Experiences over things

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by droptopman

A nice dinner at home and a movie with the wife is a great experience. Still travel more than I want to, but I tend to enjoy my local experiences as much as any.

Some things bring me much enjoyment. Cars being one.

I have friends who try to "buy" experiences just to say they did it. Historically if I fall into that trap, I end up saying wish I would have stayed home....just a homebody I guess.

A couple we hang out with did a jungle trip and got ate alive by insects and ate all kinds of weird ****. Both got sick from the water. They were trying to get us to join them. I was like NO WAY! Not spending 10K to "rough it". Rather buy another watch...

I was paid to do that jungle trip while in the Army. It was an experience that sucked worse than you describe. Memorable, yes. Fun, no. You definately made the right choice contributing to the watch/golf/car fund.

[Dyim]

I value my vacation time with family much more than ‘stuff’ that I own.

Sharing the wealth, so to speak.

[Ballzzz]

Balance

[Fat_ninja]

I enjoy the experience of acquiring things

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

The only things you take with you are your deeds. Good and bad, the scale of eternal justice awaits.

I’d be worried if everything was put on those scales, but luckily there was one who took care of all of that for us...

I think there has to be a bit of both experiences and stuff. I had the opportunity to travel when I was growing up, and while I didn’t realize it at the time it was a big part of my education and have we a wider perspective of the world. At the same time, things that have meaning and that last are worth investing in.

[betterwatchit]

My perspective evolved over time. In my 20s and 30s I wanted things, bought houses, cars, watches ... but in my 40s began to realise how more houses means more insurance, more leaky roofs, more gardeners. Hassle. The things began to own me. So, as I approach retirement in my late 40s, I’ve been simplifying dramatically, getting rid of stuff feels cathartic. The watches will come soon ... I want to get to one watch .. to enjoy my experiences with. So, now, late 40s I can say I enjoy experiences way more than things, just took me a while to realise this!

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by encarter13

To put this into context - I am not young, but not old. I am right on the edge of being a Millennial. I had a weekend away with some friends this past weekend. Everyone was between 29-32 years old.


We had this same conversation sitting by the campfire. I had a friend who does really well, yet his wife will not let him buy the $2000 guitar he wants or the $4000 shuffleboard table he would like for his mancave as she sees these things as stuff. She sees the guitar as weekend in Asheville. The $4000 shuffleboard table could be a trip to the beach.

He explained that playing the guitar creates experiences and memories, just like a trip would. However, the trip is over in a few days and the guitar he can play for a lifetime.

Same thing for the shuffleboard....the memories, conversations, good times, etc that he could create with his friends will last him a lifetime.

The conversation then turned to me and my watches. I explained that I get pleasure from wearing a nice watch. It is a experience to wear it, wind it, clean it, etc. More importantly, my watches should last generations. The watches are both stuff/things, but every day wearing one is an experience.

In the end, she doesn't get it.

Personally, I think everyone needs balance. Balance between saving and spending. Balance between stuff and experiences. Balance between work and life.....I strive to ride that fine line, but it is easy to sway one way or the other.


(FYI - I have a second theory that she does get it and is just a selfish person that would rather her husband spend money on taking her places than buy things he wants....)

Well said - you’re right, balance is most important. Being able to have both is the real luxury

[Andad]

Both.