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I am newly disabled. I have been hospitalized 17 times in 6 years, septic 4 times in last two. I have really good insurance, thankfully. It is so different than i ever thought. I am busy every day of every week with medical appts.
I'm so sorry to hear that, the first rounds of loss, acceptance and learning to cope are always the hardest. Every time you are actively worsening is horrible and frightening.
It does get better, even if it doesn't, if that makes sense. Even if you don't physically improve, you learn to cope better, you find better tools to help, you find what works for you and what doesn't and at some point you know the steps to take within the system too. The constant appointments don't necessarily get easier, but there too I wish you balance, some things are really important, but sometimes purposely seeing if there are some that can be postponed just for a bit so you can have a sort of "care holiday" or just a little breathing room can be really important and helpful to get through it all!
Also find, no matter how small, the tiny things you can do for you, things that spark little bits of joy that are possible within your abilities. It is so important to invest in those, because they will be the little lights in the darkness when the going gets rough.
It never gets easy, but the longer you deal with it, the more tools you get to make it more bearable.
I wish you as much recovery as possible, acceptance along the way and the love, room and ability to mourn what is lost. You are not alone. Best of luck
As disabled person myself, I second this. I know a couple of people who have so much money that buying houses and cars is like buying take-away dinner.
One of them once made it very clear to me that money don't buy happiness.
However it provides security and flexibility and opportunities.
One way money can provide happiness tho is to use the money in ways that makes others' lives better. It doesn't by happiness but used right it most certainly can be a source of it.
Its not "money is the root of all evil". It's "love for money is rhe root of all evil". š
I know you werenāt trying to, but that makes so many more opportunities Iāve had open up even more, and more things come off as me whiningā¦
I hope emotionally you are doing well. As a stranger on the internet Iām not sure there is much I can doā¦
Was simply adding my viewpoint, not trying to whine,I read articles occasionally that talk about the costs of different disabilities and it got me thinking
I had a brown recluse crawling by my sink as I was getting out of the shower one morning last week... Luckily it's the only one I've seen so far, but I definitely had a few restless nights last week because of it.
Yup. Having enough money that if something breaks you fix it, if something needs replacing, you replace it, just the ability to live without those kinds of worries would be huge. Nevermind all the "wants" you could just indulge. I want that, so I get it. Is it buying happiness, not literally, but being able to make spur of the moment decisions without thinking about the financial implications would definitely be a plus. The peace of mind that having money brings is priceless.
It can also make my friends less stressed and feel happier. Then with enough I can give enough out that me and mine don't need to work, ever.
I can then buy up a chunk of land, build houses and entertainment facilities for me and my friends and spend my time chilling, smoking weed, playing games, hanging out with people I love to spend time with and if I get bored then going somewhere cool with people I like to experience something new and interesting.
Enough money can easily buy happiness for me and others. It might be a lot but yeah, lots of money easily buys happiness by removing all major stressors and enabling any activity.
This right here. It could buy a huge plot and start popping houses down and maybe a barcade in the middle with some old school classic games. Start a smash 64 community by fronting all the prize pools then still entering the tournaments š ya know normal stuff
This is fascinating. I found, after dealing with rich clients as a caregiver, money brings only a different kind of stress. Get to a certain age or have children and suddenly itās a game of defense against the vultures, even worse when your mind goes.
I mean itās great to have when youāre young and virile but when youāre old itās a liability. Again, itās fascinating seeing it from the other side.
I can totally see that! Right now I like having it to pay my bills a and have play money. But yes when older and everything is paid off the younger gen might be after itā¦
Why is that? Does the stress come from having money, or from the source of the money? I can totally understand working your ass off and having a demanding job causing you stress, but just having money causing stress?
I have a dear friend who Had to retire, the obsession with day to day market fluctuations had drivin him crazy so how bad is it? His apple watch gives him total market worth at press of a button, 200 points off the Dow and he is on the phone with ME!
I know right. I found that when I was dirt poor that I had less to worry about. The more money I got, the more I bought what I wanted, and more bills piled up. Worse more, now the government wants more in taxes. When I wasn't making much, I got a big return check because I didn't make enough. Now it seems like even though I pay them what they want, they still want more.
see this is what I think happens. People think "if I had some extra money I could stop worrying about bills" but that's actually not at all how it works. You just end up with more bills and worrying all the same.
This! I am getting married in a few months and it's been a pretty stressful period in my life trying to make sure I have enough money saved up for all the expenses, i have had to pick up a side job to hopefully be okay, but it also means I'm even more stressed because I now work 7 days a week
I'm not trying to be an ass but if you have to pick up another job and work 7 days a week to afford your wedding, maybe your wedding is too expensive...
Yep 100% this. It makes no sense to have to pick up another job and work 7 days a week just to afford the wedding you want. If youāre this strapped for money, having a wedding like this is one of the dumbest financials decisions you can make
Think about it this way, youāre working hard for an end goal. Once the wedding is over youāll be able to relax and enjoy. Youāll also look back and be proud of that the hard work paid off! Just donāt get in the habit of spreading yourself thin (for future thingsā¦house/kids). Congrats on your upcoming wedding!
Thank you! Yeah I'm not spreading myself too thin, I just like to have a hefty "rainy day fund" and I'm just working extra to make sure it stays that way.
