Anonymous
11/02/2022 19:25
Subject: Buying Happiness
The best private schools in DC. Looking back over the past 20 years, that’s the single largest happiness-over-time expenditure. The gift to my family that keeps regenerating satisfaction, both in the moment and in retrospect
Anonymous
11/02/2022 19:19
Subject: Re:Buying Happiness
Experiences and travel. We still buy the cheap seats though.
For us we have found that often times NOT spending the money is what makes things simpler and therefore happier. For example when we first bought our house we stressed over thinking it needed all these renovations to look like HGTV. Then we realized that neither of us wanted to deal with the process or the hassle and instead we would be happier just keeping everything clean and in good repair but not worry about keeping up with the Joneses.
Owning more stuff and constantly updating/upgrading it is a lot of work. Same thing with a second home which many of our peers are doing - that just sounds like work to us. To each his own.
True. Having the money gives you peace of mind even if you don't spend it. Just having the option there is nice. I don't think you can totally buy happiness. Lots of rich people are unhappy.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 16:05
Subject: Buying Happiness
Experiences and travel. We still buy the cheap seats though.
For us we have found that often times NOT spending the money is what makes things simpler and therefore happier. For example when we first bought our house we stressed over thinking it needed all these renovations to look like HGTV. Then we realized that neither of us wanted to deal with the process or the hassle and instead we would be happier just keeping everything clean and in good repair but not worry about keeping up with the Joneses.
Owning more stuff and constantly updating/upgrading it is a lot of work. Same thing with a second home which many of our peers are doing - that just sounds like work to us. To each his own.
For us we have found that often times NOT spending the money is what makes things simpler and therefore happier. For example when we first bought our house we stressed over thinking it needed all these renovations to look like HGTV. Then we realized that neither of us wanted to deal with the process or the hassle and instead we would be happier just keeping everything clean and in good repair but not worry about keeping up with the Joneses.
Owning more stuff and constantly updating/upgrading it is a lot of work. Same thing with a second home which many of our peers are doing - that just sounds like work to us. To each his own.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 15:23
Subject: Re:Buying Happiness
For me, it's throwing money at problems. Busy week at work? Lots of takeout. Kid struggling with potty training? Here's a million pairs of underwear with your favorite thing on them, and three different potties to choose from. Infant won't sleep more than two hours at a time? Rent a snoo. Washing machine goes out when you've got two under two? Laundry service for a few months. Kid is getting car sick? Buy a different car seat that sits him up a bit higher. Bad case of PPD? Get the good, out of network therapist and just pay the bills.
We don't make enough to throw money around all the time ($200k), but when the sh*t hits the fan, it's such a sanity saver for me.
We don't make enough to throw money around all the time ($200k), but when the sh*t hits the fan, it's such a sanity saver for me.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 14:56
Subject: Buying Happiness
You know what would make me happier?
Someone to come and tidy up: find a place for everything, declutter, and help us keep a tidy routine. I can do the cleaning, it's mindless. But sorting and organizing 4 adults/teens in a 1200 sq ft house, all of whom have some degree of ADHD? No.
Someone to come and tidy up: find a place for everything, declutter, and help us keep a tidy routine. I can do the cleaning, it's mindless. But sorting and organizing 4 adults/teens in a 1200 sq ft house, all of whom have some degree of ADHD? No.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 14:48
Subject: Buying Happiness
I have a low HHI by DCUM standards, lol.... but: travel, babysitting/parenting breaks, hobby-related experiences and gear, vacation home
Anonymous
11/02/2022 14:47
Subject: Buying Happiness
Anonymous wrote:Easing daily life and removing stress is the top on my list:
- cleaning service
- grocery shopping at whole foods only and not have to do more supermarkets to find the right deal
- getting groceries delivered if for some reason day was too crazy
- not hesitating about taking a cab if i am running later
- not paniciking if something is lost, broken, a flight is missed
etc...
All those things can be small but they add up to the ability to buy peace of mind.
Obviously all the other key investments are part of what buys happiness: 401k; 529; a mortgage we can afford. Financial security is big on my happiness map.
Now, i now you meant something else. But that only comes much far down. So here is the list of purchases that brought me happiness over the past 3 years, that i have only considered since my income went up:
- vacation with family in a more exotic place and nicer house rental
- a tonal. Love my tonal
- cosmetic investments: laser for hair removal and to improve my skin
Great post. Thanks!
Anonymous
11/02/2022 14:44
Subject: Buying Happiness
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Easing daily life and removing stress is the top on my list:
- cleaning service
- grocery shopping at whole foods only and not have to do more supermarkets to find the right deal
- getting groceries delivered if for some reason day was too crazy
- not hesitating about taking a cab if i am running later
- not paniciking if something is lost, broken, a flight is missed
etc...
