Five Things You Should Spend Money on

Ever heard of the saying, ‘Money saved is money earned?’ It basically sums up what a financial advisor would preach to young professionals. If your income is low, you can make up by spending less. We all know saving is good but when is it OK to spend money? Are there certain areas of one’s life that we could improve by shelling out a few dollars every week? We live in consumer societies in which people perceive material possessions as a sign of one’s ultimate success. Without being a slave to things, how can one create healthy spending habits? Below are five items you can spend on that can enhance your quality of life.

1. Creativity and the arts.
Being artistically inclined doesn’t come to everyone but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good piece of music or appreciate a good book. Being involved in the arts enhances your quality of life and has many positive side effects like decreasing stress levels, increasing concentration and improving sleep. This weekend, pick up a good book or join a pottery class. Find ways of getting discounts but don’t ever cheap out on this aspect of your life because it is what will give you true meaning.

2. Travelling, adventures and experiences.
The most memorable times of your life will be when you travelled, took part in adventures and experienced the wonders of nature. If you could visit one new country every year and visit one nearby town every month, you will have experienced a good chunk of the globe. The longer your visits, the more you get to immerse yourself in the place’s culture.

3. Learning
There are many ways to learn, the biggest being reading books. If you want to learn a specific skill, Lynda.com is a great source and is relatively affordable as well. Besides further education, you can learn through the company of experienced professionals in your field. The more you invest in learning, the more you will reap rewards in the form of career advancements.

4. Your family
Spending on your family can mean buying them gifts and things they want or it can mean cutting back on working extra so you can spend quality time with them. Sometimes all your loved ones need is your time. Other ways you can spend money on your family constructively is to get them to join in one of your adventures by helping pay for it or even a hobby like pottery or a book club. Feel free to pass on any used items you have that are in good condition.

5. Charity
If you have the financial means to donate, keep the underprivileged in your list of financial priorities. The universe has a way of giving back to you when you’re willing to give for no other reason than to give. Find a cause that’s close to your heart and donate your resources such as time and money. Giving back to the community should become an essential part of your life. It helps to see charity as the fruit of one’s labour which you’re able to share with those near and far.