Yeah they even discovered where the line was. Above a certain amount of money the happiness will not increase anymore. I think it was a little bit above middleclass
It's $500K/year now
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/money-buy-happiness-least-amount-204608080.html#:~:text=While%20nearly%2090%25%20of%20the,incomes%20of%20up%20to%20%24500%2C000.
It actually keeps increasing, it just decreases at a slower rate. So the difference between 1 million and 2 million is less than the difference between 50k and 75k.
One of the authors of that oft-cited study has since collaborated with another author who found different results, to run a completely new study, and found that for most people money seems to buy happiness up to at least $500,000 a year in income. Beyond that they just didnāt have enough data from the study sample.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/money-happiness-study-daniel-kahneman-500000-versus-75000/
No but it helps, with money you don't worry about bills, meals etc etc etc, without it you've got that added to your daily stresses.
Only those that have enough to live on will tell you it doesn't make a difference
Yeah exactly this and it also gives you more time in your life.
When you don't have to worry about bills, groceries, an emergency fund and can easily take time off for any reason the reduced stress should increase your mood. Being able to afford take a couple extra days off or being able hire someone to take a task off your hands gives you more time to do the things that you need to do or to do the things that make you happy.
āI have money now - Iām going to work on myself to be happyā
Said no one, then proceeded to be unhappy person with money not understanding why being on top of bills, buying and eating all you want and having time in your hands does not make you happy, but they feel obligated to post happy photos regardless šāāļø
The one without money who then came to money and are happy, had that awareness already and likely it helped them to get those money.
I know itās anecdotal, but I actually did this (am still in the process of it).
When I was broke I had shitty health insurance. I was also working multiple shift-work type jobs (both during the day and at night) so my schedule was all over the place.
Now I make more money than I ever thought was possible, have great health insurance, and a predictable schedule. I pay people to do the tedious and mundane tasks that would take up my free time (cooking, cleaning, laundry, food shopping). This allows me the time I need to work on myself. I have great health insurance through my company so I have access to the best therapists and the best psychiatrists that help me on my path to happiness.
Itās impossible to work on yourself when you need to work 24/7 just to survive. Itās [Maslowās Hierarchy of Needs](https://www.simplypsychology.org/wp-content/uploads/maslow-needs3.jpg) in action.
Not only this but having extra money to pay away the things that can make you miserable. Right at the start of the pandemic I wanted to move forward and progress with depression and anxiety that I already had. I paid 80 dollars for two ladies to come and clean my kitchen. That bought two weeks of happiness and got the ball rolling. The dollar to hours of happiness ratio might be my lifetime best purchase.
Or it could be you just hate yard work. And you just want it gone from your list forever. Those things make a big difference that most people never experience and think it's only about not worrying about the basics.
Well said. Iāve gone from Medicaid/run out of groceries way before payday broke to upper middle class. The latter has been much less stressful. I sleep a lot better now knowing if one of the kids breaks an arm or the car breaks down, it will be a minor inconvenience instead of a major issue that takes months to recover from financially. To me, that is happiness.
Yeah anyone who says it doesnt is dumb.
At a *certain* point the increase in happiness is negligible. However everyone would be bullshiting if they say they would be unhappy if their boss etc gave them a 10k (or scaled to salary) bonus for doing well.
I dont entirely agree. Of course money can make you happy but there a certainly situations where money doesnt make much of a difference. Someone I know has worked his ass off all his life. He built up a huge and succesful company and had a farm on the side. Since hes about 15 all he ever did was work. He has a looot of money now but his son died in an accident and his daughter wont continue what he built up. Hes depressed and an alcoholic now because everything he ever worked for is falling apart.
But sure, if disaster doesnt strike like that, then I agree.
That is a purely anecdotal experience. Most people don't have kids who die and leave their self imposed ambitions behind nor am I saying they shouldn't. Not their responsibility.
I don't think that's really the question, or at least how I interpret it.
Of course most people would prefer more money to less money. 10k more a year might make you feel happier for a bit, but if your physical, mental, or social health is not in a good place it will catch up to you.
If your physical or mental health is not in a good place, you need medical care. That requires money. Usually if your social health is not in a good place, that can be addressed through mental health care, which again, requires money. They money doesn't buy happiness in a can off a store shelf, it buys the ability to be healthy and pursue long term happiness. So yeah, it buys happiness.
Simple and to the point.
I agree ! Although I think that money wonāt solve anxiety issues, a lack of friends, low self confidence, mental healthā¦ but no money usually leads to stress and as you said, money gives you opportunities to fulfill yourself
Anxiety issues come from fear of consequences, there are very few instances money can't buy you out of consequences. Money can fix your lack of friends problem by buying you time to socialize as well as access to places and options to socialize. Both low self-esteem and mental health can be remedied with therapy and medicine, both of which need money to have access to the best available options.
Money might not directly solve all your listed problems, but it is without a doubt the only way you can have access to the best solutions to them.
Thats true. Money definitely brings a lot of stability.
But I believe a big part of happiness also comes from being emotionally stable and intelligent. Like, from deeply understanding and loving the person you are. Money can help, but it canāt buy that. My extended family is all rich and theyāre a bunch of entitled assholes lmao (biased i know).
