Just over a month ago Thom and I bought ourselves two electric bikes. For several years we talked about doing it, but I kept saying no. I knew the minute I got on one, I would love it. Instead we regularly rode our 7-speed beach cruisers frequently until finally I asked myself, “What am I waiting for?” Thom needed no encouragement—in fact, he had been researching peddle-assist e-bikes for months. He knew what kind would best suit us, which bikes offered the best value for the money, and where to buy them. All it took was the decision to do it. As predicted, the minute I got on the bike and cruised around the parking lot at the bike store, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. Ever since, after dozens of rides, I’m the first to admit that yes, sometimes money can buy happiness. Of course, as the saying goes, you need to know where to shop. And definitely you need to know what to buy!
Now I’m the first person to say that money doesn’t automatically make you happy. In fact, I have written a number of articles saying that research shows that once you make enough—usually about $75,000—your overall life happiness does not increase. That amount, $75,000, is what it supposedly takes to cover most of a family’s living expenses like decent food, shelter, good health and a safe and comfortable place to live. But once you start making more money than that, those added dollars seldom increase your pleasure in proportion. There are a number of reasons for that like the fact that once you start spending more, you likely have more stress in maintaining that new amount and in handling what you’ve bought .
A good example is the idea that once you get a substantial raise you can afford to buy a bigger and/or better house. We might dream of a house that hits all of our emotional buttons, but the reality of that house can be quite different. Say you’d love to own a house on a lake in a remote little town far from the maddening crowds. The trouble with that is not only are you likely to have spent a higher amount of your income to buy it, (you want better right?) but now your commute to work is twice as long. You’ll also have to deal with weather related issues (mold, water damage?) and what about raking the leaves from all those trees? Then don’t forget about higher insurance to cover it in case of flooding and/or fire. The list of unconsidered “issues” rises exponentially. Remember, what you own, owns you to a degree.
Plus, you’ll also become aware of the other houses on the lake that are bigger and more fantastic than yours. When we compare ourselves to others who have more or better, we usually become less happy. So, even when buying your dream, there are often unknown considerations and costs. The truth is, we routinely overestimate the pleasure we will get from having something bigger and better.
Another big reason why it has been proven that money doesn’t buy happiness is because we, as human beings, are seldom satisfied for long. The more we get, the more we want. It appears to be part of our evolutionary biology to adapt to whatever or wherever we find ourselves—so in order to keep our engagement up we need something more to take its place. Because of that adaptability, we can recover from wars, economic loss and yes, even a pandemic because it is natural for us to adapt and recover. However, when it comes to buying things, we enjoy that new wonderful thing for a while and then quickly adapt and grow accustomed to it. This is the primary reason that researchers now suggest that we spend our money on experiences rather than “stuff.”
So why does an experience seem to have a higher happiness quotient? It seems that if we spend money doing something pleasant (either for ourselves or someone else) then we have a story in our minds about the experience that is very malleable. In other words, we can keep making that story/memory better and better as time goes by and we actually do—regardless of whether we remember all the true details of that experience. On the other hand, if you buy a wonderful new car, as months go by and the luster has gone, all you have is the tangible reality of a used car.
So according to recent research, a real key to getting happiness from the money we spend on purchases is knowing how to spend the money you currently have (and not more!) and figuring out ways to keep the experience of it making you happy. On top of that, one of the most surprising new developments is that we should begin to plan our purchases around our personality. That’s right. Doesn’t it make sense that different types of people will get less or more long-lasting pleasure from some experiences or even things, rather than from others?
In 2016 a study was done by Sandra C. Matz, Joe J. Gladstone, and David Stillwell. They discovered that when matching our purchases with our personality type (based upon the popular Big Five Model*) we each will experience a greater (or lesser) degree of happiness. Matz, et al, explain the Big Five Model as: “…five personality traits of openness to experience (artistic vs. conservative), conscientiousness (self-controlled vs. easygoing), extraversion (outgoing vs. reserved), agreeableness (compassionate vs. antagonistic), and neuroticism (emotionally unstable vs. stable).” In other words, whatever purchases will make you happiest depends upon where you fall on the spectrum of each of these categories.
For example, if you are highly introverted person who is very conscientious, buying and reading a book you’ve craved while sitting before a fireplace at home will probably make you very happy. Meanwhile, to an extrovert who loves travel and getting together with friends at a bar or restaurant, being stuck at home with a book might seem like torture. If you rate heavily as a compassionate person who loves helping others, then donating money to a cause you believe in is critical to your happiness. On the other hand, a conservative person who worries about having enough to retire might be so concerned that they spend a big portion of their financial resources on health and life insurance—and those purchases comforts them and gives them happiness.
