Why I Choose Experiences Over Things (And How It Saved Me Money)
Not too long ago, I used to think happiness lived inside shopping bags. A new phone, another pair of shoes, that “just one more” home gadget. But here’s the secret nobody tells you: the thrill fades. Quickly.
What doesn’t fade? That memory of laughing uncontrollably with friends on a road trip, or that cozy evening cooking with family, or the feeling of stepping into a new city for the first time.
Somewhere along the way, I decided to start choosing experiences over things. And it completely shifted not only how I spend but also how I save.
Why Experiences Last Longer
Memories age well. That dinner date or weekend getaway still makes me smile years later.
Less clutter. Experiences don’t take up space in my closet or gather dust on a shelf.
Shared joy. Experiences connect me with people I love, which no purchase can replace.
The Surprising Money Part
At first, I thought experiences would cost more. But oddly, I ended up saving:
I cut out impulse shopping trips.
I started budgeting for small but meaningful outings.
I realized I didn’t need the latest “thing” to feel good.
Over a year, that shift saved me hundreds, without ever feeling like deprivation.
The Minimalist Side Effect
The less I spent on stuff, the more intentional I became about everything else. I asked myself: Will this purchase make a memory or just take up space? That one question helped me avoid so many unnecessary buys.
Final Thoughts
Life isn’t about what sits in your closet or on your shelves. It’s about the stories you’ll tell later, the moments that still make you smile, the people you share them with.
So next time you’re tempted to buy something shiny, pause and ask: would this money be better spent on an experience I’ll actually remember?