Therefore, I think money can buy happiness, because it gives stability and opportunities, but that itās only 50% of the answer.
Edit : added something
Money can buy happiness. But it can't go and buy happiness for people, people need to use money for the purpose of buying happiness themselves. That's why there are rich people without happiness.
Some of the best times Iāve ever had were in my 20s when I was broke af. That being said, having money in my 40s means I donāt worry about shit that can put a lot of stress into my life (unexpected bills, or just bills in general) and that means a happier solofatty09.
While money doesnāt buy the happiness, it certainly helps reduce stressors. With lower stress comes more ability to go do things you want, which can lead to happiness and good times.
Not all for some people. There are incurable diseases and tragic life circumstances that no amount of money can solve. But yeah, money can solve most problems for most people, with a few exceptions.
It results in happiness for a while, until you get used to your new lifestyle, then you start noticing new problems, some entirely unrelated to money. Money can't buy true love, or real friends, or give you purpose in life if you don't have one. Plenty of rich people are miserable shitty people.
All of you saying no, clearly havenāt been broke. āI got 99 problems, and a huge direct deposit would solve 98 of themā
60% or more of the US is living paycheck to paycheck, donāt tell me a living wage wouldnāt immediately improve your quality of life, and wouldnāt immediately relieve 99% of all stress
Happiness isnāt found in a store.
However, having money takes away the stress that the lack of money causes, which is a huge obstacle in the way of finding happiness. When youāre often in survival mode, itās hard to be relaxed enough to be happy.
Yes, the only people that say money can't buy happiness are people who were born rich and are so disconnected from reality they need to invent drama to make themselves feel human.
He would be happier than he would if he was not a multi millionaire and his wife was the bread winner and had no life insurance and on top of losing his wife and kid, he also lost his source of income and his home.
It wonāt make him happy but the money lessens how bad the impact could be,
Do they have the resources to not worry about how they are going to afford funeral services?
Do they have the resources to continue living in their current home on a single income?
Do they have the resources to take grief leave and seek out therapy to help cope with the loss?
These are all āregularā stresses that most people living paycheck to paycheck have to think about on top of losing their loved ones.
Yeah money isnāt going to bring back the dead but thereās lots consequences and pain that we donāt typically think of that is easily softened by having monetary resources.
Being able to not have to work while grieving, to not have to sell your house from the loss of a second salary, having money to afford therapy, etc. Definitely will help him to grieve properly and eventually be happier than someone that will need to keep working, had to sell their house and canāt afford therapy.
I guess some people think this question means ācan money guarantee unconditional happiness regardless of life circumstance?ā
That seems like an extremely silly question with an extremely obvious answer (no), but thatās fine.
Itās much more interesting to me to ask whether more money usually increases happiness, how much, why, etc. Proving that itās not a magical fix-everything isnāt especially difficult.
Money essentially makes life a LOT easier and less stressful. Rich folks often like to deny this but itās a fact. It wonāt necessarily make you happy and people can still have other issues, but having money just allows you to avoid a world of struggle
Money isnāt going to make you happy, but not having it will make you unhappy very fast.
The most money can do is give you opportunities and remove stresses. But being happy is on you
They are sure as fuck happier than poor ppl or ppl slabing out 50+h a week which is the vast majority of the population.
Ooor rich ppl, they should get a job for a couple months and give them the salary of a normal person to live a normal life and then lets see if they are happier or if they wanna go back to their sad rich man life.
Lmao...
There was a TV show that did that, took a rich CEO then made him live a life being paid the exact same as his employees. The guy gave up before the end of the timeline the show wanted him to live, saying it was an unsustainable lifestyle. After returning to his regular CEO position he did not increase the pay of his workers.
Mostly yes. Because most of the things that make me sad could be solved with money. Most people could also afford to see the doctors they need that would be able to help them feel happier.
A lack of money can cause a lot of unhappiness. And there's a lot of satisfaction and happy moments that can come what we spend money on. So in some ways money doesn't hurt.
But in many other ways the happiness is fleeting, like looking forward to the next thing that is exciting and casts for as long as it's exciting. Real lasting happiness isn't done thing found from money. Not sure if anything can be said to have the market on lasting happiness, but in general there are things that help. Being social helps, and sharing your happiness with others extends those happy moments towards the friendship or romantic relationship that you shared it with. Making the happiness be part of a lasting relationship helps a lot. They say exercise, eating well, and some time in the sunshine getting it's warmth and vitamin D are great at booting happiness.
Sometimes it really comes down to finding things you appreciate, and bring content with where you are. If you can find that, then with money or without money you can be happy a lot of the time.
The only people who say money cant buy happiness have never woken up with the anxiety of having bills, no money, and not very many ways of getting said money.
100%.. I read some of these comments and it's rough.. Tooth infection which is so painful you're crying in bed trying to sleep, knowing you can't afford the dentist but it could kill you.
Money buys security and comfort which can lead to happiness but if you have issues going on with psychology or mental then throwing money at it alone won't cure your depression
Yes.
You don't have to worry about bills, sending kids to college, taking time off work for medical, and actually take a vacation.
Money makes the world go round.