What it all boils down to is that we are all different. Sure, the big news might be that experiences are usually better than material items. But again, that depends on the person and the story they spin about the purchase. By knowing our ourselves and our values, and by considering our individual personalities, it is likely possible to make purchasing choices that will not only make us happier, but that will ensure the happiness lasts longer.
I also uncovered a few other tips for finding happiness. They are:
1) Professor Thomas Gilovich of Cornell University says that people define what is and isn’t an experience differently. He suspects that the people who are happiest are those who are best at concocting experiences out of everything they spend money on whether it’s dancing lessons, hiking boots or an e-bike.
2) Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, has found that (1) happy people don’t waste time dwelling on unpleasant things. (2) They tend to interpret ambiguous events in positive ways. And perhaps most tellingly, (3) they aren’t bothered by the successes of others. Lyubomirsky explained that when she asked less-happy people whom they compared themselves with, “they went on and on.” Then she added, “The happy people didn’t know what we were talking about.” In other words, happy people don’t spend a lot of time on unpleasant social comparisons.
3) Try counting your blessings. Literally. In a series of studies, psychologists Robert Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Michael McCullough of the University of Miami found that those who did exercises to cultivate feelings of gratitude, such as keeping weekly journals, ended up feeling happier, healthier, more energetic and more optimistic than those who didn’t.
So, getting back to my new e-bike. I know from personality tests that riding a bike for pleasure and exercise fits my personality very well and provides me with a high degree of what I call the fun-factor. Sure, it cost a significant amount of money and I’m grateful that it was an easy expense for my family. Other personality types would likely yawn, think I’ve wasted my money, and/or find far better uses for their money. I’m also aware that I need to continue to create experiences with my e-bike in order to maintain my happiness level. If it just sits in the garage it will become just another “possession” and I’ll be out looking for another way to achieve that sensation of happiness. But again, we are all different in many ways and how I do that will be uniquely me.
I realize that during the current circumstances facing our world, our country and our lives right now, the topic of happiness might seem frivolous. But I am convinced that people who are emotionally balanced in most ways are far better able to be a positive force in the world. Staying unhappy, worried and fearful seldom leads to creating a life that any of us wants to embrace.
So, just like with the idea of rightsizing, there is no one way to do many things that lead to a SMART Life. We are all challenged to find what works best for each of us, and then do our best to head in that direction. Hopefully your path will lead you to finding how to spend your resources in a way that brings you and those you love the best possible outcome.
*Curious about the Big Five Model? Here’s a link to a free test.
The beauty of your purchase is that it will generate endless happy experiences to be anticipated, planned, looked forward to and enjoyed. Talk about the best of both worlds! Lovely post 🙂
Hi Rachel! Yes that is the plan so far. While the bike might not be on everyone’s list, I highly recommend each us find similar things to do or engage on in the future. While it doesn’t have to be a big or expensive purchase, wouldn’t it be nice if every purchase we made had the same outcome? Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Your article has me thinking deliberately, “what brings me happiness”? One way is creativity and I am in the midst of updating my sewing room. I started installing laminate flooring yesterday. Even the process of selecting the material and learning how to DIY has brought me happiness. A different type of creativity.
JmIW
Hi Jamie! Thanks for sharing something that makes you happy. And isn’t that the point? If we all take the time to realize what brings us joy and then move towards that, I think we would stop all the overconsumption in our world. So many seem to be on the endless pursuit of stuff just to fill that gap. Instead, finding your happy place and creating that experience is so great. Enjoy your new space. ~Kathy
Those e-bikes are awesome, aren’t they? We contemplated getting one for a year or two as well and, like Thom, Mark had everything figured out – where to buy them, how much they could go down to if we bought two, getting last year’s model …- before we bit the bullet. Not only are they a fun way to see an area or get exercise, in our case they act as a transportation device when the camper is parked somewhere.
