May 29, 2017
Pattie Lovett-Reid: Canadians value life experiences over money
A new study out by market research company GfK on materialism found that almost half of Canadians surveyed believe life experiences are more important than material possessions — compared to just three per cent who firmly disagree with that. Interestingly, more American respondents say they value time and life experiences over money and possessions than Canadians do.
GfK asked 22,000 respondents across 17 countries and ask how strongly they agree or disagree with two statements: “I would rather have more time than money” and “experiences are more important than possessions.”
Internationally, three times as many firmly agree than disagree that they would rather have more time than more money. And well over 10 times as many people firmly agree than disagree that experiences are more important than possessions.
Canada ranked third globally, alongside Brazil, in the life experiences camp, but ranked eight on the list for their preference for time and money.
You might think income would play a big factor here. It didn’t. In fact, there was only a five per cent point difference between Canadians in high-income households and those in low-income households, when it comes to the numbers who would prefer to have more time rather than more money (25 per cent versus 20 per cent).
