!
Graci

I would have to say that I do not own clutter or lots of stuff. I like to recycle, freecycle and give to someone else- what I don't want. I like to keep things neat and simple here.

But I wonder- not having read the book yet, can someone really be fulfilled with 'enough' money? Or does one always seek more.

Sure, I have enough money, I earn enough money, I save enough money, but am I fulfilled with that? Never, I am always seeking more money- more ways to save, more ways to earn, more ways to get it. It's not that I'm greedy- I give lots away too. But I feel as though, if I am able, fit and smart enough to earn money then I should be entitled to more than enough in order to secure a future where there might not be more than enough. Is this in contrast to YMOYL principle?

We need to declutter and recycle too. Sounds like I should read this book.