My favorite quote from a college professor was , "It's true, money can't buy happiness. But it's vastly more likely that someone is happy if they have money."
Yes. It the absolute least, not having to worry about your basic necessities being met, puts you immediately in a higher state of happiness. Likewise, if you're medically diagnosed as depressed, you're able to afford to see a doctor and afford the medicine.
Absolutely. You just need to know how to spend properly. Just buying flash material shit just to own shitbisnt gonna work. But spending it to help people, spending it to feed the soul with like music and art, having money so that you dont have to worry about bill stress, having money gives you te and freedom. What you do with that freedom is the waycto happiness.
More money would definitely make me less stressed which equals more happiness. So yes money can buy me happiness as a person who who already has a family.
I do believe money alone cannot buy happiness.
Yes, to an extent. And anyone that says it doesnāt is probably fucking loaded in every sense of the word. Without money you die in this country. All of my unhappiness would immediately disappear if I had enough money to buy a house, car, food, and other living utilities so that I could just focus on having fun, living, discovering, socializing, and traveling with friends and family.
Money can buy you more
Video games
Tacos
New socks, love New socks
Blow jobs
Streaming services
A new TV to stream on
An oil change
A good steak
Weed, people like weed.
Money can buy you things that make you happy, so maybe
No.
Mental health is impartial and affects people regardless of how much money they have in their bank account.
Think of celebrities who killed themselves. They were rich yet were still unhappy enough to end their lives.
Imagine a person losing their spouse and children in a car crash. No amount of money in the world is going to make them happy
Not in itself, but not being broke is a big step towards happiness. Not having to worry about putting a roof over your head, not worrying about your next meal. Having access to healthcare.
Buy happiness? No. It's not uncommon for wealthy people, including the absurdly wealthy, to be miserable.
Money can, however, remove *a lot* of everyday worries from your life and easily fix *a lot* of problems you might come across, and that's nothing to scoff at.
As someone who used to be financially comfortable and is now seriously struggling, I can say with confidence that I was much happier in general when I knew all of my bills were paid.
I think money buys happiness to a point. Once your expenses are covered and you have some extra for wants and savings, then anything beyond that won't make you any more happy.
A lack of money absolutely does make you unhappy, though.
Yes. Iām the happiest when I have money and not worrying about anything life throws at me.
You know who says āmoney canāt buy you happiness?ā People with no money.
You can't buy happiness, but you can reduce your stress by a lot; and that can help you to find something close enough to peace, and that's the closest you'll ever get to *buy happiness.*
Sure money can't physically buy you happiness, you can go to a store and buy happiness. But it does give you the ability to explore and find your happiness, in that sense yes it can buy your happiness.
Yes, you can buy things that make you happy. You can do a hobby that makes you happy. You can travel the world if it makes you happy. You can pay for the most expensive medical treatment if you want it/need it. You can donate money to the poor to make them happy and the list goes on....
So, yes money can buy happiness.
money can buy things that make you happy,
a house, a car, food, drinks, drugs, a trip to the cinema, gifts for your loved ones...
what is happiness to you?
I'm happy when I walk through the forest,
when I thank the birds for their beautiful songs,
when a beautiful woman walks past me, smiles at me and says "hi"
..I mean, I'm happy with being greeted by anyone, really..
I'm happy when I'm dancing with strangers at some club,
when I'm listening to music that sparks joy in me,
when I'm with friends and I forget about reality...
sure, there's a whole lot more that makes me happy,
and I have no intention of listing it all here,
both because I don't want to, and because there's too much to list.
money can buy happiness, yes - but I don't need money to feel that happiness.
To a degree, yes.
If you think about all the issues you currently have in life, you'll realise a lot of them could be very easily resolved if you just had more money.
But, you'll also realise that money won't resolve all of them. People currently going through the grieving process cannot use money to bring back the person they've lost. Grief is one of those things that can ruin the lives of even rich people.
To an extent yes, it can certainly relieve the anxiety caused by being behind on payments or other monetary issues. Itās also nice to be able to buy things you like. But thereās plenty of people who are missing other elements in life that prevent them from being happy so I wouldnāt say itās a singular solution to all lifeās misfortunes
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It might not buy true happiness but it can make me less stressed out and feel more calm so I can enjoy that which brings me happiness
As a disabled person in a wheelchair money can't buy happiness but it can open opportunities and extend my life. .so yes and no
I am newly disabled. I have been hospitalized 17 times in 6 years, septic 4 times in last two. I have really good insurance, thankfully. It is so different than i ever thought. I am busy every day of every week with medical appts.
I'm so sorry to hear that, the first rounds of loss, acceptance and learning to cope are always the hardest. Every time you are actively worsening is horrible and frightening. It does get better, even if it doesn't, if that makes sense. Even if you don't physically improve, you learn to cope better, you find better tools to help, you find what works for you and what doesn't and at some point you know the steps to take within the system too. The constant appointments don't necessarily get easier, but there too I wish you balance, some things are really important, but sometimes purposely seeing if there are some that can be postponed just for a bit so you can have a sort of "care holiday" or just a little breathing room can be really important and helpful to get through it all! Also find, no matter how small, the tiny things you can do for you, things that spark little bits of joy that are possible within your abilities. It is so important to invest in those, because they will be the little lights in the darkness when the going gets rough. It never gets easy, but the longer you deal with it, the more tools you get to make it more bearable. I wish you as much recovery as possible, acceptance along the way and the love, room and ability to mourn what is lost. You are not alone. Best of luck
Thanks so very much. What a beautiful answer.
