by JP Landolt

Do not mistake this title for another ode to Marie Kondo’s practice of sparking joy and tidying up, but more as a diary of an experiment created to help a young woman find herself. Themes of addiction, depression, and “doing hard things” fill these pages. Flanders is an established freelance writer, current co-host of the podcast Budget & Cents, and author. Forbes featured her 2015 experiment, described as a year-long shopping ban. That post resulted in book offers and the subsequent publishing of The Year of Less in 2018.

Cait gives us a brief synopsis of all the previous experiments she has completed: a year dedicated to weight loss, another year getting sober, then another getting debt-free as outlined on her former blog (blondeonabudget.ca). She outlines a set of rules designed to de-clutter her life, save money, and live with less.

Admittedly, I almost stopped listening to this book with the introduction. Was this going to be another variation of minimalism from a self-important, self-righteous, affluent-organizational-trend-setter-wannabe? No. She explicitly says she does not judge anyone’s choices. These choices were necessary for her, and she could only share her experience. Once I heard that and put aside my bias, I found Cait to be a sincere young woman who struggled with the same things that most of us do, including weight and self-esteem, debt and savings, and family issues. She sets intentions with these multifaceted experiments which eventually help her accomplish her goals.

She lost 30 pounds, paid down $30K in consumer debt, and finally got sober!

All these accomplishments are monumental achievements alone, and more so in succession! Each of these things are addictions that she combats daily. Flanders made huge, life-changing decisions while battling depression and coming to terms with her sobriety. Most experts would tell you not to do this. Somehow, it worked for her, and that is my only frustration with this book. I am reluctant to say it was her sheer will that pulled her through because that is false. She has admitted that she is naturally organized and does not suffer from any kind of executive dysfunction.

As an aside: If you struggle, and I mean STRUGGLE, with messiness or too much eating, too much buying – just TOO MUCH, I think Keeping House While Drowning may be a much better fit for practical systems and compassionate approaches while being neurodiverse. It’s a memoir with some tips, tricks, and advice in the epilogue.

Cait’s story is inspiring because she takes on the challenges, and she makes it through to the end with measurable data points. This book wraps up neatly; it is easy to find yourself rooting for her and simultaneously jealous of her integrity in satisfying her intentions. My greatest takeaway was this question that Cait started asking herself when facing a purchase (paraphrased): “Am I buying this (item) for who I am or am I buying this for the person I want to be?” 

While this is no “how to,” it is certainly inspirational and logical. If you want a simpler life filled with more quality than quantity, you must let go of things. And the less you have, the less you eventually need. I mean, I could use an extra $17K this year.  

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

JP has worked for HCLS since 2006. She enjoys gallivanting, Jollibee, and all the halo-halo she can eat.