There is an old saying: Money can’t buy happiness. But there are a lot of twists in that saying.
An old country song by Chris Johnson claims, “Money can’t buy me happiness, but it can buy me a boat.” Janson’s point is quite clear: If you have money, you can certainly make your way in life easier or indulge yourself with material things that often bring happiness.
But not every purchase that brings people joy has to be boat-level expensive. There are other ways to use retail therapy that don’t involve emptying your wallet.
Here’s a look at several purchases that could really make you happy — some, of course, more expensive than others.
1. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Not having to worry about dinner after work—or not spending too much on food delivery—can eliminate a lot of stress. If your slow cooker simmers all day, you can come home to a delicious aroma and a hot home-cooked meal.
Pro Tip: If the Instant Pot is your cooking gadget of choice, the delay start button is your friend. Instant Pots cook food much faster than slow cookers, but it’s still nice to be able to control the cooking time, so it starts when you get home.
2. sweeper
Whether it’s a human cleaning service or a robot vacuum, it’s extremely satisfying to get as many jobs done as possible.
Anything that lets you spend more time cleaning up messes instead of cleaning them is worthwhile. And you never know if your Roomba might make you spread out.
3. Travel and other memorable experiences
Possessions are fine, but experiences like vacations and travel are what really create memories and bring us happiness.
There is also scientific research behind this idea published studies This shows that money spent on doing things brings more happiness than buying things.
I treasure the memory of riding the cable car in San Francisco more than any souvenir I bought there. And travel doesn’t have to be out of financial reach — here are ways you can travel for free.
4. Pets
Like happiness, you can’t buy friendship – but you can add a dog, cat or other pet to your life, which is pretty much the same thing.
It may seem strange to list a pet as a purchase, however whether it is purchased from an animal shelter or a breeder, money often changes hands. And Americans also have pet expenses to consider. $136.8 billion On your pets in 2022.
Yet, the Humane Society of the United States says that only 3% of pet owners consider their pets “property” – 80% of people say they are “family”” Of course, remember that pets are living creatures – only add one to your life if you’re willing and able to care for it and love it. (And here are smart ways to lower your pet bills.)
5. House Plants
I don’t have a green thumb. But I also believe that some houseplants that I can keep alive (mainly succulents) help make me happy.
Research This shows that spending time in rooms that have indoor plants can increase happiness along with other health benefits.
6. Charitable donation
By helping others we help ourselves. Everyone has a charity of interest—animal shelters, cancer-research groups, organizations that feed the hungry or help children.
and a A 2010 study reported by Utah State University found that people feel happier when they give more money, as long as they have a choice about how much to give.
7. Bird Seed
What are you waiting for? How can simple birdseed improve our happiness?
It turns out that feeding, watching, and simply being surrounded by a diverse group of our feathered friends It can make us as happy as economic growth.
Bird watching and feeding birds can be done easily from your home. And this less expensive hobby can travel with you. This is an infallible argument.