Free Ebook.


Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

« Win a Free Mogul Game! | Main | Financial Planning for Pet Heathcare Costs: Start a Savings Account Now! »

March 23, 2009

Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

I do agree, if nice to look back at many experiences I had (and still having with my family.

This article is right on target. New "things" are nice but the excitment certainly fades quickly. The things that end up meaning the most to us are the intangibles. I'd venture a guess that not many people lay on their death bed lamenting about how much they'll miss their boat or whatever. :-)

I like what you said about good experoences need not be expensive. Some of the best times I've had with my three daughters didn't cost much money at all.

Thanks!

This transcends to doing activities like volunteering too. I am loving volunteering, and I had not been able to volunteer when I was slaving away at work. With me reduced to part-time (not by choice) I volunteered more, and I have had many interesting experiences from it. (It also takes my mind off of negativity like the recession and such).

Assets can allow you to have experiences. They can be expensive, like a boat or lakeside cabin, but they don't have to be. A board game or a set of books can generate plenty of memories. So can a zoo or museum membership, or volunteering, or participating in sports or even video games.

It's also worth noting, creating a comfortable space is one way to encourage people to spend time there and have fond memories. Comfortable furniture and simple, pleasant artwork have made my living room a favorite place for family and friends to hang out and create memories. Having enough space for your kids to bring friends over -- in other words, buying a house that's big enough (but not too big) -- can be a great investment.

The pleasure you get directly from a new possession fades over time... but the pleasure it can bring you if used appropriately can last much longer. Consider your investments wisely.

So true. I was thinking about that earlier today when I was considering a new ipod vs a weekend with friends. I'll probably go the latter route. :)

With every big purchase you make, give yourself at least one week to think about it. In doing so, you'll avoid impulse buys that you'll later regret.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. What's the point of accumulating stuff? It's just keeping up with the Joneses. It also can be environmentally devastating.

I realized this some time ago but hadn't really put it into action. Recently I've been planning outings twice a month, nothing terribly expensive. Rather than wait to make a big trip we are making day trips to spots within driving distance. Today Mr M called me at work and thanked me for the little adventures, turns out we're both happier for them. But I did order a new laptop yesterday and right now the thought of it is giving me great pleasure.

To an extent I will agree.

But I sure do get a warm feeling when I look at or use some of my possessions knowing that I finally was able to have it and enjoy it!

Materialism is not dead.

Makes sense, end of the day, all we have is our bodies and our memories of experiences. So what good does it do to have thousand dollar art hanging around the house? Great point there.

Today's NYT has a similar take on this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/science/24tier.html?th&emc

FWIW, we spent last week skiing in Colorado with family and friends. We could have bought something nice instead or...gasp!!!!...saved the money. No way. Skiing out west is one of my favorite things to do.

I do not ever remember seeing someone at an event, walking over and saying " Hi #### what have you bought lately?"

Advertising likes to make us think we will feel better if we purchase what ever it is they are selling.

But.....even as they attempt to sell us they are really only selling the (Experience) we will have when we possess their wonderful product.

Don't underestimate the value of having a nice space, though. I don't advocate spending thousands of dollars on art or buying a ridiculously oversized home, but I do advocate creating a nice, comfortable, warm, inviting space where you, your family, and your friends can hang out. Comfortable furniture, appropriate lighting, and simple decorations can be a great investment.

disclaimer: neither I nor any close friend or family member benefits directly from the sale of comfortable furniture, appropriate lighting, or simple decorations. But I have regularly had people tell me that my apartment is a warm and inviting place, and that they really like visiting.

It may be so that making “experiential” purchases - those which give you an experience and provide happy memories – can raise your present and future happiness levels. However, I like the distinction Jonathan Haidt makes between pleasure and gratification in his book, The Happiness Hypothesis. The first is sensory and emotional and it is rather short-lived. Think of your favorite ice cream and enjoying it while it lasts. The second is an activity that leads to flow, such as accomplishing something, learning something or improving yourself. Gratification (which is different from "authentic happiness" in my thinking) can come from knowing your strengths, and using them to their full advantage.

They forgot to mention inflation. Experiences improve with age and inflation makes them worth more than ever, while most stuff depreciates like crazy. The $10/night state park camping trips I took in my teens are worth $30/night these days, plus in my memory the weather has improved, none of the equipment malfunctions, and I never forget to bring anything. The car I bought for $16,000 in 2001, on the other hand, is worth less than $3000 now, looks dated and worn, and stuff is rattling and breaking, not improving in quality.


Thanks for writing a thorough article about experiences, happiness and financial management. I've learnt something new and hope to appreciate what I have. Awesome article!!

I value experiences WAY above possessions. Always have, always will. This is also reflected in the way I spend, and it's also the ultimate reason why I save and build net worth.

That said, most great experiences are free and I urge everyone to enjoy them now that you still have the time. That's what I strive for, and I'm far from perfect in this regard.

The comments to this entry are closed.

Start a Blog


Disclaimer


  • Any information shared on Free Money Finance does not constitute financial advice. The Website is intended to provide general information only and does not attempt to give you advice that relates to your specific circumstances. You are advised to discuss your specific requirements with an independent financial adviser. Per FTC guidelines, this website may be compensated by companies mentioned through advertising, affiliate programs or otherwise. All posts are © 2005-2012, Free Money Finance.

Stats