Does More Money Always Equal More Happiness?

Are you hungry for the Money? But you don’t know how much money is enough money?

Cash rules everything around you. It’s gone nuts and we can all sense it. The global financial instability just drives it deeper.

Money defines who we are and what we do. But do we really believe that in areas where there is next to no wealth, there is also no happiness?

Money Isn’t Everything?

Studies show that after earning $40,000-$75,000 (depending on regional costs), higher salaries make no impact on happiness. That really surprises most people, you too? Below that, you’re struggling and stressed. Once needs are met though, that is the end of what money improves.

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

Income more than the numbers above – what it takes to keep a roof over your head, food on your table, a car in your drive, and some space to enjoy life – merely inflates basic standards. We want more for the sake of having more. And that cycle is endless, unless you put a stop to it.

How to Be Happier with Less Money

Big changes are needed, but happiness is a big deal. There really isn’t anything else. Open your mind to shifting goals, updated opinions, and real results. Give these proven tactics a try, you won’t regret it.

●    Redefine what is enough. Everyone wants to stay connected, but are 1,000 television channels doing that? Or are they sucking cash with minimal payoff? Maybe 700 would do.
●    While you’re at it, redefine what is valuable. It’s good times spent with kith and kin. Every sociological study ever done on the topic reports that those who have the most connections with friends and family are the happiest.
●    Spend what you have on experiences, not things. The only, get that, ONLY, type of purchase that studies show to impact happiness at all are in the category of leisure.
●    Skip credit cards, and pay up front. Houses, cars, college educations, occasionally businesses – these are the only, get that, ONLY, reasons to indebt yourself. To really enjoy what purchases you do make without underlying debt anxiety, and those interest rates, pay at the time of purchase.
●    Reservations at La Casa! Involve your whole family and teach basic survival skills as well as eating healthier. After all, you’re going to be happier now, you will want to stick around for a longer life.
●    Repair, reuse, recycle, and repurpose. It’s not just hipster jargon, it will save you money, honor your expenditures, and alleviate global waste.
●    Give more of yourself. Give your time, your ideas, your elbow grease, your things. Volunteer, share, help, and donate. You’ll be paid in happiness.

Priorities, Get Some.

When you look at these ideas on how to live on less money, you’ll see how you started to do all those costly things – to save time. But sadly that time is often saved just to work more towards earning more money. It is a lifestyle change you need to make, and you can feel it, can’t you? You don’t want to end up having to sell your house if you don’t need to do this.

Written on 11/14/2013 by Joy Mali. Joy Mali is a staff writer on The Washington Times and Examiner. Her work is also published on Lifehack, Yahoo and other mainstream sites. She likes to share interesting tips to help people manage their personal finances & credit.

Photo Credit: Dan4th Nicholas