Can you live without money?
By Aja103654
@Aja103654 (5644)
Philippines
March 9, 2012 10:44pm CST
Ain't that a challenge?
I have recently read an article about a psychiatrist who wanted to prove that it is possible to live without money. She had a very stable job but she gave most of her possessions away. She even threw away her credit cards. She only took a few clothes for herself(3 shirts, 2 pants, I forgot) and other things she really needed.
It has been a decade already and she is still living a life without money. How do you think this is possible?
Hmm, it all actually started as a one-year experiment for her. But then, she got the hang of it. She became happier and felt more worthy as a person.
How did she survive and become happy without money? Here's how:
She trades her services for another service instead of money. For example. She wanted a place to stay, she would ask her friends if she stay in their house but in exchange she will house-sat their house during the holidays. She would water the plants and clean the house for them while they are gone. She also volunteered to cook for some university students and, in exchange, she is allowed to use their computer.
She wrote a book about her experiences. And guess what she did with all the money she earned from selling the book: she gave it all away.
Some of us might think she is foolish. But I personally don't. I think I can understand what she is doing but then I don't have the guts to follow what she did. That takes a lot of guts you know. 
What do you think about this woman? Can you live without money? Do you think money is so important?
All our life, people have taught us to earn as much as we can possibly then spend it on things we don't need.
I just realized... how true this is. People don't need to be rich to be happy right? Success is often associated with how much money one earns. People are judged often by how much they earn and their jobs. And I thin that is wrong. All jobs are equally important, the psychiatrist said.
So sorry, i forgot her name and the title of the book she wrote. That would have been an interesting read.
What do you think about this woman? Can you live without money? Do you think money is so important?
All our life, people have taught us to earn as much as we can possibly then spend it on things we don't need.
I just realized... how true this is. People don't need to be rich to be happy right? Success is often associated with how much money one earns. People are judged often by how much they earn and their jobs. And I thin that is wrong. All jobs are equally important, the psychiatrist said.
So sorry, i forgot her name and the title of the book she wrote. That would have been an interesting read.3 people like this
24 responses
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
10 Mar 12
I think that the story is interesting and that I would like to read about her experiences. But at no time in my life would I have wanted to do that even if money doesn´t mean a lot to me. I guess I is very difficult to find places where you can trade your talents in exchange for your needs. I would not like to have to worry if I will eat tomorrow or not. I can afford not to be money centered because my most important needs are taken care of.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Yep! That's her. She's German, I think. Um, her book... title was, i guess, my life without money.
1 person likes this
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
http://www.whatsonjinan.com/news-644-german-woman-heidemarie-schwermer-lives-without-money-for-15-years.html
here's another one. It's an update. I realized I have read an old article.
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
11 Mar 12
I´ll check it online. Although, I guess she did that for a short while to make a point and now she has some nice money from selling her book
1 person likes this
@dandan07 (1906)
• China
10 Mar 12
In modern life, leading a life without money is quite hard, for you should buy things and services from other people to lead a normal life. You have to use gas, light and water which are public service and you should pay for using them.
But if you can make all the things by yourself including gas, light and water. there may be a chance for you to lead a life without money.
In many rural area in China, some people really lead a life without money, but it is not a modern life. They grow their own food, get water from wells or rivers and using firewood or oil for cooking and lighting. there are no problem for their survive in normal conditions. But when some of them get sick or their children want to go to school, there are a lot of problems for them. For they do not have money to pay bills.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
you have so many worries. 
I suppose most of us are going to be worried if we don't have money.
I suppose most of us are going to be worried if we don't have money.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
10 Mar 12
I had read about a guy in England who did something like this..he barters for work,lives in a caravan on the land of a farmer he works for,and fishes in a nearby river...there's times that going "off grid" like this can seem quite appealing!
With this financial uncertainty going on,I recall a political cartoon not long ago of a group of people around a street corner with a "Balloon" over their head showing their net financial worth..the well dressed business types and shoppers,with mortgage payments,loans,cars and other financial outlays all had big debt amounts in their balloon..the homeless guy seated on the pavement with the amount he'd begged for had the only positive balance there in his balloon...
Hopefully your job provides you with a sense of self worth,that you're contributing something useful to society..the money,while useful,should be a bonus..
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
3 Apr 12
That's very true for those people who let credit card debt spiral out of control..there's a UK based website offering free advice on controlling debt and getting out of that spiral-(moneysavingexpert.co.uk) they refer to them as Debt cards!
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
haha, that would be very ironic, that cartoon you talked about. I want to see it!
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
2 Apr 12
thank you. It is one funny and true cartoon. Haha, I once read that credit cards were one of the worst things ever invented by man. it usually give people problems.
@AgentGulaman (3546)
• Philippines
10 Mar 12
I would love to read about her experiences too! Please do tell me when you remember her name so that I can try to search some resources in the internet about that. Me too, I would like a life living without money, however, I am immersed and accustomed to having to live with it. That is why it is hard to venture in the unknown territory of living without money. The world is currently living with money and it is going around it all, Being different with your surroundings is quite hard to do. That is why I would like to hear bout her story and get some inspiration and motivation form that.
