Will money make you happy
https://anthonyex.com/will-money-make-you-happy/
There is general consensus that money cannot buy happiness.
However, some people maintain that spending money can provide a sense of satisfaction and well-being. In addition, others argue that material possessions do not necessarily make someone happy because they focus on the wrong things in life.
It appears there is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on individual preferences and lifestyle choices.
Happiness is a complex feeling, and it can be found in different forms.
Generally speaking, people who are happier usually have a satisfied and positive outlook on life. They also enjoy their relationships and experiences more.
In terms of whether or not money can buy happiness, research suggests that this is not always the case. While it is true that having a lot of money can lead to increased levels of happiness in some cases, it is not the only factor that contributes to happiness.
Other things, like good relationships and positive experiences, can also have a big impact on people’s happiness. Overall, the benefits of having a lot of money depend on the person.
Some people may find that they enjoy the luxurious lifestyle that comes with a lot of money, while others may find that they simply don’t need or use a lot of money to be happy.
All in all, the key to happiness is finding what makes you feel good and staying committed to following that path. While it is possible to find happiness in different ways, money may not always be the most important factor.
Other things, like good relationships and positive experiences, can also have a big impact on people’s happiness.
Thus, while money may be an important factor in some people’s lives, it is not the only thing that contributes to happiness.
Money can't buy happinness....sure...But in a Global Economic Prison : Money buys SURVIVAL !
It's an age old question that always confuses many cause the answer is not black and white.
You don't need money to be happy. But you need money to buy you various essentials in order for you to basically survive.
And like mentioned, happiness itself is subjective and many are confused at what really makes them happy either.
So this whole money and happiness thing has become a huge paradox.
People have to figure out what really makes them happy in life and many will never figure it out until they are on their last breaths.
Personally I think happiness at the very core is universal and essentially the same for each and every one of us, but we let things like money and material possessions corrupt and control us.
And finally, you gotta ask yourself, can you really live without money and figure out how to do that with natural resources you can find that are easily available around you.
Well you could.
But would you? And why? Would you be satisfied and happy living your life that way?
Whether you have money or not, or whether you aspire to be rich, wealthy, or not, it's really about figuring out how you really want to live your life. There will be trade-offs whichever you choose.
The vast majority of people will say "money can't buy happiness"
It seems to be a kind of generic saying that most people say without really thinking through what the question means.
It's a bit like when Earl Nightingale says in The Strangest Secret...
"Most people are playing the most unrewarding game - follow the follower"
Thinking about my lifelong financial situations and aspirations, I would say that money WOULD buy me happiness.
Whether it would be a long lasting happiness would depend on how I use it.
And of course, there are many other aspects of life that can bring you happiness, but in a different way to money.
So, don't "follow the follower".
Think carefully about the question.
It -IS- quite possible to have inner happiness even when living in poor financial conditions, BUT:
In a commerce based world having too little fundage may also mean struggling just to have enough so as to be vaguely comfortable.
Add to that the simple facts of folks being careless financially as well as having costly habits like smoking, drinking or drugs of other sorts.
I can easily cite MANY real-life examples of such folks 'cuz there are loads of them around.
Here's just 1 tiny example:
We rent from a man who has what we regard as a luxurious lifestyle, with new cars and able to stay at the local resort when visiting this town.
He recently (known by open admission) put in a ~$2000 fence for his son's dog and is allowing his son and girlfriend to use the biggest portion of this 3-unit rental place, rent free...
-BUT-
He whines and cries about 'being broke' as he and wife endlessly shop for more and more stuff after driving their monstrous gas guzzler 4 hours to visit this town.
So I say only this:
'Broke' is relative, extremely vague and is different for everyone - just as 'rich' also is.
By society's standards we live at the 'poverty level', but via careful choices we have thus far managed to have enough to manage a comfortable lifestyle by our own measures.
This might NOT be enough for many others though.
So - would more $$ mean more happiness for us ??
Doubtful - it would only mean more ease and abilities to have better amusements, which we are doing just fine without.
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(Meh. NOT my banner ad if any appears here !!)
I'd rather be rich and unhappy than poor and unhappy...
Yes.
AbeLincolnBart
PS: Your experience may differ.
PPS: I have a definitive way for individuals to figure this out for themselves beyond any shadow of doubt.
First, estimate your current total net worth (assets minus liabilities) and feel free to round up to the nearest 10 grand. Take that result and add 3 decimal points. (example: $5,000 becomes $5,000,000 / $75,000 becomes $75,000,000) Would you be happier with the increased net worth - or just feel ambivalent?
Now you know for sure.
PPPS: The other gauge is the reverse. Would having no money at all...; evermore, going forward - make you happy? If yes, simply burn every dollar / yen / franc / Euro that comes into your possession from now on.
To Piggy-back on my buddy ALB's response-
YES- IF you ALLOW IT TO....
This turned out to be a very informative and insightful thread with excellent well thought out answers, I hope a lot of people read this and gain knowledge from it and daresay become happier!
As for me, YES, I believe that money will make you happy, IF, and this is a big IF, you know what you want out of life and know what actually makes YOU happy.
My example is that earlier in my life, I thought happiness consisted of all the big money things in life, a huge mansion, fast cars (and women), collections of guns/gold and silver coins/watches/etc., basically more and more stuff.
As I got older, much of this was replaced by a move to minimalism and a desire to experience new adventures through travel, doing new things (sky diving, scuba diving, rock climbing, etc.), learning new skills (computer, woodworking, welding, etc.) and surrounding myself with family and friends to do these things with.
However, I must say that many of the things I do, take money to do comfortably. I'm not saying I couldn't do them with little money (say a one star motel vs a 3 or 4 star hotel) but it's easier and more enjoyable not having to worry about what would happen if I were to run out of money while on a vacation in SE Asia or elsewhere. Money buys you security and peace of mind, which for me equates into happiness but that might not be the same for others.
Another good quote I heard somewhere is, "You are only as happy as you want to be".
Which is another way of saying you can be happy, very rich, middle class or dirt poor, it is all up to YOU and how YOU determine whether or not you are happy at any given time and place and with what you currently have (or own).
So happy or not, it's YOUR choice!
PS - One last thought, people are also generally happier when they have a focus, goal or purpose in life, whatever that may be to them. Work for many provides this incentive and money keeps the score as to whether or not you've met your goals but it can also be a higher calling, a religious calling, scientific pursuit, creative endeavor (art, song, builder, etc.), social worker, doctor, etc., that ultimately makes you happy.
PPS - Not to forget a person that stays at home and provides, cares for, raises, and loves their family is also a worthwhile calling that can provide for immense happiness giving a lifetime of accomplishments and happy memories.