Even better for those rare folks who have paid off their mortgage, and live off grid.
You can still have good credit, and not have huge debt on credit cards. If there is something we want, but more usually need, we will SOMETIMES put it on a credit card. When the bill comes, the entire amount is payed. No minimum monthly payments, as that is totally idiocy.

We are frugal, but NOT cheap. That is such a difficult concept for people to understand. We do not go out and spend money on frivolous cheap junk. When we need something we buy quality items that will last a LONG time.

My husband is doing a lot of construction of barns right now. He needed a quality hammer. He got advice from his Master Carpenter best friend. You can get a hammer at the dollar store, you can get one for at WalMart….or you can buy a true quality hammer (made in America, by the way) for .95. Our carpenter friend has been using his on construction jobs for 25 years. That is just one small example.

We do not ever feel sucked in to "keep up with the Jones."
People who strive to find peace in their lives, and finding happiness in simpler things will lead a much more fufilling life. People who take pride in their own abilities, bodies, and minds, will be more confident, and better prepared to deal with whatever the future throws at them.

Our next home will be large, 5000 sq ft, straw bale house…totally off grid, and constructed by ourselves. It needs to be so large to hold our huge personal library, since we are avid bibliophiles.

Imagine a country where people strove to have no bills, pay of mortgages early, and produce their own power. They would learn to THINK before flipping something on.

Imagine the good they might do for their communities, and neighbors, and the world, if they taught their children to honestly be happy, and not always desire "more."

What if the focus became on people, relationships, animals, and the world, and not on aquiring "stuff?"

Prius – k for a 72hp compact car. Cut your mpg in 1/2 for groceries because it takes 2 trips to fit everything.

Speaking of groceries – 20% more for organic

Bamboo kitchen doors – 2 sq/ft vs. 2 sq/ft for oak

Now that’s some "green"!