TEDxAsheville - Adam Baker - Sell your crap. Pay your debt. Do what you love.

In 2008, after the birth of his first child, Baker and his wife decided to sell everything they owned, pay off their consumer debt, and spend a year traveling abroad as a family. They began sharing their journey in early 2009 on the blog Man vs. Debt, now 15000 subscribers strong. In sharing their ups and downs in the areas of personal finance, consumerism, clutter, travel, minimalism, and passionate entrepreneurship, they realized they aren't alone in a desire to explore and grow.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@robp5227]

For those of us who don't want the backpacking life: 1. Do what you love (at all costs). 2. Don't spend more than you earn. 3. Don't hang out with people you don't like. 4. Surround yourself with people that are better than you. 5. Define what's important for you in life and work towards that. Source: personal opinion

[@toddmatthes3476]

Rob P well said!

[@solarcabin]

15 ears ago after a divorce and career ending illness I lost everything and I had no crap because I was homeless and broke. Now I own a 14x14 off-grid cabin and sustainable homestead. No house payment, no utility bills, no debt and FREEDOM!

[@carolynevers7924]

How did you do it? That is my dream~~

[@solarcabin]

Carolyn Evers I have over 100 videos on my channel that explain how to do it you are welcome to watch.

[@carolynevers7924]

solarcabin Thank you! I will check it out.

[@christofrofosho]

solarcabin Thanks for sharing, I will be checking out your vids!

[@banshee2428]

Just subscribed - look at your situation as becoming the norm in the near future.

[@Videooogaaaamsh]

"Working jobs we hate, so we can buy shit we don't need." - Tyler Durden

[@raffie9526]

That's what I'm saying 😂

[@deezplace]

... "to impress people we don't (even) like"

[@marshalljhughes007]

@@deezplace ... "with money we don't have".

[@jay-rus4437]

Absolutely 100% correct. Everything said is what my wife and I experienced 5 years ago. Simplified our lives....sold nearly all we owned with the exception of basic furniture and reasonable clothing. We bought used cars, older smaller home, and then started a business. Everything we sold, even when owned, lifted a weight off of us. Today no credit cards or consumer debt at all. Life is much more enjoyable. We work 3-1/2 days per week, and enjoy the rest of our time

[@cerebralprince1146]

What is freedom? Freedom is not having to know what time it is.

[@dontworryaboutit8213]

CerebralPrince haven’t heard that one before.

[@zoedrysdale9615]

Exactly!! I came to this conclusion and it's true, you don't have flexibility when you have debt and obligations that don't really serve you, governing your time 😞

[@LeeConnellAnthony]

Excellent response to that question!

[@miwin1000]

I guess I'm really free...I never know what time it is nor what day, nor who the president is....LOL

[@youarehere1251]

That’s call retirement

[@Dannyhorgan81]

This dude and his wife seem like a great team. So many people associate marriage with a loss of freedom, but they obviously proved that notion wrong.

[@joelgetty]

You're right. People associate kids with "settling down" too, but he took his wife and kid with him. Children are resilient and they will learn from the environment around them. So many people get caught in the trap that children need to live this perfectly stable life to grow up "normal."

[@angeliquekopecky5556]

I'll bet their children will have some amazing learning experiences! I think stability is in family and teaching values. I dont think that their trip was easy. 28 hours with a 1 year old. Im surprised they had any hair left. I think his point is to live out YOUR dreams through experiences. I love this concept.

[@BentoRogerio]

Angelique Kopecky I think his point is to find out the true meaning of freedom. Only then will you live the experiences of your dreams. Namaste.

[@dandart9890]

once and a while a couple thinks alike. how fortunate for them. The vast majority of Western women are not interested in a "simple living" lifestyle.

[@roberthofmann8403]

Dan Dart* in

[@Bholaday44]

I really needed to hear this. Thank you Adam. I've recently retired and now have a little income, own my home, have some savings, and have all this FREEDOM - and am stuck! Stuck trying to figure out what I want. My life has been 'have to' and 'need to' and about survival - and now it can be about play! And I do not know where to start...decided I would by clearing out the house I've lived in for 26 years - which when I got to the end of your TedTalk is exactly where I need to start! Freeing myself of things and going from there ~

[@aerozg]

Freedom to me means financial freedom. No debt, no mortgages, and a steady income from a job i enjoy doing and am passionate about.

[@justindrescher3095]

Having an income of any sort is still apart of the financial system. If you don't want debt and the like you would have to consider what value truely is. To me everything has some sort of intrinsic value but set as uses. Wood is just a tree but when you give it a purpose like building a home your giving it a value, just not a financial one. Our personal skills and interests would be a big factor in a changedsociety from paying others to do what you can to you having the freedom to create anything you need to stay alive and more.

[@justindrescher3095]

Research the Venus project for some new ideas that could be used to help your fellow species. Our world is not confined to just our cities or countries we have the whole planet plus the unknown universe to explore..

[@bullyboye]

Justin Drescher n

[@ofwoodsteel1124]

Ditto...that and not working for a penny pinching control freak...

[@bellepierre24]

aerozg I agree with most of what you say except the job part. A job creates false security. Having a passion that you pursue brings fulfillment and generates income.

[@lennardkahn6379]

My wife daughter and I 40 years ago chose this lifestyle sharing these values accumulating amazing experiences and travelling extensively. On our return home we always enjoyed The Tiny House Nation concept now 65 years young and still happily married to my best friend we have no regrets. Loved your talk and thanks for inspiring the younger generation.

[@hamiltonmays4256]

+Lennard Kahn Inspiring them to do what? Be self-indulgent sensation-seekers?

[@dakewu1479]

+Hamilton Mays how is that self-indulgent? how does working a crap job make you any less self-indulgent? it doesn't benefit anyone. what's wrong with seeking sensation?

[@johnward7069]

M'Liss A...

