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I was reading a 3/6/2026 article on Advisor Perspectives about the most-read articles of February 2026. That article had noted that Allan Roth’s article titled ” Money, Investing & Happiness” as the blog’s most-read article of last month.
In that article Mr. Roth wrote “Johnathan Clements did more research on the subject of money and happiness than anyone I’m aware of. He asserted that we should use our money to purchase experiences, not possessions.”
Just as Jonathan’s articles helped my thinking about the first two topics I realize I still have a lot of work to do on the third.
I learned so much from Jonathan Clements. He was an amazing man both in life and as he approached death with so much dignity.
Being nomadic has really curtailed the spending on physical possessions. There’s a real limit on what you can/will carry, and you can’t ship it home if there’s no home to ship it to.
My wife bought some handmade earrings last year for about $10. I bought a sweater, and I may buy a T-shirt from McGing’s pub before we move on, even though I’m carrying more than I really need. No worries, some will be donated soon enough.
I’m in agreement with Richard here, it’s not possessions OR experiences. Some folks garner tangible value from possessions (I’m thinking Porsches, which doesn’t necessarily apply to me). I’m in the process of moving, so have been organizing (read: throwing out) a lot of possessions collected over a 30 year span. And while I don’t view myself (nor do others) as particularly materialistic, I’ll happily admit to coming across long forgotten possessions that when found have brought me a lot of happiness as the memories they stir. This TBH is in distinction to my SO, who is almost opposite in her attachment to old things (she simply views them as old). But what I try to apply, both in possessions and experiences, is a version of Marie Kondo, “does this possession/experience bring you joy?” That’s been a terrific barometer for me in making the qualitative aspects of a decision.
I don’t see that question as either or, but a combination of both.
A collector of something may get great joy acquiring an addition to the collection, art for example. At the same time walking the streets of Pompeii may provide a great experience.
On one of our trips to Spain we purchased a porcelain of the Man of LaMancha which means a great deal to us. At the same time the trip was a wonderful experience.
Now that you made me think about it, you’re right, Dick. I have acquired some stuff: Several pieces of wall art from my local cooperative gallery where I actually know the artists, including one who focuses on paintings of the Poconos and the pioneers of the Conservation movement, and another who creates amazing scenes from paper cutouts. I also bought a small rug when I went to Morocco and harmonizing pillow covers from New Mexico. While I wouldn’t call myself a collector, these things really give me pleasure, as they remind me of people I know or places I’ve been, as well as for their intrinsic beauty.
Thanks, Bill. I’ve really been trying to focus on experiences rather than acquiring more things. However, an experience I do enjoy is checking out grocery stores away from home I loved the carbonated fruit drink “Hawaii” that I had in Morocco: coconut, orange and pomegranate. Haven’t seen anywhere on this side yet. With experiences , I’m also experimenting with taking fewer pictures to just enjoy being in the moment. God bless Jonathan for his example of continuing so many things, like traveling, even while he was having treatments.