BOOK A CALL

Minimalism – What Is It And How Can 50+ Australians Apply Some Of Its Elements

  • Home >
  • Blog >
  • Minimalism – What Is It And How Can 50+ Australians Apply Some Of Its Elements

Frugalism… minimalism… freeganism… They’re all lifestyle philosophies that embrace reducing waste, minimising extravagance, limiting uneconomical decisions, and avoiding unsustainable and environmentally unfriendly practices. Whilst they may seem like variations upon a theme to the uninitiated, there are key differences, mostly in the intent of their focus.

Frugalists tend to focus on simplifying and streamlining their lives in order to reduce unnecessary expenditure and save money. Minimalists are interested in simplifying and de-cluttering because they just want a simple, uncluttered life. In this article, we look at some minimalist elements you can apply to help simplify your life as a 50+ Australian.

Embrace Minimalism: Living With Less Can Mean More

As the name suggests, minimalists like to have the bare minimum in their lives. From household possessions to digital clutter – the aim of the true minimalist is to own and use only what is essential for a comfortable happy life. That means de-cluttering, streamlining, appreciating, and prioritising…

1.     De-clutter everything in your life

Go through your house, including the kid’s old bedrooms. With each piece of ‘clutter’ you come across, ask yourself why you still have it. Is it necessary? Does it have sentimental value? If not, put it on the ‘going to charity’ pile, sell it on Gumtree, or have a garage sale.

Go through your wardrobe and repeat the above process with clothes you don’t wear. Keep basic items that can be mixed, matched, and accessorised to jazz them up. Donate the rest to charity or sell them. Moving forward, if you need to buy new clothes, stick to your ‘basic items’ rule rather than wasting money on trendy stuff that quickly goes out of fashion.

Don’t forge to de-clutter your digital clutter as well. Delete apps you don’t use. Unsubscribe from sites that send you emails that clutter your in-box and serve no real value in your life. Organise your computer or laptop files so they reflect other aspects of your now ordered, uncluttered life.

2.     Streamline your life, and your schedule

How many times have you committed to something even though you didn’t really have the time, or the interest? As part of de-cluttering your life, you should de-clutter your schedule as well. That means not committing to things that don’t align with what’s important to the new you. It means prioritising what does matter, and making the time to do those instead.

Cancel memberships you’re not interested in or don’t use anymore. Stop volunteering for things simply because you feel obliged to do so, not because you particularly enjoy it. Find other volunteering opportunities that do align with what you’re interested in.

3.     Appreciate what you have

Appreciating what you have, and not regretting what you don’t have, is a core concept of minimalism and something you too can adopt. When you feel grateful for all the things you have in your life – your family, friends, co-workers; your unique experiences; and yes, the possessions you do still have – you feel less inclined to regret what you don’t have.

4.     Prioritise experiences over possessions

All too often, we associate possessions with happiness and achievement. However, experiences can be just as powerful, and a lot less expensive! Focus therefore on creating memorable experiences with those who matter to you and getting enjoyment from that rather than from buying ‘things’.

5.     Get rid of distracting distractions

We waste a LOT of time checking social media accounts, emails, and the like. These are all distractions that can take our focus away from what really matters to us. If this sounds like you, try turning off your phone notifications, and turn it off altogether when you’re with other people. Apart from anything else, it’s rude!

Reduce your emails by removing yourself from lists that aren’t important to you, or don’t provide value. Set yourself time limits for using social media or better still – delete your accounts with platforms you rarely use. When you’re not being distracted by non-essentials like these, you can begin to be more present in the moment and focus on what matters.

6.     Practise some mindfulness

Practising mindfulness can help you develop a minimalist mindset because it focuses on the present moment, and what’s important in that moment. When you know that, it’s easier to get rid of the unnecessary, unimportant things that clutter your life.

Mindfulness is also a good way to relax, recharge, and reduce stresses that may otherwise tempt you to look for solutions in material items. Additionally, it can help you focus on being grateful for what you have rather than regretting (and wanting) what you don’t have.

Embracing A Minimalist Lifestyle

For many people, having fewer possessions and a less cluttered home, life, and mind, can be a true revelation that makes you appreciate the simple things in life. That’s not to say you have to go without though.

Minimalism is not about intentionally making life difficult for yourself or doing without what you need. It’s about working out what you really do need for a comfortable lifestyle, and not owning things just for the sake of owning them. If you only really need one car for example, why have 2… If you have a few favourite pieces of furniture you use all the time, and never use the rest, do you need to keep it all?

You may also find that once you’ve de-cluttered your home, you no longer need all that space and can consider downsizing, or rightsizing your home.

Share Post

You May Also Like

What is Your Retirement Readiness Rating?

