This week we’re sharing how spending money actually buys happiness, why a retirement bucket list is a great way to add excitement, perspective and pleasure to your golden years, and ways to save more by wasting less food. Here’s what you need to know now:

• Money doesn’t buy happiness. Or does it? U.S. News and World Report Reporter Allie Hayes points to new research indicating that spending money on experiences and other people increases our happiness. In her article titled, “5 tips for spending money on family happiness,” Hayes suggests developing family fun-oriented spending goals based on your budget, saving for vacations, investing in at-home family activities and budgeting for more frequent small outings.

• Whether you’re already retired or still a few years away from calling it quits, now is the time to create your retirement income bucket list, which, according to Forbes Contributor Robert Laura, can be a great way to add some new ideas, experiences and fun money to your life in retirement. Some of his suggestions include taking a calculated risk on a double-digit-paying stock, riding the safer road with a “classic” stock and traveling the financial globe by investing abroad*.

• Each year American households throw away $640 each worth of food. That’s a lot of food, but also a lot of potential to save! USA Today Reporter Hadley Malcolm offers tip on how to cut the waste, including making sure food is portioned into right-sized containers, squeezing air out of plastic bags, storing bread in cool, dry areas and keeping fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator and out of sunlight.

*All investment information provided in this blog post is intended as a convenient source of information. This information is general in nature, is not complete, and may not apply to your specific situation. Please consult with your own investment advisor or financial planner regarding your specific investment needs.