TRULY living within your means - is it possible?

[avendesora]

Is it possible to truly live within your means? How would you go about making sure that happened?

Here's what I mean - I'm sure that many of us on the F&F MDC board are aware of spending less than we earn, and thus are living withing our means by the traditional definition. I'm wondering about expanding that definition to include the true cost of items, not just the sticker price. In the US (where I am), it is very possible to live comfortably on a modest salary because of products being subsidized, or because companies aren't charging as much as they ought to (because they're making environmental messes and not cleaning up after themselves - if they were forced to clean up promptly then their costs would be higher, and thus the price for their items would be higher), or because we as a nation are grossly underpaying workers in the 3rd world.

If you tried to truly live within your means, then the difference between the true cost and the sticker price would end up as savings in your account. What would you do with that money?

Obviously the first goal is to live within your means by the original definition. I just got started thinking about this after watching The Story of Stuff, about what else can be done.

I've always believed that if you have a good salary, are paying your bills promptly, and have a reasonable amount of savings, donate a reasonable amount to charity, then whatever money is extra can go towards luxuries without guilt. However, if we have extra money because others are being underpaid, what can I do to make up for that?

Any thoughts?
Aven

[texmati]

I think that those are two different issues. You should live below your means-- spend less than you earn.

But you can also spend that money ethically, shop only at places that *do* pay their employees fairly, and be concious of what products you buy and how they are manufactured. (And I would go a step further and say, be vocal about why you are shopping where you are). That's the best way.

Oh, and yes I belive that it is comepletely possible, and prolly a lot of MDC mom's are doing it!