Unfortunately, we (especially me, since Mark has been using his for Census work) are using them less since we adopted Maya. We have taught her to run next to the bike – on and off leash – but there’s no way she could join us on 20-mile excursions. So, we need to find a solution for that. And, nope, there is no room in the van for a little tow-behind she could travel in…
Hi Liesbet! I thought I remembered that you both had e-bikes too. I don’t think any of us can realize just how much fun they are until we get on one ourselves. I “imagined” it would be great–but it’s even better. I think it is similar to that first feeling of freedom I got when I started driving my own car. :-). And yes, lots of people are buying them to use to commute to work or just errands. Makes a lot of sense to me because you don’t arrive all sweaty and you also have baskets and racks to carry stuff. And yeah, Kloe fits nicely in a basket so we don’t have to worry about her keeping up. And with the power, Thom says she is absolutely no trouble at all. I hope you find out a solution for Maya cuz the basket won’t work for her for sure!!! ~Kathy
So true that more things doesn’t buy more happiness. I found that out after I got divorced in the early 2000’s. I had a house full of things I call dustibles. All they did was drain my bank account. Sure they gave me initial happiness on the day I got them, but it was not sustainable. Not when I had to dust them each week. Nothing made me happier than to sell everything at a tag sale! Have fun enjoying your new bike!
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for the GOOD reminder that stuff can actually be a hindrance rather than make us happiness. If we just accumulate to accumulate we end up having just manage and take care of all that stuff. And/or feel guilty for not appreciating or using the stuff. Far better to be very clear about what we want/need and then be very conscious about our purchases before taking that leap. I also learned that there is plenty of good advice about choosing our purchases. For example if you take a child to a toy store and tell them to pick something that you will buy them, they will likely be happy that day or for a day or two before getting bored. However, if you tell them to pick two toys and that you will come back the next day to buy just one. (and do that) That supposedly will ramp up the child’s enjoyment of the purchase. In other words, by imagining our choices and looking forward to our options, that actually extends our happiness. It was a good reminder that indulging in our every whim is also not the best action. ~Kathy
Hello Kathy! I enjoyed reading this post at the end of a long, ‘funky’ day — your take on happiness is spot on for me. While I don’t have an electric bike, I have invested little bits of money here and there to get a saddle bag, reflective clothing, etc for my simple Schwinn. I can both run errands and take long rides into nature. Over the last 2 years, this has literally changed my life and given me great joy. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Janet! How nice to hear from you. How have you been? Good I hope. And you are absolutely right that a person doesn’t need to buy an e-bike to get happy. For those of us who enjoy the experience of just biking for the fun of it, just about any bike will do. Plus having from riding our regular 7-speeds for over 10 years I have a lot more confidence and balance than I would have beforehand. I’m guessing that is part of the reason I am enjoying myself so much on these new ones. I think the main thing is to get outside, get some exercise and have fun–all necessary in these times. ~Kathy
I’m all good. Thanks for asking. I’m just about finished with my business books so slowly creeping back into the blogging world. I have a post ready to go this week. I see folx on the electric bikes and sometimes think – hmm, maybe when my knees go! So glad you’re enjoying your new one. When this pandemic is under control perhaps I’ll head out your way and we can ride together!
Hi Janet! It will be nice to see you out and about again. I missed your insights! I’m not sure I’m still subscribed to your blog but will check in and see just in case. And YES! I would love it if you were close enough to ride. And I’ll do the same! ~Kathy
Kathy – Whenever I talk to you about your new bike, or see photos of you and Thom riding, I see unadulterated joy on your face. This is such a wise purchase — especially in these COVID times. Makes sense physically, mentally, transportation-wise and most especially, fun-factor wise. 😀
Hi Donna! Yeah I can’t seem to wipe that silly grin off my face. And you know if we come to Vancouver Island we will be bring them right? I know you’re an expert at hiking trails there. Maybe you can make a list of bike trails for us for next summer? ~Kathy
An e-bike would make a perfect companion for my electric car (which I love, love, love). I got rid of my road bike several months ago because I just wasn’t using it very often (mostly due to traffic concerns). If I ever get another bike – and I hope I do – it will definitely be an electric one. I test-drove several makes and models about 6 or 7 years ago and loved them then. I bet they are even better now! If you and Thom ever get out our way, I hope you bring your bikes! Maybe money can’t but true happiness but it can sure provide some fun toys to enjoy along the way!
Hi Janis! I agree that it would make sense for you to have one when you live on a hill. Although I’m still not big on riding on streets with a lot of traffic. We are looking for places and cities where there is very little traffic and especially for cities and towns that have dedicated bike paths. And yes, I’ve already researched the San Diego area and I suspect that a visit there is on the list. Meanwhile we are planning to stay in an airbnb in Tucson for about a week in November for Thom’s birthday. Tucson has nearly 150 miles of dedicated bike paths to enjoy!!! We definitely plan to maintain the happy experience of our e-bikes as long as possible. If you get one, let us know and we’ll plan a meetup. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, I completely agree with you about happiness and buying my ebike has certainly made me happy! I have a Trek (I’m in Australia) and am loving the ease in which I can just decide to go for ride these days. I still work hard but can manage longer and harder rides than before. I also have a sore knee and. Any walk for too long but I can ride so that makes me happy!! Love the research into happiness ?
