Recently, I went on a trip with my wife to Banff, Canada. We spent 4 days together and it was quite enjoyable. We hiked, we ate, we drove, and saw some of the most beautiful and amazing views we have ever seen.
Although the financial commitment of our time together was relatively minor, it got me thinking about how this applies to why I save and how I spend. And, just as importantly, how do these questions and answers relate to long-term retirement planning?
Why do we save our money? At times, we find ourselves so focused on saving for the future, saving up for what’s coming next, that we forget to enjoy the small and simple pleasures of life right now. Money is for our fulfillment. We are meant to enjoy life now as well as later on.
Reflecting on the trip with my wife, the opportunity to try something new, coupled with the hours we spent together, made that a very memorable and enjoyable experience. It’s moments like these that remind me that we make money to enjoy experiences in life.
What do you enjoy in life? Where do you find fulfillment? Is it the purchase of something new for your home? Is it an experience, such as a trip or sporting event? Is it a $30 date with a child or grandchild, or is it something more? We should be using our money to find that enjoyment and fulfillment. That doesn’t mean carelessly throwing our money at anything that catches our attention. Instead, it means using and saving our money with the intent of finding enjoyment in life.