20 Ways To Collect Moments, Not Things to Be Happier & Wealthier
Ever feel the pressure to keep up with others? Or constantly pursue the latest trends? You’re not alone!
Yet, true meaning in life isn’t found in the newest gadgets, biggest homes, or trendy accessories. It’s the moments and memories that matter.
Explore ways to enrich your life, save money, and embrace meaningful experiences. Learn to collect moments, not things!
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“While you are alive collect moments not things, earn respect not money, and enjoy love not luxuries.”
Aarti Khurana
20 Ways To Collect Moments Not Things
1. Embrace Minimalism
Minimalism prioritizes simplicity and the pursuit of value.
To embrace minimalism:
- Be intentional– make deliberate choices about what to keep in your life. Focus on experiences rather than stuff.
- Distinguish between needs and wants. Evaluate every purchase by questioning its necessity. Does it enhance my life?
- Invest in quality over quantity by owning a lower number of high-quality items.
Tip: Embrace ‘living smaller’ in terms of possessions. Choose a more modest home, a car within your means, and prioritize wise investments in your future.
2. Set Intentional Goals To Collect Moments Not Things
Set goals that shift your focus to meaningful experiences.
- Define your values and priorities. What brings joy and fulfillment into your life? Whether it’s family time or exploring new places, align your goals with what truly matters to you.
- Write down and track your goals. Share with those close to you for accountability.
Tip: Setting smaller daily goals can lead to significant changes over time. Align your small goals with your long-term objectives.
Related: SMART Financial Goals Examples
3. Budget for experiences
With your new goals in mind, create a budget that has a specific budget category for activities that bring joy and memories.
Use this allocated fund without guilt!
Tip: Experiences make great gifts for minimalism. For Christmas last year, my mom gave our family a gift card to a local hotel with a water park. We created wonderful memories!
See: Best Budgeting Tips
4. Fill Your Life With Variety
“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to know.”
Unknown
Next, focus on exploring an array of experiences.
- Explore free or low-cost local events
- Make a list of local attractions you have yet to visit
- Explore local parks and nature reserves
- Plan a family trip
- Get tickets to performances and sporting events
- Try a massage or facial
Tips For Saving on Experiences: Look for free activities in your community or fun things to do on a budget. Plan a staycation or look for discounts and ways for your family to travel on a budget.
5. Invest In Relationships
Scheduling quality time with your loved ones is an excellent way to enrich your life and save money.
Opt for activities that strengthen bonds without breaking the bank
- host a regular family game night
- or plan outdoor activities like hiking and picnics for cherished memories on a budget.
6. Build Community connections
Invest in your community through experiences that promote personal growth and build meaningful networks.
- Attend free events
- Volunteer to help others
- Support local initiatives
- Take free classes
- Join activity groups or sports teams
- Become involved in a synagogue or church
7. Cultivate Mindfulness
Focus on living in the present to fully experience the moments that matter.
- Engage in activities that promote mindfulness: Activities like yoga, walking, and meditation, foster a deeper connection with the present moment.
- Eliminate distractions: Reduce screen time and choose meaningful activities that encourage a more mindful lifestyle.
Tip: Nature walks without your phone are a great way to cultivate mindfulness with little effort.
8. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting the focus from possessions to experiences.
- Write in a gratitude journal
- Express gratitude openly to others
- Meditate on gratitude in thoughts and prayers
9. Declutter Your Space (Collect Moments Not Things)
Decluttering enhances mental well-being and is good for your wallet! A clutter-free space creates room for meaningful adventures and lasting memories.
Use this free decluttering checklist and these practical decluttering tips to revitalize your living space.
Tip: Turn unused items into extra cash by selling them.
10. Discover New Hobbies
Explore a new hobby to add value to your life. You may find a new passion, improve your mental and physical health, and even find a money-making pursuit.
- Learn (or relearn) a new instrument or language
- Get creative through painting, photography, or pottery
- Start reading or journaling again
- Get moving- bike, hike, swim, or join a group fitness class
Tip: Try money-making hobbies. You might enjoy pet sitting, starting a blog, or selling items you make on Etsy.
11. Create A Bucket List
Create a family bucket list today with a mix of nearby experiences, learning activities, and adventurous ideas—capturing all the things you aspire to do in life.
Related: Retirement Bucket List Ideas
12. Digital Detox to Collect Moments
Improve your mental and emotional health with a digital detox.
- Delete your social media apps
- Track your screen time and set clear boundaries
- Plan new ways to spend your time
Tip: It’s easy to find ourselves playing the comparison game when we scroll through social media. Redirect your focus towards your own life experiences, relationships, and well-being.
13. Enhance Your Knowledge
Take advantage of the free resources you have around you to learn something new.
- Visit the local library- Utilize their free resources!
- Explore free online learning courses. Attend free workshops and webinars that are hosted by local organizations, businesses, or educational institutions.
- Visit historical sites and museums. Check to see if they offer free or reduced admission on certain days of the month.
See: Invest In Yourself
14. Create Lasting Stories
“A good life is a collection of happy memories.”
Denis Waitley
Make a simple memory picture book to highlight your adventures and keep your memories alive. Add the date, captions, and anything you want.
Or capture vivid recollections by journaling often.
Tip: Take photos instead of buying souvenirs while traveling. Make a photo book of the trip and share it.
15. Serve the Community
When we collect moments, not things, we gain money and time. These resources can be used to help causes that are important to us.
- Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen
- Offer your professional skills to a nonprofit organization
- Participate in a community cleanup
- Mentor youth
- Donate money to causes you believe in
16. Travel Smart (Collect Moments Not Things)
Forge unforgettable travel memories by opting for off-season trips. You will save money and your travel location will be less crowded. You may be able to see unique experiences that are not available during peak travel times too.
17. Repurpose items with Sentimental Value
Turn a sentimental item into something you can use.
- Turn old clothing into quilts or throw pillows.
- Refinish antique furniture.
- Make a photo wall out of old photos and digitize the rest.
- Convert vintage jewelry into something you will wear, a bookmark, or add to an accessory (Check out these ideas to repurpose vintage jewelry)
- Use sentimental items to display as decorations
Tip: Do you have a collection that is taking up space? Pick the items from the collection that you love and pass on the rest to another family member.
18. Be More Generous to Those Around You
Fully embrace an attitude of giving while connecting with others.
- Help a neighbor with their garden
- Babysit for a friend in need
- Offer to help with a home project
- Give away items you no longer need (See inexpensive thank you gift ideas)
- Batch cook and give a freezer meal to a busy family (See yummy frugal meals for families)
19. Enjoy Simple Pleasures That Don’t Cost Money
Treat yourself with healthy and free ideas to enjoy life’s simple pleasures!
- Share your favorite childhood movie with your kids
- Schedule a coffee date
- Take a scenic drive or walk
- Enjoy a picnic
20. Implement a No-Spend Challenge
A no-spend challenge or low spend challenge is a great way to save money and focus on collecting moments, not things. In this challenge, you hold back your spending on non-essential items for a specific period of time.
Related: How To Stop Buying Things and Tips To Stop Eating Out
Benefits Of Collecting Moments Not Things
You…
- improve your relationships with loved ones.
- leave less “stuff” behind and have a positive impact on the environment.
- say “goodbye” to buyer’s remorse and debt.
- set a positive example for your kids (and make more memories with them too!)
- get out of your comfort zone.
- have more to look forward to.
- gain a greater understanding of the world.
Less stuff = less stress and overall better health (source)
Your budget will be easier to track and your financial goals will be met quicker.
What’s Next?
Next, check out Living Below Your Means to Create Financial Freedom.
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