Hi Debbie! We actually bought our Townie Go’s at a TREK store. It is my understanding that they are now the dealer for them, at least here in California. They were so easy to work with and gave us a 30 day test (which they offer on all their bikes) so that make it easy to try. And yes, isn’t it wonderful to ride far further and longer than you would on a regular bike? Between the gift of exercise AND being out in nature, I am convinced that it is a wonderful (and happy way to go!). Glad you found your happy too. ~Kathy
What fun! I test-rode one last summer (2019) and really enjoyed it. (The tire popped, though, and stranded me a mile in the hot sun from where I needed to return it!) I’m thinking about it for Christmas. I’d love the security of knowing that I could manage big hill even at the end of a ride (if I needed to)…. ENJOY! (As my husband says, “Invest in your happiness!”
Hi Nancy! Oh dear! So sad to hear your tires popped! I’ve had a few overnight flats on my regular 7 speed but never once had a “pop”. Was it a thin tire? Our bikes are beach cruisers with fat tires and they take grass, gravel and even bumps pretty easily. Not sure if it’s the type or??? Anyway, as you say, those hills become just another experience as you approach them on an e-bike rather than an uh-oh here it comes!! I still need to remember to shift down while I power up but with just a little bit of exertion (rather than a LOT) it is wonderful. And thanks for your husband’s motto! Investing in our happiness is a good way remember that “Today is a good day to live!” ~Kathy
Congrats on getting the e-bikes, Kathy! I believe any recreation and leisure item is a good purchase for our bodies and our souls. Some friends at our delta campground own and love them. I’m still happy to pedal the old-fashioned way. But I am always on the lookout for the next best SUP, my weakness! I have two well-used ones and a newer inflatable. While they were not expensive at the time I bought them, it was a bit of a stretch 10 years ago the buy the first one. Don’t get me wrong, I could live with the SUPS I have if someone told me I could never buy one again. Like you say, the point is to use them and let their use bring us joy. Sadly, as we have been moving items north, including the trailer, I’ve seen too many sad RVs languishing in storage. We defintely use ours and it was a fantastic investment, now all paid off! I don’t think happiness is ever a frivolous subject. Our very lives depend upon on for survival.
Hi Terri! Yes! I too believe that we have to experience joy in our lives when possible for our survival. We just have to find what works best for us. And your SUP is a great example. I certainly admire people who do it (there’s a guy we see surfing the waves nearly every day on a paddle board and he is AMAZING) I’ve just never cared enough to even try. Also a friend of mine is into Kayaking. Same thing….I tried it once and was like, “no.” We all have to take the time to find what works best for us. Same with RVs and boats. Here at the beach there are dozens of marinas filled with boats just languishing in the hight of summer. What a waste! So making SMART choices is good but let’s not stop ourselves as long as they do bring us joy! ~Kathy
Looking good Kathy! I read that e-bikers actually ride longer and farther hence get the same or more exercise than their pedal only counterparts.I thought that interesting.
As we age a few splurges are definitely worth it!
Hi Haralee! You are so right–you do get exercise with an e-bike, just not the sweaty over-achiever kind with a typical road bike. :-). It is similar to the research that shows that walking can be as good (or better) than jogging. That’s because it is about the distance, not the degree of activity. And because we are “saving” so much this year by not traveling the globe, the expense was easy in our budgeting. So yes, something that is FUN and good exercise is a win-win for me. ~Kathy
Kathy, I’ve been enjoying your photos of you out on your e-bike. (I am intrigued and there could be one in my future, when my living situation changes!)
I agree that buying things doesn’t always bring happiness. I also agree that if it is a thoughtful purchase that has been considered to bring daily joy and/or comfort to our life and lifestyle, it certainly can contribute to our happiness and well-being. As your e-bike purchase has!
May you and Thom have many years of enjoyment from your bikes!