[@zachsmith1179]

+Hamilton Mays so you consider not accumulating debt and actually enjoying life a bad thing? Interesting how brain washed some people still are, even after all the evidence available to them. Go back to your 80 hour a week job and 100 of thousands in debt, stay miserable if you want, just don't judge others for not following the same destructive path.

[@Gasp7000]

@@hamiltonmays4256 Isn’t that what salivating over a credit card is-being a sensation-seeker? Family experiences is making happy memories. Credit card debt is the opposite-it’s an addiction to purchasing interest, I mean, that’s where the money ultimately goes, right? It is not from the shoes you bought-you didn’t need the credit card for that because when you paid the credit card bill, it was YOU who paid for the shoes. What you are purchasing is not shoes, it is “lack of discipline in waiting”. You bought this perk of skirting self-discipline on the clock with the interest’s $ticker price. You purchase the product of delay of payment with the price of bondage to the debtor. Are you a debtor? Is that what the defense is about? Ultimately, kind family togetherness is the greatest value. No family member should wait for another to make the first move here. Each of us is where it begins, we must be the happiness we want to reflect back. That takes selfless initiative.

[@GadeaOne]

22 years old...... 1 month away from graduation and i have ZERO DEBT. Small car paid for and a BA in Business Finance. It's possible. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[@Njliving22]

Why didnt you save your money in those ten years and buy out your freedom? My friend works on wall street and thats his plan...get in get rich and get out

[@GymClubHouse]

you are a child at 22. obviously you are not going to have debt. come back here in 15 years and then leave a comment when you have gone through life, as in real adulthood.

[@Njliving22]

whats a real adulthood

[@aznsuperher0]

lots of hate in these comments. good on you for getting where you're at with zero debt. that alone shows that you're further along than others your age.

[@nancie7487]

Were you living with your parents when you reached this goal?

[@TorbenRudgaard]

I decided to NOT buy any crap, to live a simple frugal life and instead buy condos and houses and rent them out. Today I have $30,000 a month after taxes and I travel the world currently living at Wong Amat Beach in Thailand. I LOVE MY LIFE :)

[@diannebarnard8189]

I love your life too!

[@pampam7]

I also love your life

[@MsCordially]

I bet your rent is too high, and that you pay lots of cash for young thai sexual partners

[@pampam7]

MsCordially way to neg up someone else's windfall. I love people who just wanna shit on someone else coz they aint got nothing to show for there life except misery and whinging

[@MsCordially]

Pam Pam I'm glad you love people. I also love people . You get back into your bible while i face the realities of life. My stating an opinion is not a big deal - but for you it equals shitting on someone. Miserable people most often like to call others miserable

[@catreadsbooks]

I've got rid of my crap and stop acquiring things and I'm sorry it took until my late thirties to figure this out. He speaks the truth. Debt and things will hold you back in life. From reaching our true potential.

[@KodeLiMe]

"When you don't have debt, you know what you have? Money!" - Dave Ramsey "He who buys what he does not need, will someday need what he cannot buy." - Unknown

[@meshakvb6431]

I used to work in auto factories 60-84 hours a week. I once worked 12 hours every single day for 3.5 months. One week I did over 90 hours. I am 27 years old, and I was working like that from 19-26. My body is irreparably damaged in places, and I'm still young. I tried to work faster and harder than everyone else. Now I won't do it. I realized I was being used in so many ways. Money isn't worth your dignity, your health, or your soul. I paid off all my debts when I was 21, and never took out any more debt except student debt, which I still owe. Once that is paid off, I will be free, and never live beyond my means, and always strive to be in a 'fuck you' position. Where I am my own, dignified man, who has no job lorded over me, and nobody pretending to be my abusive 'daddy' at work. I will live as well as I can afford to and never long for the pain of living beyond my means.

[@SM-ex7ti]

Great story, cheers.

[@mmmckinney8317]

I've been in a very similar situation. I've always done extremely physical jobs from the age of 16-26, and I wore my body down. Add on top of that 5 and a half years of cigarette smoking and my body got worn down extremely easily. Debt is just a form of slavery and once I'm out of debt this time I'm never getting another credit card, auto loan, or any loan again. It's not worth the obligation to pay. Which is reality just means the obligation to WORK.

[@roberttalada5196]

And then I got my dick stuck in a fan.

[@manictiger]

+MM McKinney Funny thing is, it's mental slavery. You don't actually have to pay that crap. Fuck 'em. If you owe 10 grand and you only have 10 grand, fuck 'em. If you have 100 grand and you owe 10 grand, still fuck 'em! Now, if you have 500 grand and you owe 10 grand-- Yeah, sure, may as well pay it off.

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

+Bigbadd Woofe if what you say id true. Yo learned at 27, what most people take twenty years to learn...and then they are stuck. Rent, children, bla di bla.

[@ellenorbovay5226]

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose" Bobby McGee.

[@jeremyh8446]

I was fortunate to learn this at a young age... the never ending cycle of debt. I noticed very early on when I was 27 that I was entering into this cycle. So I immediately came up with a plan to get out of it and out of debt. I paid off my credit card, student loan, then the car and when I turned 34 I lastly paid off my house. I just turned 35 a few weeks ago and have absolutely 0 debt. Unfortunately, they do not teach this stuff in HS. People start unconsciously digging their “debt hole” early in life, and for years and years they continue to dig deeper and deeper. I work for a bank... but as a Financial Advisor. I take pride in helping others build financial stability.

[@bridgetkirk7065]

Not all debt is down to consumerism. I've had to use it to keep my car on the road, to support my son at university and to have the travel experiences he talks about. Other than that I live very frugally. Many people use debt simply to survive.

[@suefarrand2906]

I Paid off the house by 30 for “freedom” then lost it to the ex. Back on the debt train for the rest of my life.

