If you splurge on these 7 experiences, you’re investing in yourself the right way

We all have different definitions of what it means to “spend wisely.” 

Some people swear by budgeting apps and loyalty cards, while others love the thrill of spontaneous shopping. 

But here’s the thing — when you look back years from now, you probably won’t remember the shoes you bought on sale or that gadget you couldn’t resist.

What you will remember are the experiences that shaped you. The moments that left an imprint on how you see yourself, the people around you, and the world.

That’s why I believe that splurging on the right kinds of experiences isn’t wasteful at all. It’s one of the smartest forms of self-investment. 

Unlike material things that wear out or get replaced, experiences stay with you, often growing richer in memory as time goes on.

Here are seven experiences that, if you splurge on them, will pay you back in ways no price tag can measure.

1. Traveling somewhere that challenges your comfort zone

I’m sure we’ll all agree, vacations are nice. 

However, there’s a huge difference between a trip that’s all about lounging at a resort and one that stretches your understanding of the world.

Think of the last time you were in a place where you didn’t know the language, the customs, or even what food to order. 

At first, it’s overwhelming, right? But then you figure it out — you learn, you adapt, and you realize you’re far more capable than you thought.

Those are the kinds of trips worth splurging on. Not because they’re comfortable, but because they force you to grow.

2. Taking a class for the sheer joy of it

Not every skill needs to come with a career payoff. Sometimes, the best money you spend is on learning something completely impractical — like pottery, salsa dancing, or creative writing.

Why? Because it reminds you that you’re more than your job title. It reconnects you to curiosity, play, and joy.

About a decade ago, I signed up for a weekend photography class thinking it would just be a fun distraction.

A lot of people in my circle wondered why I would spend my hard-earned money on a class that had nothing to do with work or advancement. 

Theoretically, I would agree. That money was indeed hard-earned! Still, I’m glad I did and it really enriched me in ways that can’t be measured materially. 

Why? That class changed the way I noticed light, color, and details in everyday life. It created a shift in how I experience the world, and eventually led me down the path to a more creative life. 

It also led me to a lifelong habit of taking a wild variety of other classes, like ceramics, ikebana, and sign language. 

What I’ve found is that all these novel experiences keep my brain alive and sparkly and they keep me discovering something new about myself. That’s definitely always worth the splurge!

3. Therapy or coaching that helps you grow

Speaking of discovering something about yourself, let’s talk about therapy. 

Now I won’t sugarcoat it: investing in your mental and emotional health is never cheap. 

Whether it’s therapy, coaching, or even retreats that give you the tools to understand yourself better, the cost can feel like a hurdle.

But think about it. How many things have you bought that only gave you a temporary high? A new phone, a fancy dinner, a weekend shopping spree.

Compare that to an hour of therapy that helps you finally let go of guilt you’ve carried for years. Or a coaching session that gives you the courage to ask for the promotion you deserve.

When you invest in understanding your mind, your patterns, and your emotions, the return on investment is lifelong.

4. Experiences that bring you closer to loved ones

Shared memories are some of the most valuable currency in life. In fact, in palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware’s The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, one of the regrets mentioned was this: I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Splurging on a family vacation, a surprise weekend getaway for your partner, or even a really thoughtful night out with friends isn’t frivolous. It’s how you strengthen the bonds that hold you together.

I still think about a road trip I took with my college friends years ago. We fought about playlists, got lost more than once, and laughed until our stomachs hurt.

None of us remembers how much the trip cost. But we all remember the feeling of connection — the kind you can’t put a price on.

5. A “once-in-a-lifetime” event that lights you up

Concerts. Theater productions. Sporting events. Festivals.

Sometimes the best splurges are the ones that feel extravagant in the moment but unforgettable in hindsight. 

Ask anyone who’s seen their favorite band live or watched their team win a championship game in person — those memories live forever. 

And the beauty of it goes deeper than entertainment. These moments remind you what it feels like to be fully alive, surrounded by others who share your passion.

6. Adventures that push your limits

I admit, I never was one for pushing my limits, especially not when it comes to physical exertion. 

But on a trip to California, my friend Gina coerced me into a sequoia treetop adventure. It was that or stay in the car – alone – for the next four hours. 

Well, I was absolutely gobsmacked at how much I enjoyed that experience. Little me with my weak legs and arms dangling from a harness, inching across rope bridges and wobbling platforms? Unthinkable, and yet there it was, happening in real time!  

Experiences like these go far beyond an adrenaline rush. More than that, they teach you what your body and mind are capable of. 

Yes, they require money and maybe a bit of preparation. But once you’ve done them, no one can take that sense of accomplishment away from you.

Even smaller adventures count. Trying paddleboarding for the first time, taking a long bike ride on an unfamiliar trail, or signing up for that intimidating yoga inversion workshop. 

Every time you stretch your limits — whether through muscle, balance, or courage — you gain proof that you can handle more than you thought.

All that to say, splurging on adventure is really splurging on confidence. Every time you look back on what you achieved, you remind yourself: I can do hard things.

7. Quiet moments of rest and restoration

Here’s a paradox: sometimes the most valuable experiences aren’t about doing more — they’re about doing less.

Booking a weekend retreat, a spa day, or even just a night in a beautiful hotel room by yourself…for many people, this feels like the hardest splurge to justify. It certainly used to be that way for me. 

But if you’ve ever come back from one of those restful escapes feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer, you know it’s worth it.

Rest is an experience too. And choosing to invest in it is choosing to invest in your future energy, creativity, and well-being.

Final thoughts

When people say, “You can’t take it with you,” they’re usually talking about money and possessions. But the truth is, you do take something with you: the experiences that shaped who you are.

So yes, be smart with your finances. But don’t mistake frugality for wisdom.

Some of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make won’t show up on a balance sheet. They’ll show up in your memories, your confidence, your relationships, and the way you see the world.

And if you’re ready to go deeper into that journey of self-investment, I highly recommend Rudá Iandê’s new book Laughing in the Face of Chaos: A Politically Incorrect Shamanic Guide for Modern Life. His insights are a powerful reminder that, as he puts it, “You have both the right and responsibility to explore and try until you know yourself deeply.”

That’s the heart of it. Every time you splurge on an experience that helps you grow, you’re not just spending money — you’re investing in the most important asset you’ll ever have: yourself.