German Grandmother Lives Money-free and Has Never Been Happier

[canoeist52]

"Most of us could go a day without spending any cash. But a week? How about sixteen years? That's how long 69-year-old Heidemarie Schwermer, grandmother of three, has lived without money. Schwermer's odyssey is the subject of a documentary film, Living Without Money, by director Line Halvorsen, which is screening internationally and is also available on DVD. "

"She acknowledges that her friends were confused and her two grown daughters were initially shocked (she says they now accept her lifestyle). Schwermer lived nomadically, trading gardening, cleaning, and even therapy sessions for food and a place to sleep. She found it liberating: "Living without money gave me quality of life, inner wealth, and freedom."

http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/german-grandmother-lives-money-free-never-happier-173900934.html

[jwirr]

1. Is this documentary going to be shown in the US any time soon and where?

[Curmudgeoness]

2. When she says it gave her freedom,

I can understand that. I have always said that going to work at a job I hate is like slavery. Yes, I get paid enough to live on, but I am not free. I would love to have the ability to forego money.

This is an incredible story, but as the story says, there are many more safety nets in Germany than there are here in the US. But still, I wonder if this is even possible here.

[A777]

3. When I retire, I'd like to live like that, supposing that I am in good health.

I've been reading about these small houses, less than 100 square feet, which are highly efficient. They look surprisingly comfortable, and you could probably put one up in one or two days. I'd like to get one of those and live as much "off the grid" as possible by using solar power, growing my own vegetables, and other stuff.

[jwirr]

4. At age 70 I have wanted to get a small house to put on the yard of the family farm - my kids

think I am crazy.

[canoeist52]

5. Thats a great idea!

And not to worry, all of our kids think we're crazy. Might as well do what we want to do.