The Year of Less cover art

The Year of Less

How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store

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About this listen

In her late 20s, Cait Flanders found herself stuck in the consumerism cycle that grips so many of us: earn more, buy more, want more, rinse, repeat. Even after she worked her way out of nearly $30,000 of consumer debt, her old habits took hold again. When she realized that nothing she was doing or buying was making her happy - only keeping her from meeting her goals - she decided to set herself a challenge: she would not shop for an entire year.

The Year of Less documents Cait's life for 12 months during which she bought only consumables: groceries, toiletries, gas for her car. Along the way, she challenged herself to consume less of many other things besides shopping. She decluttered her apartment and got rid of 70 percent of her belongings; learned how to fix things rather than throw them away; researched the zero-waste movement; and completed a television ban.

At every stage, she learned that the less she consumed, the more fulfilled she felt. Blending Cait's compelling story with inspiring insight and practical guidance, The Year of Less will leave you questioning what you're holding on to in your own life - and, quite possibly, lead you to find your own path of less.

©2018 Cait Flanders (P)2018 Tantor Personal Development Personal Finance Personal Success Inspiring Heartfelt Memoir Biography

Critic reviews

"If you've ever felt there must be more to life than consumerism and its vicious cycle, you'll find inspiration to break free in The Year of Less. Cait's highly readable and personal story is encouraging, challenging, and unbelievably helpful." (Joshua Becker, author of The More of Less)
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I loved listening to this. It’s an honest, raw and very clear but calming book. I would 100% recommend reading it and taking advice from Cait’s experiences.

Fantastic

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Her experience is her own and she tells it so naturally, it's like listening to a friend

Touching

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I really enjoyed listening to this book. I loved hearing about the author's journey and her tips on how to go about beginning a shopping ban yourself. It was great to hear the author narrating the book herself and I loved how open and honest she is in her writing. Really inspiring and motivating - Definitely makes me wasn't to examine my spending habits and be a more mindful and intentional consumer.

Inspiring and Motivating - A great idea!

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Cait is an absolute inspiration. I have followed minimalist ways for 8 months now, and before I read this book I already had a no spend 6 months. This has inspired me to reevaluate my own habits. Although you never spend to the same extent after a no spend period you can easily be trapped by mindless purchases.

I could completely relate to Cait’s blackout purchases and relationship traumas. I didn’t agree that she poured all of her lotions and potions down the sink but I can see did each step.

An absolute must read. Thank you to Cait for this book.

Absolutely LOVED this book.

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Well done .
I learned a lot and your journey was very enjoyable to listen to
Thank you

Very enjoyable

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