All those things can be small but they add up to the ability to buy peace of mind.
Obviously all the other key investments are part of what buys happiness: 401k; 529; a mortgage we can afford. Financial security is big on my happiness map.
Now, i now you meant something else. But that only comes much far down. So here is the list of purchases that brought me happiness over the past 3 years, that i have only considered since my income went up:
- vacation with family in a more exotic place and nicer house rental
- a tonal. Love my tonal
- cosmetic investments: laser for hair removal and to improve my skin
oh and being able to say yes to all the interesting activities and services my kids want or need. We never go crazy because we dont like flashy. But it is nice to be able to say yes to music lessons, horse riding, favorite summer camps, the right reading or math tutor etc...
Anonymous
11/02/2022 14:28
Subject: Buying Happiness
Anonymous wrote:Easing daily life and removing stress is the top on my list:
- cleaning service
- grocery shopping at whole foods only and not have to do more supermarkets to find the right deal
- getting groceries delivered if for some reason day was too crazy
- not hesitating about taking a cab if i am running later
- not paniciking if something is lost, broken, a flight is missed
etc...
All those things can be small but they add up to the ability to buy peace of mind.
Obviously all the other key investments are part of what buys happiness: 401k; 529; a mortgage we can afford. Financial security is big on my happiness map.
Now, i now you meant something else. But that only comes much far down. So here is the list of purchases that brought me happiness over the past 3 years, that i have only considered since my income went up:
- vacation with family in a more exotic place and nicer house rental
- a tonal. Love my tonal
- cosmetic investments: laser for hair removal and to improve my skin
oh and being able to say yes to all the interesting activities and services my kids want or need. We never go crazy because we dont like flashy. But it is nice to be able to say yes to music lessons, horse riding, favorite summer camps, the right reading or math tutor etc...
Anonymous
11/02/2022 14:25
Subject: Buying Happiness
Easing daily life and removing stress is the top on my list:
- cleaning service
- grocery shopping at whole foods only and not have to do more supermarkets to find the right deal
- getting groceries delivered if for some reason day was too crazy
- not hesitating about taking a cab if i am running later
- not paniciking if something is lost, broken, a flight is missed
etc...
All those things can be small but they add up to the ability to buy peace of mind.
Obviously all the other key investments are part of what buys happiness: 401k; 529; a mortgage we can afford. Financial security is big on my happiness map.
Now, i now you meant something else. But that only comes much far down. So here is the list of purchases that brought me happiness over the past 3 years, that i have only considered since my income went up:
- vacation with family in a more exotic place and nicer house rental
- a tonal. Love my tonal
- cosmetic investments: laser for hair removal and to improve my skin
- cleaning service
- grocery shopping at whole foods only and not have to do more supermarkets to find the right deal
- getting groceries delivered if for some reason day was too crazy
- not hesitating about taking a cab if i am running later
- not paniciking if something is lost, broken, a flight is missed
etc...
All those things can be small but they add up to the ability to buy peace of mind.
Obviously all the other key investments are part of what buys happiness: 401k; 529; a mortgage we can afford. Financial security is big on my happiness map.
Now, i now you meant something else. But that only comes much far down. So here is the list of purchases that brought me happiness over the past 3 years, that i have only considered since my income went up:
- vacation with family in a more exotic place and nicer house rental
- a tonal. Love my tonal
- cosmetic investments: laser for hair removal and to improve my skin
Anonymous
11/02/2022 13:01
Subject: Buying Happiness
Tummy tuck and butt lift. Botox
Anonymous
11/02/2022 12:36
Subject: Buying Happiness
Vacations. Not terribly extravagant ones, but ones that create really good family memories.
Therapy
Eating out, on dates and as a family. I used to hate this expense but I found that making a reservation at a restaurant is just a really easy way to schedule a good family experience or a date.
Hobbies, like learning a foreign language.
Therapy
Eating out, on dates and as a family. I used to hate this expense but I found that making a reservation at a restaurant is just a really easy way to schedule a good family experience or a date.
Hobbies, like learning a foreign language.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 12:33
Subject: Buying Happiness
Cleaning service and similar outsourcing is high on my list. Paying to skip drudgery goes a long way.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 12:30
Subject: Buying Happiness
You can buy simplicity, you can never buy happy.
Anonymous
11/02/2022 12:29
Subject: Buying Happiness
If you have a high HHI or NW, what do you spend it on that makes you happy?