Spending=Happiness?

Artwork from the New York Times

I read an interesting article in the New York Times today.  Studies have shown that when we spend our money on experiences instead of "stuff," we are happier. To paraphrase a quote from the article, it's better for your emotional health to spend money on a memorable vacation with a loved one than on a new couch. It has also been found that the anticipation and planning for a purchase is a big part of the enjoyment you get. I agree with this article. For me, half the fun of a trip or a big purchase is the planning, research, list-making.... you get the idea. And my husband and I definitely spend more of our discretionary money on experiences than "stuff," which is why a lot of what I write about is how to save money on that stuff!

Article about spending money and happiness