Mini Break On Finite Savings

[Wasabi]

Just want some input on this, it would be much appreciated.

I want to be able to experience wonderful things while I am still relatively young - almost 32. The thing is, I am not earning that much right now - I'm currently temping. but I do have access to some savings from when I was earning more money in the past. I AM working on a muse, but I can't see myself earning much more money until I get something up and running, so this money is all I have.

Basically, the argument is whether to keep my finite money to invest in the future or enjoy myself why I am still relatively young since I will never get this time back.

I was thinking of a month trip to Europe by the way...

Can I please have some opinions on this. Thanks.

[AlexMoen]

Screw Europe- it's nice, but you'll blow your money immediately. You can get by easily in many nice places for $1.5k-2k per month and still live a somewhat lavish lifestyle. If you decide on Europe, I'd say Eastern Europe (although many places there are unstable politically and economically, so it could be risky) or go the backpacking/hostel route. Otherwise, pretty much anywhere in Asia (except Tokyo, and Beijing and the like), or South America, or Central America will get you pretty far.

If you're not going to spend your money and decide to invest it or save it, have a plan. Invest in something that can yield an immediate and sizable return (ie, it should be paying you back good dividends within 6 months to a year tops, and your trip will ideally be paid for with the earnings). In my opinion the Liberation part of this book is the most important. If you don't liberate yourself now, when? Have a solid goal, and go for it- you're missing the best years of your life otherwise.

[Wasabi]

Thanks for the advice. May look into going to Eastern Europe. Was in Serbia a couple of years back and had an amazing time.

With regards to investing money to get returns - its what I am aspiring towards at the moment. I'm far more interested in making more money with the money I have then saving it away for the future. It makes life far more interesting! Now all I have to do is figure out the most effective way with which to do it.... :-)