Across six thousand people in four countries, the ones who spent money to save time were more satisfied with life than the ones who spent the same money on things, at every income level. In a small experiment, people given forty dollars to buy time on one weekend and forty to buy stuff on another were happier on the time weekend. Evidence: decent
The big data is a link, the experiment was small. The likely reason is plain: money spent on a thing gets you used to the thing; money spent on time gets you an evening.
If money's tight, the version that costs nothing is trading a job with a mate: you do his tax, he does your gutters.
Same theme: Money, spent right
Money, spent right
Book the experience, not the thing
Next time there's spare money: a trip, a match, a course, a meal with people. Not the gadget.
no timeEvidence: decent
Money, spent right
Count the commute in the salary
Comparing two jobs, or two houses: price the commute. An extra hour a day is five hours a week, most of a working day gone.
no timeEvidence: decent
Money, spent right
Spend a little on someone else
Once a month, a small amount you'd have spent on yourself goes on someone else. Lunch, a gift, a cause you'd back.
no timeEvidence: worth trying