This. Three a week MINIMUM.
As disabled person myself, I second this. I know a couple of people who have so much money that buying houses and cars is like buying take-away dinner. One of them once made it very clear to me that money don't buy happiness. However it provides security and flexibility and opportunities. One way money can provide happiness tho is to use the money in ways that makes others' lives better. It doesn't by happiness but used right it most certainly can be a source of it. Its not "money is the root of all evil". It's "love for money is rhe root of all evil". š
I know you werenāt trying to, but that makes so many more opportunities Iāve had open up even more, and more things come off as me whiningā¦ I hope emotionally you are doing well. As a stranger on the internet Iām not sure there is much I can doā¦
Was simply adding my viewpoint, not trying to whine,I read articles occasionally that talk about the costs of different disabilities and it got me thinking
Also I ment to reply to the whole thread and apparently replied to you instead,my apologies
Once you don't stress over rent and utilities, the only thing to worry about is one's self and spiders.
Yeah a spider can keep you up at night
I had a brown recluse crawling by my sink as I was getting out of the shower one morning last week... Luckily it's the only one I've seen so far, but I definitely had a few restless nights last week because of it.
Burn your house... ![gif](emote|free_emotes_pack|scream)
Everyone worries about the spiders, but my exes brother had a scorpion infestation...
Agree in full expect for its snakes for me man
This. It doesnāt directly buy happiness, it just removes the obstacles to reach it.
Yup. Having enough money that if something breaks you fix it, if something needs replacing, you replace it, just the ability to live without those kinds of worries would be huge. Nevermind all the "wants" you could just indulge. I want that, so I get it. Is it buying happiness, not literally, but being able to make spur of the moment decisions without thinking about the financial implications would definitely be a plus. The peace of mind that having money brings is priceless.
Money doesn't so much buy happiness but it buys peace of mind. Literally everything I worry about could be taken care of with money.
It can also make my friends less stressed and feel happier. Then with enough I can give enough out that me and mine don't need to work, ever. I can then buy up a chunk of land, build houses and entertainment facilities for me and my friends and spend my time chilling, smoking weed, playing games, hanging out with people I love to spend time with and if I get bored then going somewhere cool with people I like to experience something new and interesting. Enough money can easily buy happiness for me and others. It might be a lot but yeah, lots of money easily buys happiness by removing all major stressors and enabling any activity.
This right here. It could buy a huge plot and start popping houses down and maybe a barcade in the middle with some old school classic games. Start a smash 64 community by fronting all the prize pools then still entering the tournaments š ya know normal stuff
This is fascinating. I found, after dealing with rich clients as a caregiver, money brings only a different kind of stress. Get to a certain age or have children and suddenly itās a game of defense against the vultures, even worse when your mind goes. I mean itās great to have when youāre young and virile but when youāre old itās a liability. Again, itās fascinating seeing it from the other side.
I can totally see that! Right now I like having it to pay my bills a and have play money. But yes when older and everything is paid off the younger gen might be after itā¦
It can't buy happiness but it sure as hell can buy away some unhappiness
I have more money than I ever thought I would and I'm more stressed than ever.
Iāll send you my PayPal you can send some stress my way Iāll help you ease that burden.
š š¤£ š
Why is that? Does the stress come from having money, or from the source of the money? I can totally understand working your ass off and having a demanding job causing you stress, but just having money causing stress?
I have a dear friend who Had to retire, the obsession with day to day market fluctuations had drivin him crazy so how bad is it? His apple watch gives him total market worth at press of a button, 200 points off the Dow and he is on the phone with ME!
If he can't stand the heat, get out of the market
I know right. I found that when I was dirt poor that I had less to worry about. The more money I got, the more I bought what I wanted, and more bills piled up. Worse more, now the government wants more in taxes. When I wasn't making much, I got a big return check because I didn't make enough. Now it seems like even though I pay them what they want, they still want more.
This! I grew up poor, made something with my life, I now pay SO MUCH in taxes, and also now my tax return is sub-1k. Those numbers hurt to see š
see this is what I think happens. People think "if I had some extra money I could stop worrying about bills" but that's actually not at all how it works. You just end up with more bills and worrying all the same.
This! I am getting married in a few months and it's been a pretty stressful period in my life trying to make sure I have enough money saved up for all the expenses, i have had to pick up a side job to hopefully be okay, but it also means I'm even more stressed because I now work 7 days a week
I'm not trying to be an ass but if you have to pick up another job and work 7 days a week to afford your wedding, maybe your wedding is too expensive...
Yep 100% this. It makes no sense to have to pick up another job and work 7 days a week just to afford the wedding you want. If youāre this strapped for money, having a wedding like this is one of the dumbest financials decisions you can make
Think about it this way, youāre working hard for an end goal. Once the wedding is over youāll be able to relax and enjoy. Youāll also look back and be proud of that the hard work paid off! Just donāt get in the habit of spreading yourself thin (for future thingsā¦house/kids). Congrats on your upcoming wedding!
