What if I told you it was not how much money you had, but how you decided to spend it that actually made the biggest difference in your experience of happiness? Well that is what the research of Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton found in the course of writing their book, Happy Money. Their research focused on some basic principles which their research proved increased happiness. Their investigation into spending has some implications not only for our consumeristic lifestyle, but our daily choices and spending patterns. So next time you think that spending spree is going to bring you lasting happiness, you might just find that following some simple principles of practice of spending might better refine the art of joyful living as opposed to your wardrobe update.
First things first, Dunn and Norton make a persuasive argument for buying experiences and not just things. This actually makes tons of sense. A session at a rock climbing gym versus a new shirt...you can clearly see which would make you happier, but why? Experiences such as a tough mudder race or a craft session with your child make memories, which are infinitely more valuable, and according to research, increase happiness much more than traditional purchases such as that lovely new blouse you've been eyeing in town or that perfect pair of earrings to match that blouse! Experiences run much deeper than consuming goods. I can attest to this since reading the book, I decided to sign up again for triathlons; including a vacation to Montauk to complete the race. It was an exhilarating experience. I'll never forget being up before dawn with hundreds of other fitness enthusiasts, and seeing my mom's shining face with her poster she made to cheer me on as soon as the sun came up and the race started! But vacations, races, and crafts with kids are almost sure to make anyone happy. You may ask, what else does the research say? Well, if you're looking for a way to make that afternoon snack special, you might consider it making it a treat. If you eat ice cream every night before bed, you might not enjoy the nightly snack as much as if you were to postpone it to the weekend only, thus making it a "treat" so that you can savor it much more...and your waistline will thank you! So if you want to truly enjoy something, intentionally put more time between those snacks, meals out, wine, and anything else that has lost its luster. You might just find you savor that bit of chocolate or ice cream even more next time you have it! My favorite one of their tips, which I already use quite extensively, is to outsource dreaded tasks so that you are buying your time back. What does that mean? Well, dumping three bags of laundry at the cleaners and getting back your Saturday afternoon for all of $2 a pound of clothing can be worth every penny if it means you get to take your BFF, GF, or doggie on a walk around a local park, take a dip at the beach, or otherwise luxuriate in the bliss of a Saturday afternoon. I have to admit that I tend to use this strategy the most, outsourcing my major cleaning duties (I have a biweekly cleaning service), I use a grocery shopping service (peapod.com), and I tend to hire professionals whenever I can for undesirable home tasks such as taking down wallpaper. This can be done for almost anything; considering budget restraints. Landscaping, laundry, house cleaning, home improvements, moving, painting, grocery delivery, cooking, etc. can all be outsourced so that you can be left to spend your time the way you would prefer - investing in your relationships, your projects, hobbies, fitness, and general well-being! Finally, a tip they share is to spend money on others. I know, this one is the hardest! Does that mean you have to "pay it forward" at Starbucks? Nope, but inviting a friend to coffee, or finding another small way to be generous might just improve that afternoon trip to the coffee shop more than you think. I experienced this first hand a couple of years ago when I funded and began an arts program at a Domestic Violence shelter. Giving up Saturdays to paint with strangers, and sacrificing a portion of my yearly budget to support others in this hobby of mine led to great gains in happiness, so I definitely can testify that those years were some of the happiest of my life as I felt less isolated and more connected to the community than in previous years. Now, I'm not suggesting you start a non-profit and attempt to solve world hunger - although the world might be a better place - but sometimes paying it forward, in some small way might turn up the corners of your mouth more than a new purse or pair of shoes. So what's the point? Take that vacation, treat a friend, hire that house-keeping service, save the wine for the weekend, and you will be all the more happier for it all! Sounds like good advice to me! For more tips and all the research see their book, Happy Money. Happy Spending! -Betty Lynn
1 Comment
Vanessa Gallagher
3/13/2018 05:54:25 pm
Your insight and opinion on this sparks another re-evaluation of money well spent. I plan to incorporate more of my time to the things that truely matter to me and make me most happy. Thank you for making me think/see a little clearer. Not to say I don’t love shopping for “stuff”, I do. We only go around once, we should use our time and money where it impacts our lives and others to its greatest advantage, true happiness...
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AuthorBetty Lynn is an writer, educator, artist, illustrator and yoga teacher living in the suburbs of New York City. Archives
October 2019
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