In this New York Times article, Carl Richards confirms an important lesson I learned for myself many years ago:

It's fine to spend money on memorable experiences.

Earlier in life, I was certain that the wisest and most prudent use of discretionary money was to invest it into assets that would appreciate in value, like stocks and real estate. “Be a saver, not a spender,” was my motto.

But then I realized that the most precious memories I had were the family vacations I had growing up, our honeymoon on a white powder beach resort on St. John, taking my kids to Disneyland, and seeing the awe on my son and late father's faces when I had the privilege of showing them St. Peter's Basilica and Notre Dame Cathedral for the first time in their lives.

That, my friends, is money well spent. What could possibly be more valuable than those priceless experiences?

To be clear, I'm not advocating going into debt or spending money you don't have on frivolous things, and of course it is important to save and invest for the future. But a lopsided pursuit of ever more material wealth, if it means missing out on being able to experience  joy and wonder with loved ones is not the path way to a great life.

We all get that nagging feeling that the money we want to spend on someone and something we love should be saved instead.

So SPEND THE MONEY! I promise you won't regret it!

 

Are you looking for life-long financial planning support beyond traditional wealth management? Then Del Monte Group is the right place for you. At DMG, we address a client’s entire lifestyle to help make all goals become a reality–even if they aren’t directly related to money. Our clients are more than just assets and investments. They are human beings with their own stories, and they are our family. So, when you’re in the greater Alamo or Danville, California area our door is always open to assist you in person Call us at 925.736.6410, send an email to Info@APlaceOfPossibility.com, visit APlaceOfPossibility.com/Calendar to get your meeting on the books. We can't wait to help you.

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