Elizabeth Dunn
Psychologist and Author
Elizabeth Dunn is a psychologist and co-author of 'Happy Money,' focusing on the intersection of money and happiness.
Investments / Wealth Building
Should You Buy Experiences Instead of Things — or Is That Just a Different Way to Spend Money You Don't Have?"Buy experiences, not things" has become one of the most popular pieces of modern financial advice. Research suggests that experiences often create longer-lasting happiness than material possessions, leading many consumers to prioritize travel, events, and memorable moments over physical goods. Yet as inflation rises and household budgets tighten, the wisdom of this approach is increasingly being questioned. Financial experts agree that experiences can enrich lives, but they also warn that meaningful memories lose their value when financed through debt or financial instability. The real debate is not whether experiences or possessions are better—it’s whether spending decisions align with personal values, long-term goals, and financial reality.