Lean Living

Lean Living

Lean doesn't just apply at work. Here's some simple advice on making your own life more "lean".

Step 1) Work out what value you are trying to add - it could be saving money, feeling happier, spending more time on your hobbies or with your family, or having a more ideal job. That's just an example, your list may be different.

Step 2) Change your bank.

Step 3) Shop online for second hand goods. Where else but eBay.

Step 4) Shop online for groceries and have them delivered to your door. Time your deliveries. Personally, I recommend Iceland. I tried Tesco and Sainsbury's, and found that both are using the home deliveries service to dump goods about to go out of date, and are very slow in issuing refunds.

Step 5) Don't have a car, especially if you live in a city.

Step 6) If you're a smoker, Stop smoking. Even if you aren't, avoid socialising with people who do smoke. Not only does it cost you money, but it poisons you and the people around you.

Step 7) Buy a computer and get a broadband Internet connection. If you have a computer, check it for viruses. I recommend the free anti-virus software from http://www.grisoft.com/

Step 8) Sell your junk. Don't hoard. If you don't use it, and it's taking up space, get rid of it. But try and sell it before you throw it out. Where else, but eBay.

Step 9) Manage your debts.

Step 10) Make sure that the amount you spend each day is less than the amount you've earned.