[@andragg]

Adam has basically told my story. I came to a realization in 2010 that I do not need all the material possessions I own and getting rid of it gave me more freedom. I was laid off from my job in 2008 and was on I was unemployment. I had to move out of my spiffy $1000 a month apartment and rent a room from my friend. The room was furnished, so I had to get rid of a lot of my stuff. After a few years I was glad I didn't have that stuff because I moved from Florida to Maine. I sold the few bulky things I did have and moved with just 2 suitcases of stuff. I could always rent a furnished place or buy a used table and chair to do my work. I still only own a handful of things and with the economy so messed I have the freedom to pick up and move at a days notice. I digitized all my artwork and music and stored it in two laptops.

[@Its_like_the_T-Rex]

I saw this video 8 years ago, It inspired me to pay off my debts. It's taken years of discipline and a 180 degree shift in thinking. In 2018-2019 I sold most of my stuff (put some in storage) and set off on a 12 month sabatical and travelled the world. While I don't recommend full minimalism, simplification makes room for new things in life.

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Good job

[@bluewaters3100]

When I was in my 20's and 30's I had an adventurous life. I camped on beaches, went traveling, and worked a lot to do it. I could put all my stuff into a van and car. Every time we moved I sold my stuff and plants. Now that I am 67 I wish I had bought a house...the rent in my apartment is higher than my daughter's home mortgage. My arthritis has really slowed me down. I own nothing, but am in debt because I use my credit card just to exist...gas, electricity, water, and the rental increases. I live in a part of the country where the income disparity is unbelievable. But you can not go back. Divorce also causes alot of issues for people financially. It is sad.

[@MegaWigg]

"The thing's you own...end up owning you" - Tyler Durden

[@SoulSurvivorX2]

We've been debt free for almost 4 years now..... it's freakin awesome :)

[@RamboGT13]

sounds like something we were told by our mentorship program, LTD www.ltdteam.com.

[@geoffowren3021]

Decent philosophy, but what if your "stuff" is what creates your awesome experiences. My stuff is boats, scuba gear, surfboards, paintball, etc...

[@rog944]

Geoff Owren That's fine. But those "awesome experiences" also include the work that goes into paying for that stuff. If your work is also an awesome experience, then it's not a problem. Otherwise, you've got some thinking to do.

[@3KatzaPES]

Watch and listen from minute 11:00 in this video. The speaker gives a great response to this very question.

[@geoffowren3021]

I didn't see it.

[@preetyagarwal11]

I sold my stuff, but I need my juicer back now

[@codypolar6593]

I've been selling my stuff for 5 years now. You only sell the stuff you haven't used in a while.

[@genalee5211]

Preety Agarwal 🤣🤣

[@niviamaeva]

kkkkkkkk

[@sarah29880]

Lol

[@silviodeassis5728]

Preety Agarwal I can give a some juice.

[@junk5354]

Freedom is being married to myself. Since no one wants me - I'll just settle for being in love with myself. I don't even need a ring or wedding. I just look in the mirror everyday and give a little half smile. I then ask myself, Do you have any kids? So far I've replied, NO. Then I pat myself on my back and start my day...

[@Chrissywalters]

I love that!

[@killyourtelllievision]

The only thing worse than being single? Is wishing you were. I am happier by myself w my Lab and we get along GREAT! Even my X and I get along well now that we aren't living together and as for kids? None that I know of yet but I did get laid a lot when I was younger (and better looking than I am at 54) and before sex could KILL YOU! I know that IF I do have kids...they are all adults now and my child support will have surely been nullified although I wouldn't mind knowing them if they wanted to know me and if they do they should know the only reason I don't know about them is because I was never told

[@dawna4185]

same....single and happy forever....

[@planetx5269]

@@killyourtelllievision You should have taken responsibility and used protection instead of ruining those girls lives and the lives of those fatherless children. You are very selfish.

[@KarlDag]

@@planetx5269 lol wow

[@lilyjameson5156]

I had the same situation with a packed storage unit. I paid for it every month for a few years and then lost my job. Eventually, I had to stop paying for the unit and I lost it to auction. Although I did everything I could to avoid that day and suffered a lot of anxiety about it...the day came and went. The funny part is that except for one painting that my mom (who's now passed away) gave me....I don't miss any of the stuff. And although I initially felt very sad about that one painting, over time, I've realized that my mom will always be with me...in my heart...not in any "thing." So I'm now ok with it and working on further decluttering my life of most of the "stuff" I've accumulated over the years. It feels great!

[@mb4lunch]

This one should be watched every 6 months or so...

[@marijuanapuffs]

2 hours ago I just placed my things in a storage unit. I got picked up by an Uber driver and I mentioned what I had just stored and he was so interested that he turned the car around about a half mile down the road and purchased all the items I had just stored. I mean he bought it all. I lost money in that transaction, but I couldn't be happier. I tend to carry all these pocessions and take it with me everywhere I go. Got home a few minutes ago and this is the video that popped up. This dude is right and this is the beginning of my minimalist lifestyle.

[@DanEather]

I sit somewhere in the middle. I have a wife, 2 kids, a mortgage and no other debt. I have a job I like, that pays well enough to afford the things i need and some things i want. it's a lovely concept what Adam's talking about, but I don't think it has to be as extreme as some people are thinking. It's not one or the other. I chose the debt of a mortgage, but with limited "crap". I'm an IT professional, but all of my friends and family have more gadgets and faster/newer phones and devices than i do. It affords me some flexibility, but with the nice-to-have of my own house.

[@budakhan79]

Dan Eather I think this is the sweet spot that people might be forgetting when watching this video. I too like my job a lot and it pays enough for me to enjoy things. I don’t buy a lot but don t love a frugal life. No need to sell everything and go nomad. Come on now.

[@MatthewDeGrand]

Love this. Collect experiences - not things. Perfect!

[@eoinbrennan3949]

362 people gave this the thumbs down??????? How on earth could you dislike something as inspiring and life affirming as this?

[@dmarti47]

Hobbies, interests, passions, things of importance, they're all related. The talk talks about anything you must keep to fulfill your definition of Freedom. Your books, N64 games and laptops are what make you happy so you're doing what is good for you.

