Spending money on experiences, not things
As new appliances and gadgets are coming in the market every next day, people tend to buy more of them, immaterial that they need them or not. They do so because spending money on new things gives them a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. However, after a few days of using these appliances and gadgets, they become old for the consumer. Finally, these products find themselves eating dust while sitting in a corner of the home.
Then, what’s the point in buying every expensive and upgraded product of a popular brand next time. Just because you have money and you are willing to spend, you will buy anything that you even don’t need! If you have better options, why would be you doing this again. But you really have better options that will make you happy and be satisfying you time and again in life. And guess what! It’s just one-time investment.
Experiences, not possessions, leads to happiness
The findings of a study done by San Francisco State University in 2009 reveal, investments in experiences are more satisfying than buying products. So, you can have lasting happiness if you spend money on theatre tickets or meal out than on material possessions. Such experiences fulfil your higher order needs – like community and vitality. Nevertheless, social connectedness and being alive are feelings that you always want to have.
As many as 35 years of research disproves general thinking that more money and material possession can achieve them lifetime satisfaction and happiness. Buying experiences means you are earning memory capital. On the contrary, we tend to get bored with a material object soon, but happy memories. Now, we are going to let you know (or make you remember) what kind of investments can offer you best life experiences.
Spending money on experiences, not things
- Do little, crazy things: It’s not like looking for big experiences as they are little things that can offer you lifetime happiness. Either go to a lunch or dinner date with your near and dear ones or watch a movie with your special friends. You will get full satisfaction.
- Volunteering is happiness: Why don’t you consider giving some money or things to people who need them more than you? Maybe, you can just consider volunteering at a social or charitable event organised by government or a non-government organisation.
- Rent much own less: There is no need to own expensive things like homes and cars more than one to enjoy a good life. By this way, you are not only burden-free but also having more liquidity to afford pleasure of travelling to another part of the world.
More on buying experiences, not things
- Feel good or look good: Can you imagine that you can look good if you have no good feelings inside. Spending money for health-club membership or spa can be more satisfying than buying imported beauty items or visiting expensive salons.
- Nothing lasts more than knowledge: You must have some interest, hobbies or passion in life. Let’s spend some money on creative writing classes, photography club or golf lessons. Material possessions cannot give these lifetime memorable experiences.
- Travel to nearby places: Anytime when you can afford travel to another state, country or continent, you must do it. But till then, don’t miss out unseen or already visited places close to your home. Happiness comes to you when you go somewhere.
