Surprise

Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.

 

Nate and I have always valued experiences over materials. We think it’s an important outlook on life to have. The truly important things in life are few, and being with each other and creating memories together is one of them. Last Thursday, Nate gave me an early anniversary card. He included this excerpt from an article (http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/can-money-buy-happiness?page=2): 

Many people assume that filling a large house with possessions will make them happiest. So why might a cooking class or vacation getaway trump a new kitchen floor or TV?

In one recent study, Cornell University researchers found that purchasing an experience tended to improve well-being more than buying a possession, in part because people are more prone to comparisons and buyer’s remorse with material goods.

Also, objects tend to deteriorate with time, but experiences can create lasting memories. If you share lessons or dinners and vacations with others, the social connections can make you happier, too, experts say.

“Experiences are just easier to appreciate,” says Lyubomirsky, who didn't work on the Cornell study. “We are made happier by experiences. You’re more likely to recall it. It’s more likely to become part of your identity. You’re the sum of your experiences, not the sum of your possessions.”

Even though we have been budgeting a lot and throwing as much money as we can at our loans, Nate also pointed out that we should reward ourselves and create more memories together. The surprise is that Nate planned us a trip to Sanibel Island, Florida in December! I'm so excited to explore the island together. It will be like a second honeymoon, since the “honeymoon” we went on last year was with all of my family. We will be paying for this by not making any extra payments toward our loans in November. 

I’m a lucky girl to have a husband who is super good at being financially conscious and responsible, but also one who realizes that sometimes you just have to take a vacation, relax, enjoy new experiences, and just be together.