[@Furtivo95]

I don't own a garage.... also negative debt free. Travelled the world since I was 24 yrs, on a shoe string. Invested in a business opportunity 11 yrs ago, bought an apartment complex soon after. I live at an amazing cottage in Venice Beach, 1/2 a block from the sands....for less than what I rent 1 unit for. I am a master of simplistic, ergonomic home planning and realize a larger space does not = more happiness. I am launching a new business next year. Material freedom means you are only limited by imagination.

[@afierylight]

So you're not married and have no kids. Got it.

[@codypolar6593]

@@afierylight It's all about the right spouse and not spoiling your kids.

[@Angelskris333]

I like this guy! He is easy going and clear to understand...and makes so much sense. I am almost debt free and I had to sacrifice a lot for it. My finacial mess had me suffering from anxiety and being depressed. I am free :) Love this video & thank you.

[@thebeatonpath]

Great talk for a new start. You don't have to sell everything and go backpacking for those complaining about this guy. It's about freedom from debt. Plain and simple. Stuff will not make you happy. Experiences and memories will, so go out and enjoy life WITHOUT the stress of debt.

[@dawna4185]

some stuff can bring happiness...i love my vitamix blender. i sooo love and enjoy my comfy bed and blankets. i love watching videos on my laptop. i love having warm clothes in the winter. i love my car that takes me on many many great adventures...i love having healthy food and some good books and good quality sneakers to go hiking with and my cell phone to call my kid or make an appointment or get a shift when on call...point is, there is nothing wrong with stuff...stuff that serves a good purpose....

[@johnharris6691]

Freedom is your parents looking after you till they die , they brought you into this !

[@AmberMaloneAZ]

LoL🤣😂🤣

[@milesclyne4336]

We moved to a different city a few years ago and left the majority of our "stuff" in storage. We rented a fully furnished home for about a year and half before buying. We missed virtually nothing of what was in storage, what a liberating experience. Life has changed for the good, we totally focus on what we need now.

[@FreeSpirits]

This resonates so much with me. Such an amazing and inspiring talk. We downsized and have gotten rid of 80% of our possessions so far. We were the people that had a garage like that picture only a year ago. We are now finding our freedom and couldn't be happier :)

[@greenkitty82]

I agree. With less stuff you have more money, more time and are less stressed but people are so blinded by desire and care too much what people think of them they end up suffering for it. The only material thing worth to me is knowledge in books, hence why the only things I really own are books and then even those are passed on to keep my life minimalist. Ownership is a burden and nothing stresses me more then seeing all this junk you have to care for. Life is way too short for all that nonsense.

[@FreeSpirits]

It is crazy how blinded people are to how they are living. Stuff is a burden of almost every aspect of your life. :)

[@greenkitty82]

+FreeSpirit I completely agree. Just having things on my floor does my head in and makes you feel so closed in. When it's all clear you feel so free and calm but people have this belief driven into them by society that having lots of stuff will make you happy, which while having things that enhance your life is fine, most of it is completely unnecessary. It's like the speaker says, it's best to spend your money on something like an amazing holiday you'll relive forever, not a material thing you'll quickly grow bored with.

[@kmjhss1]

He is so right! I lost everything except my car & the clothes on our family's backs during a house fire. It was the most horrifying and liberating thing to ever happen to me. My family was devastated, but when we began putting our home back together, I went simple. I have two grandchildren, that I'm raising, who believe they need "stuff" to be happy. I vow to sell everything and buy a small motor home and travel when they are grown. My dream.... :)

[@emward6858]

I hope you achieved your dream 😊

[@kurtwagner7610]

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[@RobGMun]

I like how he glossed over the tough times he had, the bet the baby cried more then she smiled in the only two pictures he showed

[@gordongekko2781]

Every college student should be required to watch a presentation like this one before graduation. Debt = Enslavement. The key to avoiding debt = never buy anything that you cannot afford. There are only three situations in which someone should borrow money: 1) buying a home 2) investments (college education, starting a new business, etc) 3) medical related expenses When you buy stuff with credit, you are enslaving yourself!!! Stop doing it! Slice up your credit cards. Free yourself from debt bondage.

[@Edotter]

It's an odd, odd thing. I live in a very nerdy multi-adult household. 75% of our "crap" is BOOKS. Somehow I never felt right being guilty about that.

[@jordansimons]

Now debt free and currently selling my remaining crap! I'm leaving on a round the trip on 24th August and I can't wait!! Inspirational stuff... hopefully one day I'll do enough to deliver a TED talk.

[@kaypoh2589]

Sounds incredible! Congrats!!

[@sherylF5610]

So how was it? Where do you end up? Hope that you are doing well.

[@Sunnahiman]

I feel the same and at 65yrs old 10yrs retired and been a consumer too long it doesn't make you happy. Life is short and I am struggling to get rid of all of my accumulation. True freedom is not being ENSLAVED by MATERIALISM. Less is truly more. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and new found freedom. Life is a gift and a short journey. 🥰

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Yes! Lovely story. Minimalism has helped me realize what I want out of life.

[@cheezbag]

"Rich experiences are worth more than property and bank accounts." -Alan Watts

[@joefinn67]

This man said it very well. I have been trying to share this realization with my family for 15 years. I woke up one day and realized I was in prison. I was in prison to my stuff my wife's stuff my children's stuff. My children have grown and moved out on their own and it started building their own prisons. This young man is brilliant

[@LunchBOX360S]