Take our survey now and one of our licensed Australian Financial Advisers will review your answers and send you a personalised rating out of 10.

FIND MY RATING
Facebook Linkedin

What is Your Retirement Readiness Rating?

Take our survey now and one of our licensed Australian Financial Advisers will review your answers and send you a personalised rating out of 10.

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Count Limited and its related bodies corporate (collectively ‘Count’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your privacy. We understand the importance you attach to information that identifies you (your ‘personal information’) and we want to help you protect it.

1.2 We are bound by, and committed to supporting, applicable privacy legislation including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy (‘Policy’) explains how we collect, hold, use, and disclose your personal information that we may obtain when you submit information to us in person, by mail or email, or by visiting our website.


2. How do we collect and hold personal information about you?

2.1 We collect personal information from you in a variety of methods. Examples of how we collect personal information include: 

  • Through communications between you and our representatives or your adviser or accountant;
  • Your use of our website;
  • Completing application forms in relation to products and services;
  • Other avenues, where required to meet regulatory requirements and comply with the law;
  • When you apply for employment with us;
  • Through marketing activities which request information from you, such as surveys.

2.2 Because our products and services are often offered by intermediaries such as financial planners, solicitors, or accountants, we may collect personal information about you from these third parties.

2.3 You can deal with us anonymously or by pseudonym unless it is impractical for us to deal with you where you have not identified yourself or have used a pseudonym. We require certain personal information to provide you with services and information. If you do not provide us with certain personal information, we may not be able to provide you with access to those services or respond to your request for information.

2.4 We will only collect personal information from you where it is reasonably necessary for us to provide our services to you or to perform our functions or activities.

2.5 We will only collect sensitive information from you with your consent, except in permitted general situations which include:

  • The collection of the information is required or authorised by or under an Australian law or a court/tribunal order;
  • The collection is necessary to address a threat to an individual’s life, health, or safety; and
  • Permitted health situations.

2.6 We may hold your information electronically or physically and have in place appropriate data and physical security measures and protocols to protect that information from loss or from disclosure not contemplated by this Policy.


3. What type of personal information do we collect?

3.1 The type of personal information we may collect from you includes (but is not limited to):

  • Names, address, email, phone numbers, and job titles;
  • Information in identification documents such as your passport or driver’s licence;
  • Tax file numbers (TFNs) and other identification numbers such as Medicare number;
  • Date of birth and gender;
  • Financial information;
  • Details of superannuation and insurance arrangements;
  • Sensitive information (with your consent), such as health information or membership details of professional or trade associations or political parties;
  • Bank account details, shareholdings, and details of investments;
  • Educational qualifications, employment history, and salary;
  • Visa or work permit status;
  • Personal information about your spouse and dependants.


4. How do we use your personal information?

4.1 We will use the information you supply for the purpose of providing you with the service(s) agreed under our engagement and related services, such as accounting or business advisory services, or to meet obligations we may have at law, including in relation to health and safety.

4.2 We may also use the information we collect for our internal business and management processes (for example, accounting or auditing purposes), monitoring and improving our website, keeping you informed about our services and company news, and for any other purposes that would be reasonably expected by you and to allow us to comply with our obligations under the law.

4.3 We may also use personal information we have collected from you for the purpose of marketing our services. If you do not want to receive marketing material from us, you can unsubscribe by contacting us as detailed below:

  • For electronic communications, you can click on the unsubscribe function in the communication;
  • For hard copy communications, you can email us using the details in the ‘How to contact us’ section of our website informing us that you wish to unsubscribe http://www.count.au/Contact-Us.


5. How do we disclose your personal information?

5.1 Your personal information will only be disclosed:

  • To our employees, contractors, consultants, dealers, agents, or advisors as required to provide our services to you or for related purposes;
  • To suppliers and service providers (for example, accounting or auditing service providers or our website hosting service providers) in connection with our provision of services to you;
  • Where you have consented to the disclosure;
  • Where required or authorised to do so under an Australian law, court or tribunal order, or other governmental or regulatory body or agency;
  • In permitted health situations;
  • If we believe that the use or disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary for enforcement-related activities conducted by, or on behalf of, an enforcement body; or
  • In connection with an actual or proposed sale, reorganisation, or transfer of all or part of our business, including as set out in clause 16.1.

5.2 We may use, store, process, or back-up your personal information on servers that are located overseas (including through third-party service providers). The privacy laws in other countries might not be the same as in Australia. However, where we provide your personal information to third parties overseas, we will take such steps as are reasonable to ensure that your information is handled and stored in accordance with Australian privacy laws and this Policy. Currently, we use outsourced service providers in the Philippines, India, and Serbia.