@AgentGulaman (3546)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Oh sorry! Didn't get to read that one up. Good thing to see that information. I will have to read on about her in a while now. Thanks for the heads up!
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
under the first response of this discussion, binggaling has posted two links. The woman's name is Heidemarie Schwermer.
@rastaman91 (679)
• Indonesia
10 Mar 12
If we doing the same things with that women we can survive but if not we can't survive especially if we live in the city, in the city
@karthik111 (660)
• India
10 Mar 12
@ adhyz89, No friend there is difference between rural and urban area. In city you can't do anything without money. Exchange offer is not possible there..
@yiyinsuhartowo (10)
•
10 Mar 12
Well, I think everyone needs money, but don't make money is everything.
Without money, how we're going to buy the necessities of life?
If we don't need money, for what we're working to accomplish tired?
@AgentGulaman (3546)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
I think some can eat and have food without having the money. Look at the beggars, they can eat by getting food alms from others!
But yes, you can grow your own vegetables and fruits and can raise your own poultry farm at that. Our ancestors lived without money before but they can still eat right? Also, there are some people trading their services and getting food as return for their service. If that is the principle, then you really wouldn't need money. The problem is, the people around is accustomed to using money to pay for services or as payment to them. Breaking that custom is quite difficult in a sense.
But yes, you can grow your own vegetables and fruits and can raise your own poultry farm at that. Our ancestors lived without money before but they can still eat right? Also, there are some people trading their services and getting food as return for their service. If that is the principle, then you really wouldn't need money. The problem is, the people around is accustomed to using money to pay for services or as payment to them. Breaking that custom is quite difficult in a sense.@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
unless you grow your own vegetables, fruits and have animals in a farm, sure, you can live without a lot of money. but not everyone would enjoy that kind of life.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
11 Mar 12
It would have been an interesting read.
I think I am too risk-averse to do this. It works short term but what about when you get old and you need medical care?
Maybe she left some money in a retirement account for herself? She probably explains this in the book.
I also think that after awhile, this would get tiring, because you would always need to figure out where food and housing were coming from. I mean, I know this happens for people who are unemployed or underemployed, but eventually people can get on their feet.
I guess it's pretty inspirational though. I think it would show the value of bartering, definitely, and how maybe people can do more of this so we're not so dependent on money.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
2 Apr 12
I agree. I haven't actually read her book. And that question about medical care, i want to find out about it too. she's old now but she is still living this kind of lifestyle. 15 years already, i think.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
10 Mar 12
Hi Aja, that's an interesting point of view and discussion topic.If only one could do that...My own dream was to have a small house, just 3-4 rooms with absolutely no furniture, fire wood cooking and lots of open space around the house...But can I do it ? no, because there are other considerations , like family , people on whom we are inter dependent , so life goes on , whether we like it or not.But one can dream and be happy ...
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
it's especially hard to let go of some material things more so when it comes to letting go of people and family who needs us.
@whatrow (792)
• United States
11 Mar 12
What is she going to do when the medical bills start coming in?
@craziestqueenever (1819)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Such an interesting sorry. If I would be on her shoe, I will also do that. That Psychiatrist is such a great person. She knows what matters most.
I can also live a life without money, not now but soon. As of this moment, I need a money for my son's education and for his future. I'm planning to live a life without money. As long as I can feed my loved ones.
Money won't make me happy. We don't need to be rich to be happy.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
2 Apr 12
It would be very difficult to start this kind of life all of a sudden and especially if you are raising a child. The psychiatrist's daughters have already finished their education and have their own families, i think, that is probably why that psychiatrist didn't have a problem starting this 'no money' lifestyle.
@ABCL2012 (62)
• Philippines
10 Mar 12
Only those people who have already self - actualized can do what she did! Honestly, it was easier for her because probably if it didn't work, she would still have a life awaiting for her. It just that she got used to it. It would still be very possible to live without using money. But if you have financial responsibilities because you already have a family of your own, it would be very impossible! In fact, you don't want your children to be in a difficult situation because you will be the number person who will suffer - emotionally and psychologically! That's precisely the reason for me why I can't stand living in this world without MONEY. With money, you can provide the BASIC NEEDS of my family.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
note: she had two daughters actually. she's divorced. how's that?
probably her daughters are old enough to take care of themselves. now, she's very old, maybe at a retiring age. i suppose it is all a great adventure for her to live this kind of life.
probably her daughters are old enough to take care of themselves. now, she's very old, maybe at a retiring age. i suppose it is all a great adventure for her to live this kind of life. @shwetat195 (628)
• India
10 Mar 12
i really loved reading ur story...i think even i do not have the guts to do...wht she did...but it is possible to live...earlier ancient time people used to have battar system wherein people used to exchange services for services...but in todays time...we run after money...what a humble story for me think before i go to sleep today...thanks
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
glad it had that effect on you. when i read it, it made me think real hard too, that's why i wanted to share it to people here on mylot, who are more often than not has money as motivation to be here in the first place.