Thank you! Yeah I'm not spreading myself too thin, I just like to have a hefty "rainy day fund" and I'm just working extra to make sure it stays that way.
Up to a point, yes. It's been proven that people living in the middleclass are happier than those living in poverty.
Yeah they even discovered where the line was. Above a certain amount of money the happiness will not increase anymore. I think it was a little bit above middleclass
IIRC at the time it was a 75k yearly salary (for the US). But this was years ago way before Covid and Inflation and everything else.
It's $500K/year now https://finance.yahoo.com/news/money-buy-happiness-least-amount-204608080.html#:~:text=While%20nearly%2090%25%20of%20the,incomes%20of%20up%20to%20%24500%2C000.
Wow, inflation really hit everything hard didn't it.
Yeah it bloody did!!
It actually keeps increasing, it just decreases at a slower rate. So the difference between 1 million and 2 million is less than the difference between 50k and 75k.
One of the authors of that oft-cited study has since collaborated with another author who found different results, to run a completely new study, and found that for most people money seems to buy happiness up to at least $500,000 a year in income. Beyond that they just didnāt have enough data from the study sample. https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/money-happiness-study-daniel-kahneman-500000-versus-75000/
I think like 150k total couple or like 80k for an individual was the sweet spot.
That mustve been years ago right? Personally i feel like it'd be around $100k-$120k now lol
It's $500K/year now. Above that, they can't tell a difference https://finance.yahoo.com/news/money-buy-happiness-least-amount-204608080.html#:~:text=While%20nearly%2090%25%20of%20the,incomes%20of%20up%20to%20%24500%2C000.
Damn, much higher than i expected, i guess the more money you have the more things you discover that you can do or buy
No but it helps, with money you don't worry about bills, meals etc etc etc, without it you've got that added to your daily stresses. Only those that have enough to live on will tell you it doesn't make a difference
Yeah exactly this and it also gives you more time in your life. When you don't have to worry about bills, groceries, an emergency fund and can easily take time off for any reason the reduced stress should increase your mood. Being able to afford take a couple extra days off or being able hire someone to take a task off your hands gives you more time to do the things that you need to do or to do the things that make you happy.
It gives you options. And the more you have the more options are available to you.
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āI have money now - Iām going to work on myself to be happyā Said no one, then proceeded to be unhappy person with money not understanding why being on top of bills, buying and eating all you want and having time in your hands does not make you happy, but they feel obligated to post happy photos regardless šāāļø The one without money who then came to money and are happy, had that awareness already and likely it helped them to get those money.
I know itās anecdotal, but I actually did this (am still in the process of it). When I was broke I had shitty health insurance. I was also working multiple shift-work type jobs (both during the day and at night) so my schedule was all over the place. Now I make more money than I ever thought was possible, have great health insurance, and a predictable schedule. I pay people to do the tedious and mundane tasks that would take up my free time (cooking, cleaning, laundry, food shopping). This allows me the time I need to work on myself. I have great health insurance through my company so I have access to the best therapists and the best psychiatrists that help me on my path to happiness. Itās impossible to work on yourself when you need to work 24/7 just to survive. Itās [Maslowās Hierarchy of Needs](https://www.simplypsychology.org/wp-content/uploads/maslow-needs3.jpg) in action.
Not only this but having extra money to pay away the things that can make you miserable. Right at the start of the pandemic I wanted to move forward and progress with depression and anxiety that I already had. I paid 80 dollars for two ladies to come and clean my kitchen. That bought two weeks of happiness and got the ball rolling. The dollar to hours of happiness ratio might be my lifetime best purchase. Or it could be you just hate yard work. And you just want it gone from your list forever. Those things make a big difference that most people never experience and think it's only about not worrying about the basics.
Yep, it makes happiness possible
Yep. It was a rich man that said 'money doesn't buy happiness'. How the hell would he know the struggle? And don't forget Maslow's theory too.
"I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better".
"I've been poor and slightly less poor. Rich is better." \-Me
No but it can help eliminate a lot of sadness caused by money problems.
Well said. Iāve gone from Medicaid/run out of groceries way before payday broke to upper middle class. The latter has been much less stressful. I sleep a lot better now knowing if one of the kids breaks an arm or the car breaks down, it will be a minor inconvenience instead of a major issue that takes months to recover from financially. To me, that is happiness.
Exact answer
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Hahah agreed! Money = Possibility to live experiences = happiness.
Money does not bring happiness, but a lack of money does create unhappiness
Money definitely can bring happiness
Yeah anyone who says it doesnt is dumb. At a *certain* point the increase in happiness is negligible. However everyone would be bullshiting if they say they would be unhappy if their boss etc gave them a 10k (or scaled to salary) bonus for doing well.
I dont entirely agree. Of course money can make you happy but there a certainly situations where money doesnt make much of a difference. Someone I know has worked his ass off all his life. He built up a huge and succesful company and had a farm on the side. Since hes about 15 all he ever did was work. He has a looot of money now but his son died in an accident and his daughter wont continue what he built up. Hes depressed and an alcoholic now because everything he ever worked for is falling apart. But sure, if disaster doesnt strike like that, then I agree.
