Alright, let’s dive into this: does money make you happier? Spoiler alert?!? Yeah, it kinda does, but not in the way you might think.
Today I wanna try to focus my post, straight talk, no fluff, with a dash of big-picture thinking. Money’s not the golden ticket to eternal bliss, but it’s a tool that can crank up your happiness dial if you use it right. And only if you use it right. Otherwise it can make it a living hell.
Let’s break it down. First off, money buys freedom. Not the “quit your job and sip cocktails on a yacht” kind (though, sure, that’s nice. I would not say no to Pinã Colada everyday). I’m talking basic freedom, like not sweating over rent, groceries, or that surprise car repair that hits like a punch to the gut. Studies, like the famous 2010 Princeton one by Kahneman and Deaton, showed happiness rises with income up to about $75,000 a year (adjust for inflation, maybe $100k now).
Why? Because up to that point, money knocks out stressors. Paying bills on time, affording healthcare, or grabbing takeout without guilt? That’s a weight off your shoulders. Less stress = more room for joy. But here’s where it gets spicy: money’s happiness boost isn’t just about covering basics. It’s about options. Got some extra cash? You can say “no” to a soul-sucking job or a toxic roommate. You can invest in experiences, such as travel, concerts, or even just a weekend getaway with your spouse. Experiences, not stuff, are what stick in your brain. A 2014 study in Psychological Science found people get more lasting joy from doing than buying. That new phone? Meh, you’ll get used to it. That road trip with your besties? You’re grinning just thinking about it. Now, let’s flip the script. Money can amplify happiness when you spend it on others. Sounds cheesy, but it’s legit. A 2008 study from the University of British Columbia showed people who spent cash on others, whether it’s buying coffee for a friend or donating to a cause, felt happier than those who spent it on themselves. Its probably because most people out there are green personalities, vut we take that another tine.
It’s like money’s a happiness boomerang: toss it out to help someone, and it comes back to you. Here’s the catch, though, chasing money for its own sake is a trap. If you’re grinding just to flex a bigger house or a fancier car, you’re on a hamster wheel. The hedonic treadmill kicks in: you get the shiny thing, you’re stoked for a minute, then you’re back to wanting more. Real happiness comes from using money to align with your values, whether that’s time with family, pursuing a passion, or building something meaningful. So, yeah, money makes you happier, but it’s not the boss of your joy. It’s a tool, not the goal. Use it to cut stress, open doors, and spread some good vibes, and you’re golden. Stack that cash wisely, and you’re not just richer, you’re living better.
This is why we might need to look different to the saying "money can't buy happines". It's rather just a point of view change that’s needed.
(Image generated using Grok)