Shared experiences are worth the time and money...
According to the New York Times, a recent poll conducted by The Department of Labor about how people are spending their time during the economic downturn, suggests that people are favoring spending their time and money on "doing" more rather than "buying" more stuff.
I posted this comment in response.
"Wealth can often be measured more realistically in the combined use of time and money. Can you "afford" to take an afternoon off to go canoeing? (Of course, wearing your PFD!) If not, there is no point in acquiring the money to buy and have a canoe that sits idly in the garage. You have to budget your time as well as your financial savings. If you are interested in a meaningful New Year's resolution for 2010, try this one, carve out the time to live well, make friendships and pursue lifelong pastimes. Balance your work tasks with your personal and family time. It will stand you in good stead for years to come, and you will feel far richer in the long run with an account full of shared memories!"
And I also wonder, have you noticed that yourself, or anyone around you, is changing their spending patterns to include more "experiences?" Is this just the effect of the holiday season influencing people's answer to the poll?
Comments
Stuff vs. Experiences
Well, I spend most of my money on the mortgage on a modest home to live in. Is that stuff or experience? The part of it that is a roof, four walls, and a couple of woodstoves is stuff. The part that is living in the woods instead of in the city or suburbs is experience. After that comes food, firewood, propane, clothing, etc. On the one hand stuff, but all essential stuff for the experience of living. Not much room for discretionary purchases in the budget. Walks in the woods are free.
Choices about where to live...
Yes. Very good point. I agree with you that stuff and experiences are definitely intertwined in some interesting and complex ways. I think that many people live where they live, because a job or work takes them there, and they choose based on commuting distances, or school districts. Choices about where to live are extremely relevant not only to the budget, but also to what kind of lifestyle options are available to you. Where you live influences what you need for essentials, (fewer sweaters in Florida than Massachusetts) and the types of experiences that you can have for "free."
The roof overhead is not to be taken for granted at all, especially these days.
Stuff or experience?
We're definitely doing more experience--and doing it for free, if at all possible. That way we have more later, for when we really, really want to get a "stuff" or something goes "bang".
We've also instituted the old coin jar again, after we realized that the one I carry in the car, for coffee change, had enough for 3 Christmas gifts in it, without any real effort on my part!
Hugs and humms,
Kris
krispaige@mac.com
putting the positive spin on ADD!
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