If someone had handed me $1,400 in college, I would have spent every dollar shopping.
In fact...I did.
I walked away with bags of clothes, shoes, and accessories that made me feel happy in the moment. Years later, I can barely remember what I bought. I even accidentally threw away one of the shopping bags before realizing there was still a dress inside.
Today, if you handed me that same $1,400, I'd spend it completely differently. I'd book a trip.
Not because buying things is wrong. And not because spending money is bad. But because I've learned that some purchases continue adding value to your life long after the money is gone.
For me, those purchases are experiences.
In this episode, I'm sharing why I believe experiences are worth budgeting for, what research says about experiences and happiness, and how to spend intentionally on the things that truly enrich your life—without sacrificing your financial goals.
Because building wealth isn't just about growing your bank account. It's about creating a life that your money allows you to fully enjoy.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why experiences often create more lasting happiness than material purchases
- What research says about spending money on experiences versus things
- How travel and shared experiences become part of your story
- Why experiences often strengthen relationships and create lasting memories
- How experiences can help you discover what you truly value
- Why intentional spending looks different for everyone
- Why meaningful experiences don't have to be expensive
- How to balance financial goals with enjoying your life today
- Letting go of guilt around spending on what matters most
- How to build a budget that reflects your values instead of someone else's expectations
This episode is especially helpful if you:
- Feel guilty spending money on travel or experiences
- Want to enjoy life without feeling like you're falling behind financially
- Are trying to balance saving money with creating meaningful memories
- Want your spending to better reflect your values
- Have financial goals but don't want to put your life completely on hold
- Are working toward a life that feels both financially secure and deeply fulfilling
Why this matters:
Managing your money isn't about saying no to everything you enjoy. It's about making intentional decisions that support both your future and your present.
When your spending reflects what truly matters to you, money becomes more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It becomes a tool for creating memories, strengthening relationships, exploring new places, and building a life that feels rich in more ways than one.
The goal isn't to spend more. The goal is to spend better. To spend on the experiences, people, and priorities that continue adding value long after the money is gone.
Because when your budget aligns with your values, it becomes easier to spend confidently, save intentionally, and let go of the guilt that so often surrounds money.
Timestamps:
- [01:23] Raya shares her evolution with spending: some purchases continue adding value to your life long after the money is gone.
- [04:40] Research has shown that experiences bring more lasting happiness over material purchases. Experiences become a part of our story.
- [09:07] Raya shared the background of her first international trip with her then-boyfriend. It was quite intense for 23-year-olds who had never traveled together.
- [13:06] There is a big difference between mindless spending and intentional spending. If it's planned for and fits in your budget, don't feel guilty for spending.
Resources Mentioned:
Episode #143: My Travel Bucket List and Destination Experiences
Request a free money call with Raya
City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio
Financial Focus Coaching Program
If this episode encouraged you to think differently about your spending, I hope you'll take a moment to ask yourself a simple question:
What experiences matter most to me?
Because once you're clear on the answer, you can start building a budget that reflects it. Your financial goals and your life experiences don't have to compete with each other.
With planning, intention, and the right financial systems, they can work together. Money isn't just meant to be managed well; it's meant to support a life you're excited to live.
You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.
