Personal finance blogs talk a lot about how NOT to spend your money. I’m trying to give spending a positive twist, and help you decide how you SHOULD spend your money. Last week I gave a list of things I don’t mind pulling my wallet out for. This week I’m going to take take it in a little different direction and help you determine what things belong on your list.
Another way to look at useful spending is to think about things that really enhance your life. In many cases, these may be experiences or hobbies. A clip of a motivational speaker I heard recently stated to be happy, you should do things that give you goosebumps. The kind of goosebumps that mean you’re doing meaningful. Therefore logic implies things that give you goosebumps would be worth the money spent.
Here are a couple of things that give me goosebumps:
Running Events
Over the weekend I ran the Twin Cities 10 Mile. From the starting line to the finish line and everything in between, it was a fantastic experience. The finish line is my favorite. About 100 yards from the finish are two hook and ladder trucks, one on each of side of the route with their ladders extended to suspend an American Flag over the road. Runners run beneath it and are met with a roaring crowd as they approach the finish line. The memories of the races I’ve finished in this environment bring tears to my eyes every time. Participating in these events are worth every single penny.
BBQ
I very much look forward to and enjoy days where I fire up my smoker early in the morning and spend all day tending the fire. I know that the result is delicious food. The only thing I enjoy more than making great BBQ, is sharing it with friends. Seeing friends and family enjoy BBQ I made puts a huge smile on my face. Seeing shows on television about BBQ, knowing I can do the same thing, sends chills through my body. I currently own four smokers. One I paid full price for, one I got on clearance for $64 (down from $274), one I got on clearance for $50 (down from $199), and one I bought used from a neighbor for half it’s retail cost. I look for sales on the meat I cook, and the fuel I use. I enjoy my BBQ hobby, but am always cost conscious about it.
Things that give you goosebumps is a great way to identify something that’s worth the money spent. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always look for ways to save money on them, nor should you go into debt to do them. Live within your means, and spend money on things that give you goose bumps – you won’t regret it.
What do you think, EOD Nation? What things give you goosebumps?
Useful spending seems a great term. There are few passions in all of our lives that are worth spending for. Different people have a different passion that gives them goosebumps. You have come up with some really great points. Thanks for sharing.