What Kind of Spending Makes Us Happy?

What Kind of Spending Makes Us Happy?

From Thoughts On Money [TOM] by Trevor Cummings

March 27, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the relationship between spending and happiness, emphasizing the importance of aligning spending with personal values and the distinction between happiness and lasting joy.

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/40YZ2Jj Trevor Cummings hosts the Thoughts and Money Podcast with Brett and Blaine as they discuss Blaine’s article, “What Kind of Spending Makes Us Happy?” using stories about kids choosing purchases, trips to Disneyland and Chuck E. Cheese, and how adult spending often runs on autopilot amid frequent transactions and subscription costs. They contrast “happiness” with more lasting “joy,” describe how budgeting should start with the “why,” and note how recurring payments and social pressure can drive unexamined spending. Drawing on research and client observations, they highlight that giving (often producing a “warm glow”) and spending on experiences and relationships tend to bring more lasting satisfaction than material goods, while buying to impress others (the “man in the car” paradox) can disappoint. The episode ends with a call to reflect on what brings joy and align spending with personal values. 00:00 Podcast kickoff 00:28 Kids and money 01:38 Disney and Chuck E Cheese 02:51 Autopilot spending 03:58 Happiness versus joy 07:41 Budgeting with purpose 08:56 Subscription trap 12:21 Privilege and gratitude 14:16 Spending on experiences…

People in this episode

Host: Trevor Cummings

Topics covered

  • spending
  • happiness
  • joy
  • budgeting
  • experiences
  • giving

Keywords

  • autopilot spending
  • subscription costs
  • warm glow
  • man in the car paradox

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: the Thoughts and Money Podcast, What Kind of Spending

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