I've been thinking about this, and I've come to the conclusion that most of the things I want that money can buy are at odds with the things that I want that money can't buy. For example, I'd love to live in a prettier and more exciting part of town. That would mean a rent increase, but I could afford it (up to a point). But it would also mean giving up my short and stress-free commute, and I don't know if that's something I want to do. For another example, not long ago I had an opportunity to pursue a job in another city, where I'd much prefer to live. I would have taken a pay cut, which would have been fine. But I also would have given up a lot of prestige and influence, the things that make my job so rewarding, and I decided that that wasn't fine, and I'd rather stay where I am.
What do you do with money when the things that make you happy aren't things you can buy? Save it for later, I guess, in case an opportunity comes along to buy something that will make you happy. That's what I'm doing, anyway.
Johanna
of MD
@
Jun 02, 2008 16:03:07 PM
Great idea to pretend you don't have that extra money! And hiking through the Grand Canyon is also on my list.
Kimberly Palmer
of
@
May 30, 2008 15:41:23 PM
I'd probably go to Yellowstone National Park and other parks west of the Mississippi. I'd also go to Alaska and Hawaii. There's so much to this country I have yet to see, I'd like to see as much as I can. I recently just got a huge raise, so I'm going to hide that money and pretend it doesn't exist so that I can use it to travel next summer after I graduate.
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
Arnold70 of NV @ Oct 22, 2009 14:24:38 PM
Johanna of MD @ Jun 02, 2008 16:03:07 PM
Kimberly Palmer of @ May 30, 2008 15:41:23 PM
Veronica of NY @ May 30, 2008 15:27:11 PM
Back to blog