I finally got a credit card just because it became so difficult to rent a place to live without established credit.  

Since I pay it off in full every month, it doesn't cost me anything...and I actually get a meaningful amount of either cash or frequent flyer miles out of it.

JS

I did have a credit card that was co-signed on by my aunt for my study aboard trip to Ireland in Spring of 2006, but I finally paid that off with my tax return in 2011 and paid the one private student loan that was also co-signed on by the same aunt off last year.  The biggest debt I have right now are my two student loans and even than it's a lot less than most because I didn't have to take out any loans my first to years of undergrad.  Heck, I don't even have a checking account anymore- just a savings, it's much easier to deal with and I wouldn't write enough checks for it to be worth it

I have an inexpensive apartment ($250 USD a month utilities included) just far enough form the local university campus to avoid all the loud late night parties, but close enough to downtown that I have somewhat easy bus access (I don't have a car or a driver license).  It's not the best, but it works and is small enough that it keeps me from accumulating much nerga as I just don't have the space 

Jen

Paleobird,

I have no interest in owning a home either, hell I don't even have a credit card(not worth the interest, nor is it real money) and I'm only about to turn 30 in July.  Yes, it is amazing how much nerga one can get simply because they have the space for it.

Jen

Yep, when they ran a credit check at the nice new apartment complex where I am going to be moving soon, they were scratching their heads because I don't have a bad credit rating, I have no credit rating at all.  It's been so long since I've had a credit card that I don't even register in the "system".  I had to show them my bank statement before they would believe me that I can indeed afford the apartment.

I found a really nice one on the 35th floor of a gorgeous building with the most incredible view from this huge terrace.  I am smitten. 

I have no interest in owning a home either, hell I don't even have a credit card(not worth the interest, nor is it real money) and I'm only about to turn 30 in July.  Yes, it is amazing how much nerga one can get simply because they have the space for it.

Jen

I have absolutely no interest in home ownership at this point in my life.  (Age 50, no kids or spouse, financially independent.)  I'm in escrow right now to sell my house.  I kept it this long because I was taking care of my Dad during his time of self betrayal which just ended recently.

4 bedroom to apartment?  That's a big step down.  Furniture is easy, but it's still amazing how much nerga can accumulate.  For me it's outdoor and sports gear: I have to decide "Am I really going to do that again?"

The hurricane story is sobering.  If I could only take one file box, let's see: my laptop (I don't own a desktop computer), my phone and charger (has all my contacts in it), a few copies of The Gnoll Credo, and as many warm/functional clothes as I could fit.  

And I'd ride my bicycle up the hill if I could.

JS

One time I was in a really remote fishing village in Mexico housesitting for some friends when there was a category 5 hurricane bearing directly down on my location.  I had time to pack one tupperware tub about the size of a filebox knowing that in the morning everything else was probably going to be gone.  I took that box and the dog and headed for higher ground.  That was really an experience in paring it down to the essentials.

Culling my printed books is on my "to-do" list, too.  I have a big pile of nerga in my living room, books, clothes, and more, that I've already culled but haven't got rid of yet.

Memories are the best possessions.  They don't take up any space, and they signify a life lived -- not just things hoarded.

JS

My father passed away recently and so I have been going though the tedious task of dealing with a lifetime of accumulated nerga in his house.  I want whoever cleans up after I die (biting the throat of course) to have about 15 minutes of work max.

So, after getting rid of all his stuff, I started culling my own nerga.  With me, it is books.  I finally said that if I am not really going to read it again, I don't need to keep it on the shelf, then I don't need so many shelves.

I love that comparison to magpies that Gryka makes about humans, "Build big nests and fill with shiny junk."

The words will come later.  For now, simply let it move you to action.

I've never "fit in", either.  I always knew there had to be something more to life, but I never knew what it was.

Yes, I still miss Gryka.  But I wouldn't trade knowing her for anything -- and I'm glad I was able to share some of her life with you.

JS

The concept of nerga really spoke to me and I returned the Sanctuary Season 3 box set I'd purchased on impulse yesterday to a used book store as well as went through part of my apartment and disregarded a bunch of nerga.   I'm sure there will be more where that came from!

I have never really fit in to society as a whole and since going "paleo" seem to fit in even less.  I don't want that house with the white fence (much easier to up and leave if need be, if renting), or a credit card(fake money anyways!), or much of the usual stuff civilized humans want.  Many of my family members don't get it (some sort of get it, but not really).

I'm sure I'll have more to say after I process TGC, but right now that's all I can put into coherent thoughts.

Again thank you for the wonderful book and website.  I try to share it with people I know and care out. Whether they listen is up to them.

Jen W.