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Do you believe that money can buy happiness?
It’s a question many of us have asked ourselves, wondering if we would be better off with a few more dollars in the bank.
We often think about how our lives might improve and what extra luxuries we could enjoy if only we had just a little bit more income.
But is it really worth chasing after money for the sake of acquiring greater contentment or does true satisfaction come from different sources?
In this article, let’s dive into the realities of whether money can truly buy us happiness.
1. Define Happiness
One youngster feels that money is the root of happiness. “It might be a lot, but yeah, lots of money easily buy happiness by removing all major stressors and enabling any activity.”
I would challenge this hypothesis. Having money too young is dangerous, especially if it comes quickly and without any financial literacy.
2. Mo Money, Mo Problems
“I have more money than I ever thought I would, and I’m more stressed than ever,” asserts someone with an honest perspective.
However, there is no shortage of helpers willing to contribute. “I’ll send you my PayPal,” jokes a commenter. “You can send some stress my way. I’ll help you ease that burden.”
3. Who Needs the Stress?
The money-equals-more-problems thread continues, with another contributor confirming that chasing more money may bring stability.
One poster thinks people dream of financial freedom, “but that’s actually not at all how it works. You just end up with more bills and worrying all the same.”
4. Money Makes You a Target
“Get to a certain age or have children, and suddenly it’s a game of defense against the vultures,” says a seasoned human. “Even worse when your mind goes.”
Anyone who has seen the Rosamund Pike movie I Care a Lot will see the dangers of being rich and growing old. She plays an independent pensioner assessment specialist who uses skewered state mental health laws to rob older people of their retirements.
5. Keeping The Wolf From The Door
This observer feels that although happiness comes from within, money makes a great wingman.
“It can’t buy happiness, but it sure as heck can buy away some unhappiness,” claims the poster. “This is the right answer,” another person affirms. “In order to be truly happy, you should not be stressed out.”
6. Lottery Winners Nod Their Heads
How many stories have we heard about lottery winners burning through their winnings in record time? Moreover, tragedies involving child stars and young musicians cannot be ignored. “A sudden windfall that happens to the wrong person could be catastrophic,” agrees a sensible commenter.
So, what are your thoughts? Can just enough money make you happy? Or is happiness only defined by the people and things in your life?
7. Stability Negates Stress
Nobody loves what money does to certain people, but boy, does it help with lowering stress levels.
“It might not buy true happiness,” proclaims our first poster, “but it can make me less stressed out and feel calmer, so I can enjoy that which brings me happiness.”
8. Money Can’t Replace Limbs
“As a disabled person in a wheelchair, money can’t buy happiness,” asserts our next observer, “but it can open opportunities and extend my life — so yes and no.”
I love this perspective. While some of us fret about being rich, we forget that we are already endowed with a fully-functioning body.
9. An Ice-Breaking Utility
This commenter hits the nail on the proverbial head. They say money cannot translate to joy and doesn’t directly buy happiness. It just removes the obstacles to reach it.”
That is a great way to see money’s value. It is like a nuclear icebreaker ship.
10. Guilt-Free Spontaneity
Another perspective is the freedom financial stability brings.
One commenter says, “Being able to make spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking about the financial implications would definitely be a plus.” Note the “would” in this statement; we do not all have fiscal liberty.
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Source: Reddit
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.