Communal Living

The mention of this term evokes images during the hippie movement in the United States in the late 60's and early 70s. People 'dropped out' by moving to remote locations called communes. In these communities, the idea of personal property vanished and was replaced with the concept of sharing. If you need something, just take it. Clothing, rooms, even lovers were all part of the community. Everyone pitched in for the benefit of the community.

Not So Far-Fetched

If you ask the average person about the communes and the idea of communal living, they would tell you that is was an idea practiced by immoral sex freaks and has no basis in a civilized society. While I will grant the notion of 20 or 30 couples living together is extreme, there is a certain validity to the mindset. Also, while I am not sure of the practicality of it with such a large group, I will show that it is something that is in keeping with the minimalist mindset.

Sharing resources is nothing new. Most people understand how there are times when it is best to combine 'forces' for maximum benefit. We see this both at the personal and business level. In fact, I argue that communal living is a common part of society.

Divorce-The Path To Poverty

The last 20 years witnessed a massive explosion in the divorce rate. At the same time, the poverty level has jumped to historic proportions. While I am not going to claim that the poverty rate is exclusively caused by the divorce rate, I will maintain that it has a part to do with it. If you understand the financial impact on people in this arena, you will see how it goes against the communal living idea.

If we remember, the basic tenet of communal living is sharing of resources. What happens within a marriage? All assets are shared between the individuals (called a family). Therefore, two people are responsible for only one household. There is one rent/mortgage payment, electric bill, and cable provider. In short, you have two incomes going towards one set of bills. All resources are shared between the individuals.

This is the common way the majority of western society lives. Of course, with divorce, we see the exact opposite happen. Now, instead of two incomes going towards one set of bills, the divorced couple assumes two sets of bills since they are in two different households. Suddenly, everything is doubled. What was once a comfortable standard of living now becomes a struggle for at least one party (if not both). The financial resources are split.

When we look at those impoverished, it is common to find single mothers occupying this space. They are the ones who are hit the hardest since they have to maintain a home while depending upon child support or other benefits in many instances. The fact that two incomes arent available makes it impossible to get ahead. This is the plight of the average divorcee in this era.

Minimalism Is The Answer

Before I get into the concept of communal living as I see it, I want to make a point about the average person we just mentioned. Now, please bear in mind that I am not 'picking' on the downtrodden as much as showing the mentality which is so prevalent in our culture (it exists among the middle class also).

People simply have too much stuff. They assume financial obligations without thinking about the long term merits of their actions. The simple truth is that most people in this country do not realize what 'poverty' really is. Anyone who traveled to lands such as Ethiopia or Haiti knows exactly what I am referring to. The United States, and most western cultures, have an incredible standard of living in comparison even on the low end. People here are worried about what to get the children for Xmas while starvation is rampant in many parts of the world.

Therefore, I assert we simply over indulge. The minimalist mindset will help to eliminate a great deal of poverty. For example, I believe that most 'poor' households have cable television. Why does someone who is making $12,000-$18,000 pay over $100 a month for a service like this? The answer is because they believe they are entitled to it. Well, I have news for you. It is possible to live without cable television. Eliminating this single expenditure can recoup almost 10% of these people's income. How do you think that will affect them?

Alas, this is something that most people never consider. It is beyond the comprehension of the average American to live without this service. And, that is why most are destined to remain enslaved. Freedom is for those who approach things differently. A minimalist mindset is what allows one to make the proper decisions.

Shared Housing

Once you realize how important it is to become a minimalist, one then sees how communal living is a practical avenue to pursue. While I acknowledge that establishing 'hippie-type' communes is not rational for most, I will assert that all should look at sharing resources. Besides, it is already something that most people do within the confines of marriage. Why not simply extend this idea outwards?

Before answering that, I will state that again we see the 'entitlement' mentality enter the picture. Many seem to believe they are entitled to their own place. We often hear a statement such as 'I value my privacy' as a reason for living alone. This mindset causes people to forgo their freedom. It is what straps people financially while enslaving them. Trust me when I tell your privacy is costing you tens of thousands of dollars.

It is not uncommon to see an single individual or couple in a two or three bedroom house. In this instance, it is up to that person to cover all the bills. While one has rationalization for living in this manner, the truth is that a fortune is wasted. But that is the American mindset.

What are the options in this instance. The first is to downsize to a single bedroom apartment. However, in many instances this is impractical. So what is another way for one to rectify this problem. In short, applying the idea of communal living is the answer. If this person (couple) brought in another to live under the same roof while sharing expenses, they would be a lot better off. Yet, as was mentioned, few ever consider the possibility.

Let us use as an example $1,000 in rent or mortgage. If this is something that one has to lay out on his/her own, then the total expenditure is 12,000 a year. Throw in cable, electric, and water and you can easily run up a tab of $15,000. In many instances this accounts for a large percentage of an individuals take home pay.

Now, let us move another individual into the picture. The same expenditures exist at the same rate with a few increasing because of a second person. For example, you might see a minimal increase in the water and electric due to additional usage. However, the rent/mortgage payment and the cable remain the same. So, let us say the additional person add $1,000 to the total annual tab, we now have $16,000. Yet, because there are two people paying the bills, each person is responsible for $8,000. This is a savings of $7,000 a year.

Of course, this is something that is fairly common within the United States. We see many who have roommates to help share expenses. However, I am trying to emphasize freedom through a minimalist mindset. So, we go one step further.

Coupling Up

This is an idea that really makes the above example turn on its head. There are many couples who move in together as a way to share resources (and yes they have other reasons for it). Nevertheless, this situation will see the two people share expense while living in a two bedroom house or apartment. While they are much better off than the single person in the same situation, they are far from realizing freedom. This can be done by cutting things even more.

How can this be done? Simply by adding another couple to the living arrangement. Now, instead of 2 people sharing the expenses, there are 4. Thus, each person's obligation is reduced even further (to $4,000). Couples who live with other couples under the same roof are able to exert tremendous economies of scale over the basic living expenses. Of course, this does mean one will give up some of his/her privacy.

Communal living is a economic goldmine. It is a way for people to minimize the impact of the basics in life. We all need shelter; it is something that we cannot live without. However, it often makes up the largest portion of a person's budget. By reducing it down as much as possible, one is able to enjoy a financial windfall. How do you think your life would change if you made $30,000 while having to pay $4,000 for your overhead? Suddenly, you have a fair bit of money to invest as a means of garnering more financial freedom.

Communal living is something that we will see this country get back to. In the 'olden' days, generations of families were housed under the same roof. All pitched in for the common good. Somewhere along the way we lost that idea. The entitlement and 'more' mentality set in. Now people are paying for those choices. The insight provided here will assist you along your path. There is not reason why you should bear the full burden simple because society tells you to 'live alone'. Communal living has many practical benefits which we all should explore.