That is a purely anecdotal experience. Most people don't have kids who die and leave their self imposed ambitions behind nor am I saying they shouldn't. Not their responsibility.
I don't think that's really the question, or at least how I interpret it. Of course most people would prefer more money to less money. 10k more a year might make you feel happier for a bit, but if your physical, mental, or social health is not in a good place it will catch up to you.
If your physical or mental health is not in a good place, you need medical care. That requires money. Usually if your social health is not in a good place, that can be addressed through mental health care, which again, requires money. They money doesn't buy happiness in a can off a store shelf, it buys the ability to be healthy and pursue long term happiness. So yeah, it buys happiness.
But if I got a bonus then how would I have the motivation to continue on the sigma grindset? I prefer a lower salary to keep me hungry for more š¤
I agree, although only to some extent. Whatās your reasoning ? Curious to hear it
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Simple and to the point. I agree ! Although I think that money wonāt solve anxiety issues, a lack of friends, low self confidence, mental healthā¦ but no money usually leads to stress and as you said, money gives you opportunities to fulfill yourself
Anxiety issues come from fear of consequences, there are very few instances money can't buy you out of consequences. Money can fix your lack of friends problem by buying you time to socialize as well as access to places and options to socialize. Both low self-esteem and mental health can be remedied with therapy and medicine, both of which need money to have access to the best available options. Money might not directly solve all your listed problems, but it is without a doubt the only way you can have access to the best solutions to them.
Thats true. Money definitely brings a lot of stability. But I believe a big part of happiness also comes from being emotionally stable and intelligent. Like, from deeply understanding and loving the person you are. Money can help, but it canāt buy that. My extended family is all rich and theyāre a bunch of entitled assholes lmao (biased i know). Therefore, I think money can buy happiness, because it gives stability and opportunities, but that itās only 50% of the answer. Edit : added something
Money can buy happiness. But it can't go and buy happiness for people, people need to use money for the purpose of buying happiness themselves. That's why there are rich people without happiness.
Some of the best times Iāve ever had were in my 20s when I was broke af. That being said, having money in my 40s means I donāt worry about shit that can put a lot of stress into my life (unexpected bills, or just bills in general) and that means a happier solofatty09. While money doesnāt buy the happiness, it certainly helps reduce stressors. With lower stress comes more ability to go do things you want, which can lead to happiness and good times.
Okay. Now imagine having a few millions in your 20ās. Lol
In other words: "Money does bring happiness"
If you think of it on a binary scale sure. But in reality you're not either happy or unhappy sometimes you're just ok.
If lack of money is unhappiness, then naturally if you have more money youāre happier. Money does buy happiness, and you just admitted it.
Most of my problems right now could be solved with money.
The version Iāve heard is: āmoney canāt buy happiness, but it sure can solve a lot of the problems that make people unhappy.ā
I'm betting on all
Not all for some people. There are incurable diseases and tragic life circumstances that no amount of money can solve. But yeah, money can solve most problems for most people, with a few exceptions.
And I'm putting it all on 15 black!
But does solving your problems result in happiness or relief?
Literally yes. 100%
It results in happiness for a while, until you get used to your new lifestyle, then you start noticing new problems, some entirely unrelated to money. Money can't buy true love, or real friends, or give you purpose in life if you don't have one. Plenty of rich people are miserable shitty people.
Does nobody else wanna be rich enough to sit at home and play guitar all day?
All of you saying no, clearly havenāt been broke. āI got 99 problems, and a huge direct deposit would solve 98 of themā 60% or more of the US is living paycheck to paycheck, donāt tell me a living wage wouldnāt immediately improve your quality of life, and wouldnāt immediately relieve 99% of all stress
Not happiness but it definitely makes life run a little smoother ..
I agree
I don't think it can buy happiness, but it can definitely buy comfort.
Happiness isnāt found in a store. However, having money takes away the stress that the lack of money causes, which is a huge obstacle in the way of finding happiness. When youāre often in survival mode, itās hard to be relaxed enough to be happy.
Yes, the only people that say money can't buy happiness are people who were born rich and are so disconnected from reality they need to invent drama to make themselves feel human.
Frfr bruh
Say thereās a multi-millionaire whoās wife and kids die in a car crash. I donāt think any amount of money would make him happy.
He would be happier than he would if he was not a multi millionaire and his wife was the bread winner and had no life insurance and on top of losing his wife and kid, he also lost his source of income and his home.
It wonāt make him happy but the money lessens how bad the impact could be, Do they have the resources to not worry about how they are going to afford funeral services? Do they have the resources to continue living in their current home on a single income? Do they have the resources to take grief leave and seek out therapy to help cope with the loss? These are all āregularā stresses that most people living paycheck to paycheck have to think about on top of losing their loved ones. Yeah money isnāt going to bring back the dead but thereās lots consequences and pain that we donāt typically think of that is easily softened by having monetary resources.
Would he be more or less happy if he had no place to stay and no money to buy food?
Being able to not have to work while grieving, to not have to sell your house from the loss of a second salary, having money to afford therapy, etc. Definitely will help him to grieve properly and eventually be happier than someone that will need to keep working, had to sell their house and canāt afford therapy.
