As I have hit almost 40….my goals are different than they once were. I have spent years working hard, getting through school, and being frugal along the way.
I have always been a shopper and a deal seeker…this will never change but my priorities have shifted in the last year. Let me explain…
I worked as a teacher for 3.5 years, became an assistant principal for almost 14 years, and currently work at a district office for a school system.
When It came time to purchase a house; The bank said I could afford a very large house; I never felt comfortable with paying more than I would in rent on my own and thus…chose a new, nice neighborhood that served my needs. I felt with this my life would be more abundant and having resources and freedom was essential to my well-being.
With my cost of living being low (lower than most rent) – it afforded me the opportunity to have more experiences.
For me, experiences create happiness. Spending time on a vacation has always been important in my family and that connection has continued even after my dad’s passing.
For me, experiences create a life change every time it happens. I get excited about the adventure, during, and after…The picture above is in Africa. Still cannot let go of the first time an elephant looked at me right in the eyes.
Strong memories make me happy and as Marie Kondo would say. “Does it bring joy”
One of the most exciting and scariest things I have ever done was getting in a microlight and flying over Victoria Falls.
I can never undo the experiences I have had. I am continuing to learn, grow, and remain grateful.
Machu Picchu taught me so much about drainage. Didn’t see that one coming – did you? The Incas were incredible masters of building and when the rain comes (and it did on this trip) everything was completely saturated and fog rolled in; the weather (mainly fog) then rain stopped and everything drained perfectly….
Seeing the Pyramids and remembering King Tut on my 6th Grade Social Studies Book was epic. There has been unrest in the area for years but ventured out and had the best time!
Keeping up with the Kardashians is Real
As I have approached almost 40….I remember getting my first Lexus RX 330 (at the time) Bamboo color and it had every bell and whistle. I loved that car and drove it til it was on its last leg. I do not regret that car or how much it cost me, but I remember in 2003 – it was expensive and it was a big spend.
If spending a lot of money, you should know – driving a car off the lot – instantly $7k drop in value it but it is the American way to go big or go home.
Do what gives you sustainable happiness.
I spend the majority of my money on experiences now.
I sign up for credit cards (I can do a post on this) and take many free flights to locations….
Like my mom and I wanted to Trick or Treat at Disney – free flight, free hotel – pay Disney for Not so Scary Halloween Party and we went Trick or Treating!
I grew up taking a minimum of 4 nice vacations a year and when I say nice – cruises, explorations, adventures, and Disney. Let me say, they were nice vacations but not extravagant and I continue to live this way today. I would rather take 4 nice vacations at 4 star than 1 5 Star Vacation.
This upcoming weekend, my Mom and I are going to Florida and will be taking a Disney cake decorating class. Experiences are not always vacations, they can be eating out for dinner (though I would rather spend more for a trip than an expensive meal) and concerts or a football game.
I like things…..and I buy them….this where Instagram has helped me. I am able to get a lot of wonderful items or new products without paying for them (alternate revenue source) – yes you have to claim it on your taxes but my cash can be spent on other things.
Sustaining happiness and remaining grateful … the keys to life.
I had a few people ask in the last week, when are you getting a new Lexus and I didn’t have an answer…my car has 208,000 miles, runs well, is safe, and gets me where I want to go. I can afford to buy the car, but I also just booked a trip to Antarctica….my happiness of completing my 7th continent has much more value than a car.
I think for me it comes back to the experience of buying a new car and getting exactly what I wanted…..it represented that I worked hard and paid for it; it never mattered that it was a Lexus or could have been a Porsche…it was not a label thing – it was a bucket list item.
I am living my best life …day by day. I challenge you to evaluate your things v. your experiences. If you will be happy with the new car, buy it. If those amazing shoes will make you smile – buy them!
You will regret the things you did not do more…than the things you did ❤️ and if the need arises….I might just buy that car 🚗
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