I'm 27 and have done this for years. I grew up with parents that were business owners, but never used a line of credit once in their entire lives. They preached "You only buy what you have money for, if it costs more- then you SAVE until you can afford it in full." One of the sad truths in our society today is that advertising and marketing has wound itself around our subconscious in a very creative way, to convince us that we NEED these things they sell - because we DESERVE them. But the truth is, we DESERVE nothing. And furthermore, we NEED even less. Go to any third world country and you will be hard to find one example of this deserving/ entitled way of living. These people have much less in general than us westerners, yet somehow, they still find joy and happiness in the small things in their every day lives. Most importantly, their families are what seem to matter most. But third world economics are not what I wanted to really talk about. What I am really trying to get at is this: Establishing a conscious realization of the difference between needs and wants, is the first step to living a truly DEBT FREE LIFE. If I've captivated you're interest, here is a short synopsis in how I have implemented these financial and psychological views in my own life, and am currently living in chosen unemployment, and debt free as of 2/25/14... From the time I graduated in 2005 I have lived my life as I have wanted. I move when I want, work where I want, and when I want. Travel and experience whatever I desire. All of this WITHIN REASON of course. The problem with what we'll call "financial reasoning" is that it is purely subjective. Therefore everyone needs to establish their own base line for what is acceptable, and what is not. You must ALWAYS hold yourself accountable to this baseline from that time forward. Unlike a lot of people in their late teens and early twenties I didn't approach my parents for constant hand outs. I chose not to take the path of college and debt, so money has never come "easy" per say, but I've always found a way to create what most refer to as a financial nest egg at multiple intervals in my life so far. Money for when life throws a wrench, or I desire a trip, or lust after something out of my ordinary life. Wanting is a human trait after all. Marketing gurus prey upon this fact, and play into our EMOTIONS. This is how we convince ourselves we WANT crap we don't NEED. We form strong emotional attachments with our belongings. We've actually been brainwashed/ conditioned to do so. Don't believe me? When you buy or more importantly find yourself THINKING ABOUT BUYING something in a store (as we do often) are you telling your "wow, just think about how functional this *insert item here" is!? No. Not at all. We think about how cool or how pretty it is. More importantly how much more superior it is compared to what we already own. And how much more interesting and superior we will look owning it. And closest to the truth, how much better we'll feel about ourselves after buying it. This is a hard one for most people to admit. We all do it, I myself even give in from time to time...the trick is to keep this desire at a very minimal level. To only give in when you truly can afford to splurge a little bit. Another way I have stayed out of debt was to have no credit cards and use only personal bank loans, and bills for establishing lines of credit for the future. I do want a house, family some day so credit is unfortunately crucial. I also PURGE/SELL belongings on a 1 to 2 year basis getting rid of crap, junk, and things I don't need or use anymore. I found recently that it is much easier to pay a small fee for included furnishings in an apartment rather than trying to drag around and ship things from state to state. Here's a FACT. Your crap that is already worth half the price of what you originally paid for it, will get exponentially more and more expensive on you the longer you keep it. So only keep what is MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. Everything else is subjective "stuff." I scored a job last year where I was really able to put some money away. It was a extremely high stress job and due to personal issues with management and a death in the family I ended up walking after just 9 months. Through this though, I was able to use my implemented financial methods, and took over 6 months off from work! I was able to wake when I wanted, enjoy life, and to focus on myself without any financial burden. A few sacrifices were made to justify it in my mind- but this time has been extremely beneficial for grief, reconstruction of my own psyche, and for reexamination of wants and desires in my life. Death has a profound way of making you see these lines clearly. This is my second time retiring for awhile in my twenties and I plan to do it once more on a tropical island before I'm 30. I'm sure there will be nay- sayers to this short story. It's "reckless," it's "immature," "wait till you have a baby.." I get it. It probably won't work forever. But as long as i'm unmarried and childless I see no fault with this system. I essentially live for myself, therefore my own happiness is entirely in my hands. Most friends and family that have asked me about what I do say the same thing. "They would do it themselves if they could." Just like this TEDx talk I posted on, I'm here to say that YOU CAN! You just have to decide what you truly want in your life, and then spend and work towards those goals. Okay, any self conscious person knows there's more to it than that...but that's a hell of a first step towards a happier life- isn't it? P.S. some people have told me I have a knack for writing and should construct a book about How to Retire in Your Twenties. Would you read it?

[@SaurabhP-gm3bt]

Yes, I will read it!!! I will buy it!! :) It's amazing what you've written. Thanks for writing all that. :) I'm 27 too, hate credit cards and have similar views towards life. Sometimes I get frustrated and feel to quit this busy life and really give time to myself, read some great books, spend time with family, travel the world and just think.. think about all the stuff in this cruel yet a beautiful world. Cheers!

[@MsTurquaz]

Wow.. this "thinking about buying stuff" really hit me. That's exactly what I do. Thank you for poking my brain. Although I don't think those "stuff" will be pretty, or cool I think I will be more in peace with that white sofa and the exact color of my dream floor and... who am I kidding? It will look pretty and cool ^^ What was I saying? My point is, it is not easy to break a cs-us pairing.

[@LunchBOX360S]

MsTurquaz Very very true. And you cracked me up with "color of your dream floor" haha. I went through a phase where I wanted chromed everything. I made it to lamps and then re-watched Fight Club. Nothing makes you want to throw your nesting habits away more than Fight Club.

[@afierylight]

No, I wouldn't buy it. You're too young and only understand life up to 17.

[@alfasurayya2768]

Yes

[@GetRhythm2011]

I've always had and shared the simple understanding that: "the more you own, the more owns you." Hats off to all who simplify their life and answer the question proposed in this talk. Thanks, and happy parting with your stuff! Thanks Adam. Good job. It's a start. A beginning point for many to incorporate in their daily mentality and way of life. SIMPLIFY!

[@SnarkyStuff1]

Thank you for posting this! This is exactly what I am in the process of doing! Selling all my belongings and moving to Melbourne, Australia to network and grow my business, finish my degree in Advanced Nutritional Medicine and lecture and help others on natural methods of healing. Life is what you make of it....

