She Strengthens

Prioritizing Joy: The Importance of a Happiness Budget

As someone who travels frequently, I’ve come to realize that the cost of travel is a significant factor in my life. While my trips are often for specific purposes, such as visiting family and friends or attending work events, I’ve learned to appreciate the value of budgeting for happiness.

The Value of Trade-Offs

My partner Marc’s job requires frequent travel, which means we accumulate hotel and airfare points that we use for personal trips. While this may seem like a luxury, it comes with trade-offs. We often spend less time together during the week, and my work travel expenses are covered by someone else or expensed during tax season. This means that our travels, while enjoyable, are not an end in themselves.

A Unique Category of Spending

There is one trip that stands out from the rest – our annual week-long vacation with friends to Marc’s family’s beach house in southern France. This expense is non-negotiable, and I’d rather work extra hours to pay for someone else’s travel than miss out on this opportunity. For many of us, it’s the only time we’ll see each other outside of Skype or Facebook chat, and having this isolated time with a close-knit group is essential.

Breaking Down My Happiness Budget

This year, I’ll be spending $1,975 on our French getaway, which includes:

• $450 for a one-way ticket to Barcelona
• $100 for accommodations in Barcelona
• $150 for going-out expenses in Barcelona
• $50 for a train ticket to the family home
• $350 for food and drink while at the house
• $100 for extras and unexpected expenses
• $75 for a ticket from the house back to Paris
• $250 for going-out expenses in Paris
• $450 for a ticket back to NYC

The Power of Experience

While this is a significant expense, I don’t feel the need to cut back. I believe that money spent on quality time with loved ones is never regretted. This trip is the epitome of an “experience” – a time that I’ll remember, enjoy, and get joy from long after it’s over.

Rethinking the Concept of Experience

I think many people misunderstand the concept of “experience” as simply doing things instead of buying material goods. However, true experiences are tailored to individual desires and bring lasting joy. I’ve spent money on concerts, restaurant trips, and vacations that I wish I could get a refund on. But this trip is different – it’s a happiness investment.

The Importance of Self-Care

By budgeting for happiness, I’m taking care of my mental health and well-being. This single purchase gives me energy, motivation, and purpose to work hard and be smart throughout the year. I’d love to hear about your happiness budget and how you prioritize joy in your life.