Jo hasn't spent any money in 5 years. This is how she's done it

Jo Nemeth has lived without cash for five years.

And, no, that doesn't mean she's used EFTPOS and credit cards.

Since quitting her job as a community development officer on the New South Wales North Coast in March 2015, Jo says she has literally not earned or spent any money.

"There's that famous quote: 'Live simply so others can simply live' and that's been my motto," she says.

Jo, who writes about her experiences under the name Jo Low Impact, says she doesn't feel deprived despite not owning a home, and going years without running hot water, new clothes, a mobile phone or a car.

So, how does she do it? Here, Jo explains and shares her advice for others wanting to live a little more frugally.

Offer service instead of cash

Jo freely admits she relies on the kindness of others, while offering her services in return for necessities, like shelter.

She spent the first three years of her moneyless existence living in a shed on a farm and in people's backyards in exchange for work like property maintenance or childcare.

Two years ago, Jo was invited to move into a 'proper house' with her friend Sharon, whose husband had died. They named the property Montague House in Sharon's husband's honour, and came up with a goal to be living fossil fuel-free by 2023.

"We've created this situation where we both get to have company and help each other out with a shared goal," Jo says.

"Sharon chooses to go to work, and I support her in being the 'homemaker'. Sharon comes home to cooked food, clean clothes, so it's a win-win."

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