@sherrybelle (707)
• United States
10 Mar 12
I think there is such as thing as extremes where money is concerned. Too much money can lead to certain problems and...in my opinion...not enough money has a different set of problems.
I like the idea of balance. Enough money to enjoy life while my money is manageable. I could still be generous with others and take care of my own material needs at the same time.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
yeah, i would like that kind of life too.
but those profit obsessed people need a lesson about that.
@god_is_good (683)
• Philippines
10 Mar 12
In the earliest days or years of civilization, there is no money yet. They trade goods and services based on their needs. When I was young, my mother would barter her products for another product, her services for some goods we need. I believe that we can live without money but at this age and generation, it is the most widely used commodity in getting goods and services. Money is useful in the area where it is useful and may not be useful in areas where it is not useful. It's how we use it. That's a good example of a woman who proved that money is not the answer to every need. But what if she became ill during some years? Will money be not important to get medical treatment?
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
then one can die naturally, like the old times. Pardon me for being direct.
i think the world will become different in the future, that this way of life our generation is experiencing will take a wide turn when all things are gone. we will then begin to find alternative ways of living. it can start from one person, then a group, then a community, etc.
@ajithlal (14716)
• India
10 Mar 12
I also think that every job has it is own importance. I was reading at the story and was surprised to know the details of it. I think it is good to do things in exchange for the things we wanted like woman. I think money do play a role in everybody's life and I think long time ago before money was invented people used to work as a barter system in which they trade things for things. I think people does not need to be rich to be happy. Sometimes richest people are the most miser people in the world and the people who have lots of worries and less happiness and less sleep.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
haha, very true! If I those people have so much money, their problems are also innumerable. they have to many worries. They are afraid to lose their luxuries and lose their money. they believe too much in the power of money. since, they are used to that kind of life, then, they probably wouldn't survive.
@trinale (1479)
• United States
10 Mar 12
Hi Aja! I would very much like to read this woman's experiences. What is her name? To answer your question -- Can I live without money? The answer is no. Because I don't all the tricks this lady knows, I'm force to have a mortgage to have roof over my head, buy food and water to put in my belly, pay utilities like air, water and heat to be comfortable in the home, and buy medication if I get sick. Unfortunately, to get the money for all this stuff, I have to work and the company I work for doesn't allow us to come to work naked so I have to pay for clothes as well.
I think that covered all my "needs". Now the "wants" is a whole different story and should ask that question to see how materialists many of us can be.
Cheers,
Stan
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Heidemarie Schwermer. That's her name.
Hmm, yes, we all want to live comfortably. And not all of us knows how to live without money and is able to manage the kind of life she had experienced without it.
I think Schwermer was well off. She is a psychiatrist. I forgot to mention that she still works as one, only she doesn't mind being paid. Before, she used to help rich people, because they can afford her services but now, she accepts anyone who needs her help. And those people tend to give her something in exchange but not in all cases LOL
That's her name.
Hmm, yes, we all want to live comfortably. And not all of us knows how to live without money and is able to manage the kind of life she had experienced without it.
I think Schwermer was well off. She is a psychiatrist. I forgot to mention that she still works as one, only she doesn't mind being paid. Before, she used to help rich people, because they can afford her services but now, she accepts anyone who needs her help. And those people tend to give her something in exchange but not in all cases LOL
@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
10 Mar 12
This is actually quite interesting. It really does show you that, even in today's society, it is possible to live without money. We may not think that it's possible, but some people, much like this psychiatrist, do make it work. I do admire this woman for trying and actually succeeding with this experiment of hers.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Indeed! It's as if she is challenging people... somewhat. Because many people are too materialistic and attached to money. she might have tried to prove that money is not all that we need by living her life the she did now.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
hehe, same here.
Not many of us are prepared to give it all away and live differently from all the rest.
@airasheila (5454)
• Philippines
10 Mar 12
Hi there Aja103654,
Honestly, your main topic capture my attention. And with reference to your main topic only, as I have not thoroughly read the content. I am one of those people who cannot live without money. To tell you honestly, I am meaningless without a money on my pocket. That, is the thing that keeps me going. Well, of course, I believe that God is with me, but, still, the name of the game is survival. And as they say, God will help those people who also helped themselves.
@Aja103654 (5644)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Not everyone is willing enough to follow Schwermer's steps. It is indeed hard ti live without money in our world today. Money makes the world go round. But not everyone who has many of it is a worthy person.
@ayush9507 (40)
• India
5 Apr 12
in india their is a slogan nabaap bda na bhaiya sabse bda rupaya mean in this life the most important thing more than your father,brother is money its only money which is greater than any thing
