How to Buy less and experience more this year

If anything, COVID-19 has taught us that life is short. It is important to make the most of our time by living a fulfilling life, doing the things that bring us joy, with the people we love. Rioma Cominelli, Director at First Loyalty Plus, believes that material possessions are fleeting, but the memories that come from our experience together, last forever. “Memories come from experiences, adventures, and the time we spend together. They are far more valuable than any item we will buy.” Research shows that when we buy something new, we believe it will make us happier. And, it may for a while. “We’ve all felt it; the excitement of saving for a big-ticket item, the elation that comes with finally buying it and the joy you feel when you use it for the first time. Over time, however, we adapt to having it in our lives, and the delight it once brought us, wears off,” Rioma explains.  Research also reveals that whilst people’s satisfaction with the things they bought goes down over time, their satisfaction with experiences they spent money on, goes up. “Things get old, they break and get thrown out, but experiences connect us and form part of who we are.” Whilst some experiences cost nothing, like hiking up a mountain with close friends or having beach days or park days with the children. Others, like holidays, hot air ballooning or meals out have a price tag attached. “So,” Rioma says, “in order to have enough…

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