Do you need money to be happy?

As the saying goes, “Money can’t buy you happiness.” Or can it?

Having a sufficient amount of money can certainly lower stress, but
having an excess of it will not make you happier than anyone else.

So, can money buy you happiness or not? Here are a few thoughts to ponder
on the subject.

Money Can Buy You a Limited Amount of Happiness...

Studies have shown that yes, having enough money to meet your needs and
those of your family does bring happiness. People living in poverty are
generally less happy than those whose needs are met. Being able to pay for
your bills and having enough to get by financially will help you succeed in
feeling happy.

Excess Money Doesn’t Equal Excess Happiness...

Having more money than you need, however, will not bring you extra
happiness. Money and happiness are not proportional. Someone with enough
money to buy a large house and several cars will not necessarily have more
happiness than another individual with exactly what they need.

Money Brings Stresses of Its Own...

There is stress that goes along with having money. Whether you have a little
or a lot, you likely know about this stress. There is the stress of knowing you
need to spend what you have wisely, as well as the fact that people with
ulterior motives are drawn to those who are financially wealthy.

Not About What Comes in But What Goes Out...

It is not so much the amount of money that you make that ensures your
happiness, but about what you are spending it on and where it is going on
the way out. There are some principles for using money that can help you to feel more satisfied. Where you put your money and who receives it can
make a difference as to whether you gained something by having had it.

Spend on Experiences, Not Things...

Buying more things is not proven to make a person happy. Although
investing in items that will last seems like a wise move, studies show that
we tend to adjust to what we obtain. Having these things doesn’t continue
bringing unlimited happiness.

We are more likely to have long-term happiness when money is spent on
experiences which will give us lasting memories. Whether this means going
on vacation by yourself or with your family, or making time to do something
fun every now and then… be sure to create experiences rather than
purchasing something that will simply fade away over time.

Give It Away...

Giving is one of the most satisfying things you can do with your money.
Whether it is to charity or a friend in need, find a way to give back and share
what you have. This is a way to spend that will bring long-term personal
rewards.
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The short answer is no; you do not need money to be happy. Money can be
useful, however, to prevent stress that can diminish the happiness that you
do have. No matter what amount of money you have, use these tips to help
achieve the level of happiness you desire, and live a life filled with joy.