[@howardmorgan7711]

Fascinating, well presented, and authentic Here's my story 42 years ago I quit London for a house and an acre in mid-wales 37 years ago I gave up smoking - debt is not the only financial drain 1990 an overtime opportunity cleared my mortgage - spending is as important as earning 5 years later, an early (and enhanced) retirement offer came along Freedom for me has been a lifetime's task, but no addictions, no debt, my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, gardening, and a bit of dinghy sailing Luck has played a part too - I have spent almost as long retired as working, lived twice as long as my dad and - oh, and married my college sweetheart, 50 years ago next Friday I have been unconsciously seeking freedom all along - so thanks for showing me that. Good luck

[@michaelb2434]

10,000 dollars in debt. no assets, job, or goals. good luck finding me on the Appalachian

[@berryfairy68]

This is sooooo true... I am a prisoner of my "things" I've always wanted to leave everything and run!

[@solarcabin]

While I agree with the ideology completely I suggest instead of wasting money on a trip use that money to buy some land and build a small sustainable house and homestead so you have security and a life free of debt and THEN use the money you saved to go on adventures.

[@eoinbrennan3949]

solarcabin But thats listening to your head not your heart. The trip was clearly something they needed to do at that time, not wait a few years and be "sensible". The heart knows better than the head.

[@anitahernandez8894]

solarcabin

[@user-go1vj4go6u]

This is your ideal life, or your "freedom". For me, his choice is a lot more appealing. You are just re-confirming what he said in the talk - following other people's dreams won't always make you happy :)

[@user-go1vj4go6u]

This is your ideal life, or your "freedom". For me, his choice is a lot more appealing. You are just re-confirming what he said in the talk - following other people's dreams won't always make you happy :)

[@pauldusa]

You Really Never own the land, no Title only a Deed,, Anolial if my spelling is correct, look up the act of 1871 in the usa, you have title to your car, but just a tax contract to your property or so called Land,, land is Rental my your State only,, not ownership. look up Deed..

[@E5Bobby]

Mr. Baker is incredibly wise for his young age. I'm taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course right now and Mr. Baker's message is almost a mirror image of Mr. Ramsey's mantra. It's a HUGE truth that these people are sharing with us. The question for us is - having heard it will we act upon it.

[@shjakes]

Years ago "Hire Purchase" or "Credit" was reserved for big ticket necessities (fridge, stove, furniture etc.) not entertainment items, nor department store flotsam and jetsam…that stuff was put on "Layaway!"

[@laphroaigdrinker]

He almost gets there, but he just misses it. His goal is still security. What happens when you realize that you don't have control at all?

[@angelaengle12]

Freedom for me is never having to work for others, only for myself.

[@dondressel4802]

Angela Engle yes my friend started his own business in his 20’s He’s 63 now and he nets 4 million a year and owns 20 rental properties mortgage free I wish I had followed him

[@Waqqar79]

When we buy things we don't need, We'd soon be selling the things we need... Amazing Lecture, Very thought provoking, FREEDOM is what we all are looking for, but I hope we'll look for it in the right place after this lecture...

[@Ppppinkland]

I completely agree with Baker. I have recently realised the importance of acquiring experiences - as many different ones as possible. This is what expands your imagination and shapes you into a more tolerant individual. When it comes to my family's birthdays and Christmases, these days I tend to draw or paint them a picture in their greetings card. I can practise my artistic skills and the effort it requires will be appreciated far more than almost any material object which they will store and use only once. This has become my favourite TED talk alongside "the first 20 hours - how to learn anything".

[@beltfedhate]

That was one of the best talks I’ve ever seen. Thank you.

[@michellewebb3044]

Excellent points-except 1) hard work doesn't mean good pay for everybody. There is a problem with this script. the problem is for the working poor, the global south and the environment. Our relatively inexpensive material wealth is built on the backs of underpaid workers and undervalued natural resources.

[@harindersingh5174]

I am in complete agreement with your opinion. Couldn't have said it better

[@b0b0-]

The global South? Hahahaha new levels of foolishness . Darwin said that cold weather people evolved to be better planners because it was completely necessary to survive.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@b0b0- problem, tho? Heat kills 4x as many people as cold. I was as surprised as you are. It's like 30 from cold a year, vs 130-140 for heat.

[@jacquelinemariani4682]

Last year I sold everything I own except what fit into 2 suitcases and moved to another country. I'm debt free, crap free, and feel great! Truly feeling free for the first time in my life.

[@DioDiablo702]

Of all the endless content you can find on KZbin, this video has changed my life. The calling to spring into action and take control was never so inspired until I saw this video. I wish this video was required in every high school.

[@pcchadwick]

I've realized I hate my job now that I HAVE to do it. I now HAVE to do it because of my debit. When I was debit free, I loved my job. Strange, huh?

[@oodleyboo]

I think that we feel we have achieved something when we can buy that "thing", but if it holds your life back and you become enslaved to it by repayments & having to be stuck in a job to pay them off, it's like we are imprisoned by our "things". I am lucky that I don't have a partner and have learned to live frugally as a result, or else I might also have fallen into this trap for sure.

[@shultzb00]

Absolutely awesome! I have no debt. I own my home and a car, and I have some savings. But I'm still working on doing my passions. I have a job I sorta like, but so often I feel it is a waste of my time. I know what my passions are. At 58 I'm working on gradually (over the next four years) making the switch to doing my passions as my own boss. Surrounding yourself with people living that way or doing the same thing is essential, since there is SO much consumer propaganda in our lives. Thanks Adam

[@geekvinos]

I first saw this video in 2015, as I was transitioning out of the Navy. It was a powerful influence. There's this thing though, you have to be receptive to new ways of thinking or else the message may fall on deaf ears. Since then, I've spent 2 years backpacking around the world. Fell in love with travel - seeing new places, meeting interesting people, and getting into random adventures. With these new perspectives, I've defined my version of freedom (as it continually evolves). I have a pilot's license now, and I'm pursuing aviation as a career. Thank you, Adam Baker!

[@saracornchip8530]

Welp. He just made me cut my credit cards up..

[@EricDavidFloyd]

Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose

[@JenniferDification]

Nothin', don't mean nothin' hon' if it ain't free.

