Stop Shopping, Spend $$$ on Good Times: Study

Can you buy happiness? Maybe, but don't try buying it at the mall, according to a new study, which concludes that spending money on experiences—like a vacation or a night out—will make you happier than spending it on shoes. Researchers say that’s likely because experiences tend to be social, and yield positive memories as a kind of return on investment, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The study surveyed 154 people, aged 19 to 50. “People report a sense of feeling invigorated or inspired" by experiences, said one of the authors. (More happiness stories.)