I’ve been getting messages like this from Netflix:
Spend on experiences not things. Make time for rest, relaxation and some Netflix.
They always make me laugh…they do have a point.
What do you spend your money on?
October 25, 2020
Experiences, Not Things
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it’s how minimalists think. especially at Christmastime.
although their reasoning is a little strange… because you have to buy Netflix!
still. if people get the basic message it would be nice. ‘stuff ‘ seems to rule.
Streaming services don’t take up space, but a lot of people love to decorate their homes…that’s about meaningful experiences as well as “things”.
I’m a big believer in gifting my loved ones with experiences … making memories. Rather, I did before Covid. Fortunately(?) I’m not lacking in rest and relaxation.
We can still build memories, we just have to be more creative. And sometimes the best memories are in response to things not going the way we want.
Fabric and tools of the trade, though I have almost any tool I could ever need though I do have to buy rotary blades and thread….and books, though the majority I get are free.
Yes! Tools and materials for creative work. 🙂
We buy what we need and, often, what we want. We temper those wants quite a bit though. The motorhome is 12 years old, my truck is 14 years old and the car is ten years old… We’ve lived in same place for nearly 40 years and it’s mortgage free. Our biggest purchase facing us is health insurance. The campany I retired from is transitioning away from subsidizing a program for supplemental insurance for retirees over 65, though they will be providing an annual stipend for retirees and their spouses. So now I’ve been learning all about Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. I think we’ll actually be paying less with the stipend than we are now, but navigating through the maze of offerrings is a pain.
We too believe in buying things to last …our Highlander is 18 years old, the 4Runner 13. I sympathize with you about having to decide between health insurance plans. The one we have for retirees now is super simple to use…years ago it was a nightmare. Our biggest expenditure is for long-term insurance… that has gone through the roof but if we need it and if it works it should simplify things for Kaitlin. Fingers crossed we will never need it.
We are spending a lot on groceries lately. And have not eaten out since March. Not even at a drive-thru! Haven’t gone to the movies or museums, pretty much nothing!
It’s hard to believe grocery prices won’t continue to go up, but it will be what it will be. 🙁
Food & paying bills mostly. But this time of year is a bad time to ask ’cause I tend to waste money on witches & then Santa’s collection I’ve had over the past 5 decades.
I’m not sure that’s a waste. If it brings you joy it’s an investment in your mental health.
Lately my money has been going to all bills. There was my homeowners insurance that had to paid so that’s kept other spending down.
I wish you had a bit of mad money, to be spent on having fun.
About the only things I’ve bought for the past few years or so is food at the grocery store. But that will change when I move and need smaller furniture. I can’t say I don’t like having ‘things’ so I could never live the minimalist mind set. Experiences or things has never been an either or choice for me. I’ve done pretty much what I’ve wanted to do.
I also think buying furniture and things you love is an experience that lasts for years. At the moment, of course, is you are still saying goodbye to things.
It’s a rare thing in our house for us to buy anything that could be listed under stuff. We only buy necessities and we don’t pay for experiences except we do have Prime so we watch Prime movies and we do pay for cable so that comes under experience is a friend and we do pay for internet because I can’t live without it. In the past six months we have spent and spend and spent new air conditioner a sick dog and a new dog thousands and thousands of dollars so Noah wants will be bought. I think the biggest expense other than the AC would be the vet bills. I am cheaper the bone and have never bought once only need. Except of course the phone I’m talking on right now
Yes, sometimes just maintaining what we have costs a bundle! The internet is a blessing, and well worth the cost. I think it’s crucial for the mental health of a lot of us. As are pets for a lot of people. (I get my dog fixes from the internet, and even that is important for my mental health.)
I’m not able to spend on experiences because of my health and also because of Covid restrictions.
I’m spending my money on medical bills, the bill collectors have been calling.
I spend more on groceries now because I’m trying to be as healthy as possible but sadly a lot goes to waste because it makes me sick and I’m unable to eat it.
I do spend money on my pets, that will never change. They are a top priority.
And… I sometimes still order books off of Amazon. I just can’t stop myself! Lol!
Let’s face it, your pets and books are important experiences and crucial for your mental health. I’m so sorry about your medical bills, dealing the health problems should be more than enough!
Necessities — but I’ve noticed for years what some consider “necessary”, some may think otherwise; often a generational difference in attitude. I also spend a small amount on entertainment i.e. books, movie subscription.
Yes, a lot of “necessities” now would have been luxuries when I was a kid.
Booze!
😀
Clothes. The same few pieces I’ve been wearing for years but in a smaller size!!!
Netflix, PBS, Prime, Apple TV. It’s what Dave and I share every evening now that we no longer go out for experiences.
I still read a lot but I get most of my books free through bookbub.com.
I have a lot of experiences in my daily life, and I’m grateful I don’t have to go out for them. 🙂
We have Netflix, Amazon and some premium channels on our cable.
I used Netflix for years, but for the past few months I used Hulu instead because there were a couple of programs I wanted to see. Now I’ll switch to Acorn on Amazon and watch some programs there. I do subscribe to Great Courses Plus every month but I don’t want to watch just that. We are so rich to have that at our disposal!
We would normally spend our money on foreign holidays but we’ve abandoned that for the moment because of the pandemic.
We also like eating out but now the restaurants are all closed again.
So there’s not much left except books, new curtains, Sky TV, and the internet. And we’re saving quite a lot of money!