What is your best non-monetary investment?

[goodandbadjapan]

By non-monetary, I mean one that you don't expect to make a direct financial gain from. Mine is almost certainly a large balcony we had added to our house a few years back. It has given me a lovely private refuge to sit out on and I spend hours upon hours sitting outside. It has a roof, too, so I can sit out even on rainy days and I honestly think it does wonders for my mental health. Second best would be the hammock I got recently to put on said balcony! Often, we focus on the saving and financial side of things, which are of course important, but sometimes a splurge is worth it for improving quality of life.

[RetireJapan]

Training jiu-jitsu. It provides exercise, companionship, non-monetary goals, a sense of purpose, and endorphins like you wouldn't believe.

In exchange, it demands time and money, and (so far) causes minor chronic injuries...

[goodandbadjapan]

I'm sort of looking for a fun kind of exercise to do. Actually, my bike was probably a good investment too, but it's not seeing much use in this season.

[Bushiman]

Training jiu-jitsu...
...causes minor chronic injuries...

Every person I know that does Jiu-jitsu loves it, but they're always complaining how battered their poor bodies are...

[RetireJapan]

Every person I know that does Jiu-jitsu loves it, but they're always complaining how battered their poor bodies are...

Yep. Overall I think it's fun, probably very effective against a single untrained opponent (and pretty good in terms of legal aftermath), great cardio and fitness, but really bad for your joints, back, shoulders, neck, etc.

[captainspoke]

What is your best non-monetary investment?

Music--both a couple of instruments, and what I listen to (and listen to it on).

(And I think my wife would say the same thing for herself.)

[mule96]

My best investment is the lasik operation I did a couple of years ago. The comfort for not having to use glasses or contact lenses was a long forgotten feeling.

[TokyoWart]

Our piano. I play poorly but enjoy it a lot and because it is around at least one of my boys plays it well.

[Djdawang]

I would say my dj set. Do it for fun and release stress from the daily grind. Sometimes I put up Instagram lives and it clears my mind.
But the balcony for privacy sounds awesome.

[ricardo]

In the UK: Life membership of the National Trust and English Heritage.

In Japan: my laptop. I paid a lot to get the latest specs and it’s so fast and easy to use.