How Do You Value Spending?

I love to travel, explore new cities and experience new cultures. I love to see how people in other parts of the world live. I prefer to spend my money to go somewhere new rather than buy shiny new things or live in a big house. When I first met my husband, I realized we valued spending differently.  When it came to day-to-day living, I was frugal and he was confused as to why I wouldn’t want to go out to eat or upgrade our cable package even though I was perfectly happy to spend on weekend getaways and exotic trips overseas. It was a very easy answer–because experiences enrich the short life I have on this planet unlike objects do!

I know that not everyone can afford to travel every year or has the privilege of taking lots of time to go away, but when I hear people complain about their budget and then bleed cash on luxury car leases and designer clothes, I wonder why they value these things more than experiences. Where’s the disconnect? No car or hang bag or article of clothing can enrich your life like an experience will. The memories you make while traveling last a lifetime and become a part of who you are.  They won’t get lost, stolen, dented or go out of style nor end up in a donation pile for Goodwill in five years.

For those of you who feel conflicted about these statements, it’s time to take a real look at how you spend your hard-earned dollars. First, ask yourself if you’re wasting money on “things” that hold no real value. In 20 years, will you remember the joy those new clothes brought you? Probably not. Meanwhile, I can assure you that all the memories I’ve created while traveling will live with me forever and I have stories to share with loved ones for years to come! So figure out how you can be more mindful with your money and think long and hard about each potential purchase before you make it. Is it something you truly need or could you use those funds toward a vacation or other financial goal instead?

Since we got married, my husband has shifted his way of thinking and together we look forward to collecting memories rather than things that would otherwise clutter our home.