The thought of money being the source of happiness is quite interesting. It is a fact that we need money to survive in this expensive economy, and without it we might tend to struggle. Money gives us the opportunity to buy clothes, food, shelter, and many other necessities of life. But does money truly bring happiness? Some may argue that money can make you happy and others will argue that it doesn’t.
Why do some believe that money is the source of happiness? I asked this question to a fellow colleague and she responded with a personal experience that she faces at home. She said that life at home is usually happy and that arguing is rare, except for the times when her parents argue about money. She told me that her mother and father are always stressed about paying the bills and other expenses that come up each month. She ended with saying, “yes money can make you happy, because it can eliminate many stresses and problems that not having enough money can bring.”
Others feel that money is a source of happiness because it allows them to enjoy the many opportunities and experiences that life has to offer. With money they are able to buy luxurious dream homes, the newest appliances and products, dine at the finest restaurants and travel around the world. Indeed, all these things can be a source of happiness, but is it long term happiness? Some may argue that they find happiness by sharing their money with others. They gain personal satisfaction by sharing their fortune with those who are less fortunate. Many wealthy people have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities or have given some of their wealth as gifts to love ones. A study conducted by the Journal of Consumer Psychology concluded that people felt happier when they reflected on a time when they had spent money on others versus a time when they spent money on themselves. The study concluded that, “ if money doesn’t make you happy then