Everyone wants the newest iPhone, brand-name clothes, and shoes that are the latest fashion. For many people, getting a paycheck means “time to shop!” I used to think of payday as the perfect excuse for online shopping. I love clothes, shoes, and buying random things from Amazon. But recently, I’ve realized there are much better things to spend your money on.

I think the best way to spend money is on memorable experiences. Whether you buy a plane ticket to a tropical place or just take a one-day road trip to somewhere you’ve never been, it will be worth it. Buy concert tickets, go to professional sports games, or just see a funny movie with a few friends. Whatever the experience may be, it will be worth much more than new clothes.

New things are exciting at first. When you get a new iPhone or decide to spoil yourself with a pair of Nikes, it’s great. But when another iPhone comes out or you find an even better pair of sneakers, the old ones don’t matter so much anymore. Eventually, you won’t use them at all.

Memories are different. If you take a road trip across the country or spend spring break in Mexico, those memories will stay with you forever. Memories are priceless. Whether you go on an expensive vacation or just out to dinner with friends, there will be stories to tell and great times to reminisce on.

So instead of spending $200 at the mall, why not save it and put that money towards a plane ticket? I’m not saying you shouldn’t treat yourself every once in awhile. I know how good it feels to buy a new pair of shoes after a stressful week. But ask yourself, do I really need these? Will I really use that? And if the answer is no, save your money.

In truth, we all buy things we don’t need and spend money that we don’t have. So here is my advice: be wise with your spending. Spend that hard earned money on experiences, not on material things. Make a bucket list, set goals for yourself, and invest only in the things that will make you happy in the long run.

By doing more fun things with the people you care about, you will quickly realize how much happier you are. When you travel, you’ll ask yourself, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” and “Wow, this is what I’ve been missing out on?

Think about the times when you said, “I’ve always wanted to do this” Now stop saying “I want to…” and start saying, “I’m going to…” Try not to make too long of a bucket list, but hey, if you dream of going to Europe someday, make it happen!