[@samreed2255]

EricDavidFloyd.... Dude! You beat me to it. That's exactly what I was going to type in. I got delayed responding to the complete a$$ hat that is Adam Coleman, but then was getting ready to type in my intended reply and BOOM..I saw yours. Lol. You got me..... Everyone knows who famously sang it. But, do you know, with no help from Google, who wrote the song?

[@samreed2255]

AND a tip of the hat to JenniferDeCuir. I'll ask you the same question as I asked EricDavidFloyd: We all know who famously sang that wonderful song, but without Google's assistance, do you know who wrote the song?

[@jmsjms296]

@@samreed2255 Kris Kristofferson

[@609lambiedrive]

At 50, I own a small coffee house I love, that has run for eight and a half years, employing people and helping my daughter to have a community, It makes little money but somehow I live very well and generally do whatever I want to do. When my partner and I decided to buy a house together with our children, we bought a cool 1954 bungalow worth way less than we were pre-approved for, which has taken nominal up-grades; we only renovate as we can afford to pay for, in cash. We have only second hand (bought used on-line) or passed-down furniture. I am so stupid happy and our 20 year olds are wonderfully well adjusted and responsible. I get this, what this man is saying. I hope that many many young people watch this...

[@saracornchip8530]

This gives me an immense sense of freedom. It's completely humbling seeing him and his wife commit to their freedom with a little baby. This gives me hope in my life to live FREE and fresh and to my fullest, no matter what my current situation is.

[@SarahDodd1nomadicdreamer]

Keep doing what your doing and living your dream. I just became 100% debt free also and am traveling the world, however without a baby! Love your ideas!!

[@puerrobustus]

Sarah Dodd Where do you get the money?

[@yasnatonioni1334]

Ярослав Башмаков cansiones. De. Marco. Antonio. Solis

[@amitsengupta01]

Very interesting talk and very thoughtful solution too. That would be a nice lifestyle to live. I really can imaging it.

[@ballroomdancer02]

Listened to it twice. For me happiness is my relationships. Thank you for asking the question.

[@steffidoc]

I’m from Germany and can’t imagine having so much consumer dept. It’s not that common here, for example people usually pay by debit card or cash. I’m 37 now and I currently don’t have a credit card, neither does my partner. Dept translates into German as Schuld or plural Schulden. But Schuld also means fault or guilt. One word for dept, fault and guilt. I think that’s a big reason why Germans are conservative when it comes to taking loans.

[@danielgiles3323]

Don't "do what you love," do what you maximizes your utility. No one is going to pay me to re-read Tolkien and eat pizza all day.

[@miainsel513]

No but being debt free means you can take a lesser paying job with fewer hours that you like so you have plenty of time to sit around reading and eating pizza.

[@boomerrob9223]

That is completely not what I take from this. Minimise or remove your utility. Get out from under.

[@TBlev215]

But reading does train your attention span to focus on your passions, and you can make your own pizza and level up your cooking skills.

[@GregHuston]

Adam is fortunate to have a partner who shares in his views on minimalistic living. There's so many women out there that buy into having designer labels for each season, a fancy car, a 2ct ring etc. etc (men too minus the ring). I think you do need to get into "the game" for some of your life. Getting a Mortgage on house isn't a BAD thing, if you buy a sensible home in a good location in a down market and have a low % 15 yr mortgage or make extra payments and then sell the house at a profit years later, you can then go minimalistic. Especially if you maxed out your 401K while working and invested money into the market instead of the bank. Get out of the rat race after 15 years instead of 30+, and go pursue something that truly interests you. The problem is many people finance a 4 year education in "Business" or "Communications" and then find themselves under employed and go finance another 2 years to get a Master's just so they can get a $50k/yr job but are $100K+ in debt. Then they meet a hottie and drop another $10K-$15K on a ring, then they go buy a $350K+ 2700sqft House squeeze out a couple kids and then buy a $30K SUV to bring the kids around in, add in a few credit cards and you have a family with $0.5 Million worth of debt and no end in sight. That's the vicious cycle the bulk of the American middle class are buying into.

[@afierylight]

You're dating the wrong women. Raise your bar.

[@paulaw418]

Every single thing you said was based on CHOICES you made every step of the way. You weren't dragged into anything. Choose high maintenance girlfriends you eventually end up with a high maintenance wife (duh). Choose differently based on your values.

[@FLgardener67]

OUCH!!! Sounds like you made some bad choices and not ALL women perfer that life style.

[@angelika77st]

There are people with a good head on their shoulders. Check out Dave Ramsey, many people have been brainwashed since we were babies, buy, buy, buy. It is a sad state of slavery to debt

[@germanboy5392]

I have 8 cars and a truck...2 homes....also 26 acres about 2 hours away and another 11 acres...no loans....no debts....tons of collectables....gold..silver..cash....I am happy.....blessed

[@camillemay307]

i listen to this all the time, never gets old

[@reggiethecommenter9137]

If you like this, read ""The 4 Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss.

[@Marie-oy1bd]

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” --Thoreau

[@stephdee2711]

So true! Security and happiness is not found by what we own. Defining what freedom is helps us to know what we really want and make us live our in-control successful life. Freedom to me looks like inspiring others to live to their best life while caring and defending children faced with injustice.

[@anita5955]

It's true and I agree. Everything needs to be done in moderation. We can't avoid a certain amount of consumption, feel good comfort and do need a place to stay, all the more important if there is a family and a kid involved. Freedom for me is to enjoy doing your work. Then you won't feel so suppressed and burdened every day.

[@MoonLiteNite]

turned 19, got a job paying 8$/hr, went to college, quit college after i saw how much money i wasted for what i learned, bought a house at 22, got a nice job paying 12$/hr at 24, invested 40k into solar panel cells. Now 28, 40k to go for my house, own my car, solor panels are paid off for, make 17$~ at the same job. I still do not own a couch, do not own a big TV, no kitchen table, no chairs. I own a computer, a small TV, and items for a kitchen. Anything i had collected over the years is sold. items = garbage = trash = waste of money! Sell it for money!

