I believe that money is not the most important aspect of our lives.
I believe that there are many things which are more important and I agree with the fact that money can’t buy happiness…
BUT…
I cannot ignore what important role it plays and how much it enriches and simplifies our lives.
Unfortunately sometimes we are so absorbed by chasing money that we do not realize how much we are sacrificing for it in the process. Sometimes it costs us too much. Financial success may cost us our health, our relationship and our life outside the office.
To me the key is to find the right balance between the value of money and how much it costs us.
And for that we need to understand what we need the money for. Maybe working overtime in order to buy a house, which is slightly bigger than the one you have is not worth it? Maybe you don’t need the 10th pair of boots and it is better to have lower paid but less stressful job instead?
Unfortunately we don’t have unlimited amount of money and we need to choose what to spend it on.
During the last years my views on impulsive shopping and it’s ”healing” effect changed. Now I have completely different preferences.
Instead of focusing on costs I think it is more useful to concentrate on the return on investment. What do we get for what we spend? What’s the benefit?
Below is the list of the things, which I think are worth investing in. What you get in return definitely is worth the money for me.
Experiences
I prefer to buy experiences instead of things. They bring satisfaction to my soul and later stay in my memories forever. Things like trips to new countries, extreme sports, different seminars and retreats enrich my life and make it much better.
Emotions
Emotions can not be bought, of course but you can buy things, which will evoke emotions. Good books, different movies and live concerts, being just some of them.
Relationships
No relationship should be taken for granted. As soon as you do it starts fading away like a flower without water. Love and friendships need to be nurtured and sometimes (fortunately not always) it requires money.
These are dinners in restaurants, week-end getaways and different gifts for example.
Knowledge
Most probably you already studied enough – at school, in college, at the university… I know you are smart enough… but learning is a non stop process and knowledge is never enough. There is always more to gain and grow.
Spend some money on learning new things, take online courses, and buy non-fiction books. You are not doing this to impress people with your smart opinions and remarks (well, maybe that too) but you are doing it for yourself.
I am sure that there are many other things, which you would include in this list, but I can not think of them at this moment.
Maybe you could share them below in the comments?
And feel free to upvote and resteem if you found this useful
I agree with finding the right balance. Money is just a reward for achieving the highest of human potential. We should spend it more on having new experiences in life though, to make the most of of it.
yup... agree with you )
The film About Time, (with Justin Timberlake) completely changed my opinion of money, and time for money. We sell it all so cheap! Cool article!
thanks. Have not seen it - have to watch
I think that it's so important that each of us go through the exercise that you have here asking ourselves what gives us the most meaningful return on our money. For me I'd add art and learning about other creative people is high on my list. Love having art around me, it makes my life have so much more meaning every single day. I don't want nor need a lot of things, but I want those things I have to be those I absolutely love and adore each time I see, experience or use them. Great to discover you here on Steemit - via your interview with Eric who's a very good friend of mine here - and read some of your thoughtful posts. Where are you located?
hey - agree about art )
I live in Armenia right now.