There are many tips out there on how to be a happier person. Cultivating strong relationships and giving yourself time to rest often top these lists. Sometimes, however, you don't need to look any further than your budget. Spending money on experiences rather than possessions can be a key factor in giving your overall contentment a boost. Once you get started, this change may be easier to make than you imagine.

Be Picky

People often make two main mistakes when they hear they should opt for experiences rather than things. First, they embark on a minimalist frenzy, getting rid of everything they own that they don't absolutely need, only to find themselves purchasing some of the items again when they discover how much easier life is with them than without them. Second, they start saying, “Yes!” to everything people ask them to do, hoping to find that elusive joy that is supposed to come with doing things, much to the detriment of their bank accounts. 

All experiences are not created equal. Sure, every once in a while it's nice to do something your partner wants to do that you're not particularly excited about. Remember that it's OK to be picky about how you spend your time, though. Make a bucket list of things you'd like to do or places you want to visit to give your new goal some focus. It's also a good idea to look for free experiences so that you don't break the bank in the process.

Shop Mindfully

If you've ever used the KonMari Method to tidy your home, you know that the joy you feel when you hold an item that belongs there should be the deciding factor of whether it stays or goes. There's no reason you can't apply this method to shopping. By taking a pause, you give the initial thrill of seeing new shoes or gadgets that grab your attention a chance to wear off. Then you can more rationally decide if this is a purchase you really want to make.

You can even take this mindfulness a step further. If you decide after pausing that you really would like to own the item, look at the price tag. Could that amount of money allow you to do something on your bucket list (or at least get you a little bit closer to it)? If so, ask yourself again whether you would rather have the new possession or the experience. 

Include Others

Having adventures with people you love inevitably extends the merriment. Talking with your friends for hours over a lovely meal will probably make you happier than eating an exquisite treat by yourself. Making plans together gives you even longer to enjoy the experience through shared anticipation. If happiness is your goal, why not double your chances of getting there by including friends and family in what you're doing?

Capture the Magic

While there are many advantages of putting down your phone and experiencing the moment, having a way to capture a meaningful experience can actually prolong your enjoyment of it. One of the reasons that doing things makes you happier than having things is that action creates a more vivid memory, especially if you find a special way to record it:

• Pictures that you can share online, frame for decoration or turn into a keepsake album
• Journals that you can read to reminisce years later
• Videos of special moments that you can create for those who shared them with you

There's nothing wrong with enjoying your possessions. If you want to boost your happiness, though, you're better off finding a new experience to have than a new item to own.