One of the categories we are spending our money on now isn't big experiences but functional medicine tests. Good health is priceless, but it seems these days about $1 - $2K in functional medicine tests that the regular doctors don't do can add years to your life. We have to pay out of pocket but most of the tests results now are pretty easy to follow. They have reports showing where we are out of range and recommendations on how to improve. Anything really off or not easily explainable can always go to the regular docs for further help.
I haven't gotten all the results yet, but so far I've found out three nutrient deficiencies and many other nutrients that were suboptimal, despite what I thought was a pretty healthy diet. I also found out I have two disorders that explained some of my recent symptoms, and both seem to be correctable with supplements and diet changes. I have some pretty important gut bacteria issues that should also be correctable, especially with the nutrient deficiencies corrected. I also had a couple of heavy metals I need to detox. So for under $2K per person, plus maybe another $2K for retesting, I think DH and I may have just added another 5 - 10 years to our lives.
The tests the regular doctors run didn't show any of this. Like how many regular doctors run tests for magnesium or zinc deficiencies, let alone molybdenum, yet deficiencies of any of those can cause an enormous amount of health issues. Right now it is possible to test most if not all vitamins and minerals, amino acids, neurotransmitters, toxic metals, etc. with simple lab tests. Many you can even do at home. So if you have the money, why not test everything and optimize every analyte possible?
It seems like one could be happier just by optimizing all your neurotranmitters, like dopamine and serotonin. Despite my other health issues, my happiness neurotransmitters were pretty high already, which is why I think I don't feel the need spend more money or have a lot of wants. Biochemically, I don't think spending more money would change my neurotransmitter status.
Next up I'm going to look into brain wave studies, like the ones that showed the Buddhist monk is the happiest person found so far.