The New York Times published an interesting article this weekend about money and happiness. Sure, it’s filled with the usual “money can’t buy happiness” stories and tales of self discovery. I think it’s stuff we all know deep down inside but are good at repressing (Gizmodo hasn’t made me happy yet… but it’s my Ike Turner).
But wait, what’s this? If you dig deep enough you’ll find this little gem:
Thomas DeLeire, an associate professor of public affairs, population, health and economics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, recently published research examining nine major categories of consumption. He discovered that the only category to be positively related to happiness was leisure: vacations, entertainment, sports and equipment like golf clubs and fishing poles.
Now there’s some useful investment advice. It’s time to re-order my priorities.
Sure, a new computer sounds great… but schnitzel in Austria sounds wonderful right now.
2 replies on “Take a trip, you’ll be happier”
I just read that article too! It made me think about gifts in a new way as well – we tend to shower loved ones with THINGS for holidays and other occasions. I’m going to try to think up more experience-type gifts for them going forward (play tickets, dinners out, etc.). I feel they’re much more likely to enjoy the gift and actually remember who it came from than if I were to give them some random doo-dad.
Sounds good, how about brats in Germany…. 🙂