Living Without

It is unimaginable to many of us how some people can live without money. However, this is what Heidemarie Schwermer, a former psychotherapist from Germany, did for more than 16 years.

Heidemarie started living without money after a friend asked her to house sit for her for three months. She accepted the job, sold her flat and put all her remaining belongings in a suitcase. At first, she wanted to do this as an experiment for 12 months, but that experiment lasted into her 70s.

Although Heidemarie’s family and friends criticized her for her choice, she did not change her mind. Instead, they became used to her lifestyle and accepted the choice she had made.

Heidemarie travelled around, doing small services for people who hosted her. She accepted cash only for her train fares. She packed very light and donated her old clothing to her hosts or friends.

She was quite a famous person in Europe, and several channels interviewed her about her lifestyle. Because of her job, interviews, talks and travels, she had a busy schedule. In 2010, a documentary called Living Without Money was made about her adventure – living without money.