I read 75 books a year.
Thank god for Kindle where I can highlight and store notes.
Don’t hate me.
It’s an illness. The thirst is quenched temporarily and it drowns me too.
I’m a slave to words. They own me.
Like good food or great conversation.
Sharing sparks with others; absorbing energy from people smarter and passionate than me.
I can’t get enough of the moments.
I’m nourished and starved at the same time.
Associate professors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Noonan who wrote the book “Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending,” outline research which shows how money can do a better job of buying happiness – if you spend it right.
This book sticks with me.
Can you get a bigger bang for your happiness buck?
I think so.
How?
Random Thoughts:
1). Buy experiences. Research shows that spending on experiences edges out purchasing stuff as experiences create lifetime “feel good” moments through the connections to others. You relive memories forever; the novelty over of a new purchase is fleeting. After six months you don’t even care that the dog barfed up worms all over the buttery-leather back seats of your new (now old) ride.
We’re happy with things until we find out there are better things available. You’re happy with smart phone version 3 until version 4 comes out. Then you’re miserable. Who the hell needs this roller coaster? I’m done with this shit.
The authors’ research shows that people who pay for an experience in advance feel more satisfaction than those who get stuck with the bill months after the fun has ended.
2). Make it a treat. Abundance is the enemy of appreciation. Purchases that are special treats (a steak dinner, rich chocolate), memorable places for vacation, or annual traditions are most likely to create greater happiness per dollar spent.
McDonald’s has been the master of this mind melt (a shameless McPlay on words), for decades. They strategically roll out the McRib each year and fake-pork freaks go insane.
I’m guilty too.
I go apes**t over the Shamrock Shake. I’ve been in love with this green, minty, frosty mix since my first sip in 1977.
I’ve raised another generation of the Shamrock addicted, too.
Kudos, McDonald’s.
Kudos.
I’m ashamed.
Shameful Money.
It’s coming. The green I really care about – IS… COMING.
3). Buy time. Sacrificing free time just to save a little money will not make you happy. In fact you’ll be miserable. Driving an extra 20 minutes to save 5 cents on gas or purchasing a larger home in the suburbs farther from work appears to be a smart use of your money, but time is more precious.
Those who have more free time exercise more, do volunteer work and participate in other fulfilling activities linked to happiness. I bet they have better sex, too.
Hate them.
In between chasing naked French chicks 30 years younger than he, Ben Franklin was truly a genius (also because he chased and caught naked French chicks 30 years his junior).
Money is important, but time is indeed, more valuable.
4). Never buy flowers for anyone. Get yourself something nice. Flowers die. No pleasant experience here. Actually, there’s a law of diminishing returns with women the more flowers you send them. Save the money for an experience that will nourish your soul. Send a flower meme instead. It’s clever. It’ll cause a laugh.
Chicks like funny.
“Oh flowers. Again.”
“Thanksssss.”
Dead.
See – this shit is wittier. And cheaper. Happy money (in your wallet).
5). Pay it forward. Or back. The other day I gave a homeless guy a dollar. He told me my life was worth living. He altered my mood. For a buck. Best dollar I ever spent. If you owe a person money, make an effort to pay it back – salvage what’s left of a relationship.
Money is fleeting; good friends are worth more than a thousand fortunes.
My daughter told me Shamrock Shake is back!
She had one today.
I’m out of here.
Off to make a memory.
Random Thoughts of a Money Muse 