I think you are showing some real wisdom in this thread, pal.
We try hard to steer clear of undue complexities even though living in a city. We have ten-year old cars that get good mileage, and a good circle of close friends. We have little desire to impress anyone, aside from doing our jobs well. Our lives are still more complex than they might be, by we try for a balance. We steer clear of TV, which I think can complicate things enormously.
Simplcity is not measured only by monetary values, but more by the state of mind you bring to bear in your dealings with people. AT least that's my humble opinion.