[@afierylight]

If you think $17 an hour is a nice job, you've been deceived. Wait til you have a spouse and kids.

[@paulaw418]

@@afierylight It can be depending on where you live. & Maybe he'll marry a woman with a job of her own, that way getting a wife will be an asset rather than a burden. BTW that was a pretty sexist comment on your part.

[@jackslagle2019]

It's so true! Although I have to disagree on one point. I felt a little sad after selling the children

[@mulliganstew72]

Jack Slagle lol

[@margaretjames1579]

I get so happy remembering my grandparents house with their beautiful antique collection on display in every room. They only had the Chinese dolls in storage. Two of them and each visit my Grandmother got them out and showed them to me. She also had a three acre yard with exquisite vegetable and flower gardens. Then we went to see exquisite collections at the KC museum and the Nelson gallery.

[@yawelwei3062]

Excellent talk on freedom and freeing oneself from clutter- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I like how he said "We were writing our own script. We were in control of our own life." What congests you from adapting and moving? Very inspiring and I hope more people live this way. As Eckhart Tolle has said, "In the new world enjoyment will replace wanting." Having said that, I agree with one comment that stated a good idea is to build a small home, lower expenses, and go on adventures from there. It's still good to have some savings as cushion rather than spend it all on a trip.

[@UndercoverLemon]

In my experience even doing what you love becomes painful when it becomes a job. There's always that stress that if you don't work hard enough you won't be able to sustain your life, you won't be able to pay your rent, you won't be able to buy enough food not only for yourself but also for your family. You won't be able to buy things for your loved ones. You can live a minimalistic life but your loved ones won't and you can't shove your philosophy down their throat.

[@TR-hi5bi]

100% i think storage concept is nuts and such a waste of money.

[@kenyagirl2009]

+PinkBlueprint i agree. i think about it and can't imagine someone paying monthly to add more stuff to storage.

[@trutherone2140]

Unless it is storage for items/inventory for a business.

[@inspirice9844]

Only reason I'd pay for storage is to store my car while I'm in another country if I don't have a garage.

[@latestscore5326]

Me too ......and I own a storage company lol

[@DavidS-pw5gd]

Get Rich by building and owning storage units. They are currently a thriving business.

[@alanschulz9169]

Traveling is better than owning things you can't afford. Wow! Thank you sooo much for sharing this epiphany....F this guy. He doesn't deserve a Ted audience.

[@25marshalyn]

Wow! I love your speech. It's interesting because in my twenties I had a good life materially but I wasn't happy. Now I have nothing, debt FREE and the happiest I've ever been.

[@MitchZro]

I only hear about people regretting selling their old records or stuff that massively increased in value.

[@allanfifield8256]

I down sized two years ago. Only regret the LP's and cassette tapes that I sold, gave away and, finally, tossed.

[@ABombs1]

My sister did just this. She ended up homeless in Thailand with no passport, job, money, bank, phone. Nothing but a suitcase of clothes and a laptop. Eventually her success got her, just 2 weeks ago, homeless in the cold winter streets of England.

[@qbw8834]

i guess changing is never easy, but afterall she actually changed her life point or direction...Of course if you keep thinking the old way, it will seem something insane...I talk by own experience..

[@ABombs1]

I made the big changes of course and I haven't been back for over 3 years, but I didn't just drop everything and go, it leaves the wrong kind of message. It's rarely as simple as the title suggests, is all.

[@qbw8834]

as long as it makes sense to you, and you feel right, thats what matters

[@ABombs1]

No, over simplified again. That's what my sister felt. Is that all that matters, now she's a homeless wreck having failed in everything that seemed to make sense? Much more planning, back up planning and savings are needed for the majority of people, if they can do it at all, and most people can't, despite what the feel-gooders like Katy Perry insists.

[@jonesgerard]

Yep, the talker is lying by omission, he isn't telling the rest of the story, the support they get from their extended families etc. He's dissembling.

[@burny88th]

This is one of the best ted talks iv ever watched!!! I really took a lot form this, thank you very much!!

[@payakkeyur]

Loud and Clear ! Claps ! Loved the way you expressed, and some lines really blew me away..

[@Teambr00klyn]

in a debt based economy doing what he is suggesting will cause economic collapse (not necessarily a bad thing)

[@banshee2428]

I guess he listens to Dave Ramsey too LOL

[@SoulWinner1986]

I know right ^_^

[@themainproblem]

Economic collapse is inbound, when exactly is anyones guess.

[@johnbilly7384]

Change will happen whether or not it agrees with the economy

[@peterjohnson5234]

Paper is poverty. It is the ghost of money and not money itself.

[@truthinspector4430]

our identity is not our experiences........our identity is defined with what we spend the most time with.

[@truthinspector4430]

Truth Inspector time is short. it's neglecting the King of the Universe that messes people up. He is coming soon. pursuing Elusive ideas of happiness are meaningless. This life is only a breath. Your soul lives eternally.

[@tammiemiller121]

+Truth Inspector Yes, we all seem to forget that and it's the one true thing we have to hang on to. This is not a trial run and niether is the afterlife. Those who woke up in hell ten years ago are still there and will be there ten years from now and a million years from then. Money makes a good cushion, but if you don't have God in your life, none of the money matters.

[@truthinspector4430]

+Truth Inspector. Yes. you speak truth. time is short. Spend time with Jesus. He is the way the truth and the life and no man comes to the Father but by him

[@johnbrown1314]

+Truth Inspector You are what you own in this country. All of our laws serve material goods above human dignity, debt is the American way of life!

[@GymClubHouse]

yep i have had a lot of experiences that do not define my real personality. it's what i do daily (spending time with) that defines my identity. it's everyday action and choices.

[@deigratia2]

I just love this!! Thank you! Invest in experiences, not crap - wonderful!

[@guitargirl7452]

Adam this is on the nail. Totally agree with you and doing this right now. Luckily I Don't have any consumer debt so in a better position than many. Words of wisdom my friend. Thank you.