Can Money Buy Happiness?

This is the third article in a three part series about finding happiness through simple living. The first focused on on how to find happiness without shopping for it and the second article concentrated on 12 steps to achieving happiness.

***

We all have basic needs. The need for food, shelter, water, and companionship. Meeting those basic needs is a foundation for happiness. However once those needs are met, how much more do we really need?** Studies show that people have basic psychological needs, like being loved, feeling connected to others, doing work we love, and having a sense of control.

So can money buy happiness? Well I think it depends.

It depends on how you define money.

We all define our relationship with money differently. I view money as life energy. I have to trade my valuable time for money. Making a lot or a little money isn’t good or bad. However, I strongly believe you must be passionate about what you do for money. We only get one life. So it’s essential to live it well, with integrity.

It depends on how you spend money.

You might love to spend money on fancy cars, stereo’s or the latest gadget. Or you might be satisfied with a low cost bike, going tent camping on the weekends and eating organic foods. You might have three children, aging parents or no children and really healthy parents. All of these factors will have an impact on your happiness and how you spend money.

It depends on the community you live in and the people you hang out with.

Have you ever bought something based on peer pressure? I know I have. I bought two cars because “society,” and well meaning friends and family members told me I “needed” cars to be successful. It’s easy to go with the flow and not question basic assumptions. The community you reside in as well as friends and family members can have a huge impact on our happiness and how we decide to spend money. Asking questions and challenging the status-quo isn’t easy.

It depends on your life experience.

Our life experiences shape our choices, how we spend money and how we view happiness. In essence it’s all about perspective.

We all have to buy things. So when you do spend money, consider some of the following tips.

1. Before you buy more stuff, ask yourself a few questions.

Stop buying excess stuff and continually question your consumption patterns. In Your Money Or Your Life, the authors encourage people to ask themselves three questions before they buy anything:

1. Will I receive fulfillment, satisfaction and value in proportion to life energy spent? 2. Is this expenditure of life energy in alignment with my values and life purpose? 3. How might this expenditure change if I didn’t have to work for a living?

By asking yourself these questions, you’ll be able to examine your true consumption patterns. In addition, these questions can help you clarify your values and true purpose in life.

2. Give something up.

We are a very prosperous country and many of us have the privilege of thinking about how we can be happier, find joy and balance. If your needs are met, consider being generous. Donate a portion of your income or your time to an organization you believe in. In The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard points out that activists and volunteers are some of the happiest people on the planet. Get involved in your community and do something.

3. Support local artists and businesses.

Supporting local artists and businesses makes me happy. It sustains the local economy and it’s one way to make community connections. It’s not a bad thing to spend money. However, before you spend money, do your research. Making thoughtful, informed choices will bring you greater happiness than impulse spending.

4. Rethink your relationship with money.

Americans need to rethink their relationship with money. For a country so “rich” we are deeply unhappy and in debt. Happiness can’t be found at the mall.

Have you considered rethinking your relationship with money and happiness? How much is enough? And what do you truly need to be happy?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments section. Do you think money can buy happiness?

**Note: I’m not trying to romanticize poverty. It is a serious problem that requires broad policy solutions and grassroots advocacy. If you are reading this, by default you’re privileged. You have access to a computer, the education to use technology, and a wealth of resources at your finger tips. If you want to get involved with an anti-poverty organization, please consider donating to Kiva. Or volunteer with an anti-poverty organization in your community.

*****

If this post helped you, please consider sharing the content with your tribe.