I hate crap. I don’t like to have much of anything in my place. All I need is a laptop, a place to sit, and a place to sleep. I’m not a minimalist by any means because I own more clothes and shoes than I could ever need. I just don’t believe in owning a lot of useless stuff. Clothes is useful to me. Most other stuff really isn’t useful to me.
I’m a full supporter of traveling and spending your money on experiences, instead up racking up credit card debt for stuff that you really don’t need. Today I wanted write about spending a small fortune on experiences and why I prefer to travel/experience new things. Why do I spend so much money on experiences?
Nobody can take them away from you.
The picture above is a shot from the recent UFC event in Toronto. It was a historical event as it was the first UFC event in Toronto ever. Of course, if you’re not a fan then this event is useless to you. I’ve been following and practicing the sport ever since I can remember so I was excited to be at this huge show. The tickets weren’t cheap but I took my little brother and I doubt we’ll both ever forget the experience. Nobody can take this experience away from us.
They mean more to me.
How much will that video game mean to you in three months? How much will you care about that new car when you realize how much financing is killing you? Personally, experiences mean much more to me. If I’m ever feeling down or lazy, I just look through pictures from one of my trips or a really fun time in my life. This will usually motivate me to work harder and spend money more wisely.
Experiences don’t take up space.
With experiences you don’t have to worry about picking up additional storage space. You enjoy yourself, laugh lots, and take many pictures. With stuff, you have to deal with storing it and finding space for it. Screw that.
It costs money to get rid of crap.
The image below is from when we rented out a mini bin to clean out the house. You have to spend money just to get rid of your crap. You have to pay money to buy it and then you have to spend even more money to get rid of it. Really? You could try to have a yard sale or you could donate some stuff to charity, but there’s still going to be plenty of things that you need to simply trash.
Alright so I’ve been very positive with spending money on experiences. It would only be fair if I took a look at the other side here. What are the setback of spending money on experiences?
Experiences may never feel like enough.
The problem with saving up your money and spending it on new moments is that you may feel like you never get your money’s worth. You’ll always be expecting more and thinking about how much money you spent for the experience. My only advice here is to treat every experience cost as a sunk cost. Meaning that once you pay for it, that’s it. No more thinking about the money. When you always think about the money you’ll find yourself trying to justify the cost. That takes away from enjoying the actual moment.
How much do you really need to experience?
This is another argument that I once heard from an acquaintance. There’s some validity to this. How much does one person really need to go through? This is a good point. Just don’t let it prevent you from getting out there and doing the things that you want to do.
At the end of the day I would rather own less and focus my spending on new experiences. Where do you guys stand? Do you care for experiences?
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Well I watch pro wrestling as well so I’m used to jokes at the expense of my interests lol. I usually don’t have a reaction. I try not to respond to ignorant comments in any area of life.
I’ve never been a proponent of “fan experience” either until I went to a few events. Unfortunately, living in Toronto it’s pretty damn difficult to get tickets to a Leafs game. I’ve found MLS soccer games to be a decent fan experience at an affordable price.
A week at the cabin sounds like fun. I’m hoping to get that done in August this summer.
I share your enthusiasm with spending money on experiences over disposable products (“junk”). I find far too many people falling into the same trap of continuously decorating their home; or worse keeping up with the latest trends. It is a variation of vanity insanity, not to mention it is a waste of time and money.
After college I fell in love with backpacking and traveling abroad. The experience of exploring other cultures made me a better person. Most people don’t understand why I choose traveling over settling down and raising a family, and the ones that do aren’t ever around because they are traveling.
I truly believe the best investment you can make is in yourself, without experiences that test your boundaries, what is the point of working if you are not truly living. As well, I spend a small fortune on my boxing training, dining out (unique ethnic restaurants), and going to concerts. The money I save from avoiding cluttering my home has helped afford a desirable lifestyle.
Backpacking is something that I want to do real soon. Any quick tips for a complete rookie?
Boxing is something that definitely challenges you and pushes you to your limit.
I’ve never really been a fan of unique ethnic restaurants (unless burritos count) as I usually just eat what’s most convenient lol.
I loved this line, “I truly believe the best investment you can make is in yourself, without experiences that test your boundaries, what is the point of working if you are not truly living.”
Backpacking differs from individual to individual, some can travel on a shoestring while others need to have the amenities of a resort in their hostels/ hotels. The most important thing to know is to book your accommodation before you arrive at your next city/ destination. Stay in dorms if you are traveling alone, it is a great way to meet new people. Finally, never try to schedule your entire vacation; you will always find yourself loving some places over others.
I love boxing, I train 8 – 11 hours per week. It is my addiction.
Burritos count, but you have to try Indian food. Indian and Thai food rocks my world. I love all spicy foods.
Finally, those are words I live by.
I have not spent much time on continental Europe, I tend to travel on the road less traveled; however, check out Great Britain my fave cites in the UK are: Edinburgh, Scotland; Galway, Ireland; Yorke, England and London, England.
Depending on what you want to see and do in Europe, check out Munich, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, and I have heard great things about Lagos, Portugal. Lagos is the black hole of Europe; clubs galore and private beaches everywhere.