6. Access to your personal information

6.1 You can request us to provide you with access to personal information we hold about you by sending us an email: privacy@count.au (no spam please) or writing to us at Level 1, 45 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

6.2 We may allow an inspection of your personal information in person, or provide copies or a summary of relevant documents, depending on what is the most appropriate in the circumstances. Any charge we make for providing access will be reasonable and will not apply to lodging a request for access. Your request to access your personal information will be dealt with in a reasonable time.

6.3 Note that we need not provide access to personal information if a request is frivolous, or where to provide access would pose a threat to health or public safety, unreasonable interference with another person’s privacy, or be a breach of the law. If we refuse access, we will provide you with reasons for doing so.


7. Accuracy and correction

7.1 To enable us to keep our records properly, please notify us if you believe that any information we hold about you is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date and we will take reasonable steps, in the circumstances, to ensure that it is corrected. You can notify us by sending us an email: privacy@count.au (no spam please) or writing to us at Level 1, 45 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000.


8. Our security procedures

8.1 We take your privacy and the privacy of our associated entities and their clients very seriously. We will take reasonable steps in the circumstances to protect any personal information you provide to us from misuse, interference, or loss and unauthorised access, modification, and disclosure.

8.2 We will also deidentify and destroy the personal information we hold about you once our legal obligations cease. Our security procedures are reviewed from time to time and we update them when relevant.

8.3 Please be aware that the transmission of data over the internet is never guaranteed to be completely secure. It is possible that third parties not under our control may be able to access or intercept transmissions or private communications without our permission or knowledge. We take all reasonable steps, in the circumstances, to protect your personal information. However, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us. Such transmissions are done at your own risk.


9. Data breach notification

9.1 We are required to give notice to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) and affected individuals of an “eligible data breach”. This means that if we hold personal information about you, and there is unauthorised access to or disclosure of your personal information, and if you, as the “affected individual” would be likely to suffer serious harm from this access or disclosure, we must notify both you and the OAIC.

9.2 “Serious harm” could include identity theft, threats to physical safety, economic and financial harm, harm to reputation, embarrassment, discrimination, or harassment. The test is whether a “reasonable person” would expect you to suffer serious harm.

9.3 If you are likely to suffer serious harm from a data breach, we will notify you of:

  • The nature of the eligible data breach (i.e., how the information was accessed or disclosed);
  • The type of information that was accessed or disclosed;
  • The steps that we have taken to control or reduce the harm, and those that we plan to take;
  • Any assistance we can offer you, such as arranging for credit monitoring;
  • Anything that we can suggest you can do to assist yourself or mitigate the harm;
  • Whether the breach has also been notified to the OAIC;
  • How you can contact us for information or to complain; and
  • How to make a complaint with the OAIC.

9.4 We will notify you using the same method that we usually use to communicate with you. If it is not practicable for us to notify you personally, we will publish the notification on our website.

9.5 There are some circumstances in which we do not have to notify you of a data breach. These include:

  • Where we have taken remedial action before any serious harm has been caused by the breach;
  • If you have been notified of the breach by another entity;
  • If notification would be inconsistent with Commonwealth secrecy laws; or
  • Where the OAIC declares that notification does not have to be given.

9.6 Depending on the nature of the breach and the harm, we may voluntarily inform other third parties such as the police or other regulators or professional bodies.


10. Identifiers

10.1 We will not adopt as our own any government identifiers you may provide to us such as TFNs and will not store these identifiers on any information.


11. Links to other sites

11.1 We may provide links to other sites for you to access. You should be aware that these other sites are not subject to this Policy or our privacy standards and procedures. You will need to contact them directly to ascertain their privacy standards.


12. Cookies

12.1 Our website may deposit “cookies” on a visitor’s computer. Cookies are pieces of information that a website transfers to an individual’s hard drive for record-keeping purposes. Cookies are only sent back to the website that deposited them when a visitor returns to that site.

12.2 Cookies make it easier for you by saving your preferences while you are at our site. We never save personal identifiable information in cookies. Most web browsers are initially set up to accept cookies. You can, however, reset your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.


13. Changes to our Privacy Policy

13.1 From time to time, we may vary this Policy for any reason. We will publish any changes on this website.

13.2 By continuing to use our website and continuing to provide us with your information, you confirm your acceptance of these changes.


14. Complaints resolution

14.1 We are committed to providing a fair and responsible system for the handling of complaints from parties whose personal information we hold. If you have any concerns regarding the way we have handled your privacy, please send us an email at privacy@count.au or write to us at Level 1, 45 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000. We will address any concerns you have through our complaints handling process and we will inform you of the outcome of your complaint within a reasonable timeframe.

14.2 If after receiving our response, you still consider that your privacy complaint has not been resolved, you may refer your concerns to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au.