MSN's "Living Poor and Loving It " Video

(photo courtesy of MSN.com)

In case there was any doubt, a study has confirmed that Americans have a lot of what economists know, technically, as "stuff."

The computer has surpassed the dishwasher as a standard household appliance. Even the poorest Americans have posted a sharp rise in access to air conditioning. The fact that 95% of them may have a refrigerator tells only part of the story.

(This study may be true for Filipinos, too. As even the poorest Filipino, living under a bridge, always has access to color TV and cable!)

While economists tend to focus on things that can be measured in dollars and cents, the spiritual side of the economy has begun to garner more attention. That's partly because some research has found that once people gain a modest sufficiency in goods, further increases in income don't result in rising happiness.

Meanwhile, Donna Freedman-- a 43-year-old student, freelance writer, baby sitter and handy woman in Washington state, is spending less to have more. See how she's living within her financial boundaries and staying happy.

You must read her article
here and find out why true prosperity is more than just a healthy bottom line.

Also, after watching her video (please be patient, there's a little commercial before the actual video), I was comforted in realizing a kindred frugal spirit at the farther end of the spectrum. Medyo moderate pa pala ako!