Deb
Hi Deb! Thanks for bringing it up that sometimes the right purchases can have benefits we might not have suspected. There is also research that shows that spending our money to by time-saving items has been shown to definitely increase our happiness. Doesn’t that make sense? So rather than buying something expensive or fancy to impress others, buying something that adds more quality time to our lives is probably better. But again, I do think it is the story we tell ourselves about our purchases that is a real key. And so far the story about our new bikes is wonderful!!! ~Kathy
My sister has an electric bike and she loves it. That’s not for me, though. I’m not sure what I could buy that would make me happier. I took the Big Five personality test and it was fun, but it didn’t spur me to go shopping. I might end up on airbnb before the end of the day; but I’m not sure we’re ready to travel yet.
Hi Tom! I’ve always believed in the statement, we vote with our dollars so I’m guessing if we pay attention we can all find out what we “prefer” to spend our money on–and then pay attention to how happy or at least satisfied or content it makes us. And I doubt any personality test will encourage you to shop but it did give me a good excuse to feel happier about my purchases.
And go for the airbnb. As you may have noticed on FB Thom and I have been in two of them during the last four months and I can’t imagine having gone through the summer where I live (the desert southwest where it’s hot) that I would still be sane if we hadn’t. We carry sanitized wipes and Lysol spray and when we arrive to our own cleaning. We also take our own sheets and towels. I wouldn’t stay in a hotel these days, and we don’t go out to eat (expect outside) and that seems safe enough for us. Give it a try. I’m guessing you might appreciate it as much as we do. ~Kathy
Kathy, it almost always comes down to attitude and gratitude, doesn’t it? I am particularly grateful that Malcolm and I are on the same page when it comes to experiences over things. #2 under tips for finding happiness is me in a nutshell. May you enjoy many hours of contentment and joy from your new e-bikes. I think they are awesome!
Hi Suzanne. I completely agree although I would think that our attitude and how grateful we are is somewhat tied to our personalities to begin with. Of course we can nearly always improve if we want to, but some of us just approach life differently than others. I find it super interesting and important to remember that in these times because there is a lot of behaviors happening in our world today that I just don’t understand! :-). Meanwhile, for those of us who do “get” the idea of creating experiences and being grateful, let’s stay focused on what we can do to stay positive in the days ahead. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – I definitely agree that money doesn’t buy happiness, although I think having sufficient money to be able to make an occasional lovely purchase like an e-bike is definitely a big plus! I’ve been thinking about getting one after seeing a few bloggers who have them and have absolutely no post buying regrets.
I’d love to know which bikes topped Thom’s list for future reference when I start doing my research – I’m sure he’s got all the details figured out and could save me some e-work! Feel free to email me his recommendations! Happy cycling 🙂
Hi Leanne! If the idea of an e-bike sounds good to you I would be happy to tell you why we bought the one we did–A townie electra. Thom thinks they might be available in Australia too so you can google them. The main reason we liked them was because our old bikes were from that same company, they were comfortable and very reliable (we rode them over 10 years with absolutely no problem) and because we were so used to that model and riding them it was absolutely just like riding them again except with power. They are also in a fairly competitive price range with many of the others. Of course it really depends how you will use yours but we like have them supper comfortable to ride with big beach tires so we can go over sand, grass and gravel with relative ease (unlike thin bike tires.). Of course nearly every bike company in the world is coming out with e-bikes now so the market is changing rapidly. Your best bet would be go to a bike store and ask for recommendations and pricing and find out if they allow test drives. Because the TREK brand sells them here in California, their policy right now is to let people take them home and test them for 30 days no questions asked. (you do have to pay for them in advance but they will refund them if you bring them back.). If you are interested, find out if you can do that where you are. In 30 days you should know. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – thanks for the info – we have a couple of bike shops near us, so I’ll head there when the time comes. My 60th birthday isn’t that far away, so I’m thinking it might be a good splurge present (or maybe there’ll be a few secondhand ones available by then from people who didn’t end up riding them like they thought they might!)
Hi Leanne! Debbie in her comment said she has a TREK bike so I’m guessing that if there is a TREK store near you that you’d learn a lot by going there. I know TREK bikes are good as well but I don’t care for the look of them myself–much more mountain bikey. I’m definitely a beach cruiser kind of girl. :-0. I’m not sure I would buy a 2nd hand e-bike especially if you didn’t know the seller. The batteries are something that are quite expensive to replace. (nearly 1/2 the price of the bike) so you want to make sure it has been maintained well before considering. Plus I think the technology is improving rapidly right now so you’d likely want to get the most current model if possible. Lots to check out for sure. Isn’t google wonderful in that way??? ~Kathy