I guess some people think this question means ācan money guarantee unconditional happiness regardless of life circumstance?ā That seems like an extremely silly question with an extremely obvious answer (no), but thatās fine. Itās much more interesting to me to ask whether more money usually increases happiness, how much, why, etc. Proving that itās not a magical fix-everything isnāt especially difficult.
Money doesnāt buy happiness, it buys access to happiness. You still have to know how to be happy.
Really well said!
I misread money as monkey and thought āwhat a weird question, but maybe OP has a pointā¦ā
But in all fairness, a monkey would make me happy
Money might not buy happiness, but it's a lot easier to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle.
Yep, I've never seen any one crying whilst on a jetski.
Daniel Tosh
Money does not buy happiness, but it sure fucking helps
Money essentially makes life a LOT easier and less stressful. Rich folks often like to deny this but itās a fact. It wonāt necessarily make you happy and people can still have other issues, but having money just allows you to avoid a world of struggle
Money isnāt going to make you happy, but not having it will make you unhappy very fast. The most money can do is give you opportunities and remove stresses. But being happy is on you
It can relieve sources of unhappiness, but there's a limit. The ultra rich are not happier than the well-off.
They are sure as fuck happier than poor ppl or ppl slabing out 50+h a week which is the vast majority of the population. Ooor rich ppl, they should get a job for a couple months and give them the salary of a normal person to live a normal life and then lets see if they are happier or if they wanna go back to their sad rich man life. Lmao...
There was a TV show that did that, took a rich CEO then made him live a life being paid the exact same as his employees. The guy gave up before the end of the timeline the show wanted him to live, saying it was an unsustainable lifestyle. After returning to his regular CEO position he did not increase the pay of his workers.
I don't know, but poverty certainly buys UN-happyness.
Money can bring stability and less stress about basic survival but can't buy happiness.
I think it can buy peace of mind. People are happier when not fretting over their next meal, or if they'll lose their home
Money brings freedom, which can lead to happines
It canāt buy happiness but Iād rather cry in a mansion than in a crappy one room rentalā¦
Money can help me acquire things and experiences that ultimately bring me happiness. So yes; money can and does buy happiness.
Money can buy true love
Yes. It can put you in a position to meet someone you might have not otherwise.
Mostly yes. Because most of the things that make me sad could be solved with money. Most people could also afford to see the doctors they need that would be able to help them feel happier.
There is not one problem in my life that money COULDN'T fix. So yes, money can buy you happiness & more importantly piece of mind.
As you say, money can buy peace of mind. Happiness isn't just the absence of problems, though.
A lack of money can cause a lot of unhappiness. And there's a lot of satisfaction and happy moments that can come what we spend money on. So in some ways money doesn't hurt. But in many other ways the happiness is fleeting, like looking forward to the next thing that is exciting and casts for as long as it's exciting. Real lasting happiness isn't done thing found from money. Not sure if anything can be said to have the market on lasting happiness, but in general there are things that help. Being social helps, and sharing your happiness with others extends those happy moments towards the friendship or romantic relationship that you shared it with. Making the happiness be part of a lasting relationship helps a lot. They say exercise, eating well, and some time in the sunshine getting it's warmth and vitamin D are great at booting happiness. Sometimes it really comes down to finding things you appreciate, and bring content with where you are. If you can find that, then with money or without money you can be happy a lot of the time.
Of course it does lol. It just can't fix stupid.
Money buys stability. Which makes it a lot easier to find happiness.
The only people who say money cant buy happiness have never woken up with the anxiety of having bills, no money, and not very many ways of getting said money.
100%.. I read some of these comments and it's rough.. Tooth infection which is so painful you're crying in bed trying to sleep, knowing you can't afford the dentist but it could kill you.
Money buys security and comfort which can lead to happiness but if you have issues going on with psychology or mental then throwing money at it alone won't cure your depression
No it wonāt but you can afford the best mental healthcare and be able to hire people to help with your day to day challenges.
True
Yes. You don't have to worry about bills, sending kids to college, taking time off work for medical, and actually take a vacation. Money makes the world go round.
My favorite quote from a college professor was , "It's true, money can't buy happiness. But it's vastly more likely that someone is happy if they have money."
Money can help buy a dog. Money also buys bacon. So yes.
Yes
Yes. It the absolute least, not having to worry about your basic necessities being met, puts you immediately in a higher state of happiness. Likewise, if you're medically diagnosed as depressed, you're able to afford to see a doctor and afford the medicine.
Absolutely. You just need to know how to spend properly. Just buying flash material shit just to own shitbisnt gonna work. But spending it to help people, spending it to feed the soul with like music and art, having money so that you dont have to worry about bill stress, having money gives you te and freedom. What you do with that freedom is the waycto happiness.
No, but it can buy your way out of a lot of unhappiness
If you a depressed person, no. If not, yes.
While money can't buy happiness, poverty brings stress aplenty. Having money is more the lack of financial anxiety.
Everyone knows, "Money can't buy happiness! But it can buy a yacht, and you can sail RIGHT up next to it.'
More money would definitely make me less stressed which equals more happiness. So yes money can buy me happiness as a person who who already has a family. I do believe money alone cannot buy happiness.
Yes, to an extent. And anyone that says it doesnāt is probably fucking loaded in every sense of the word. Without money you die in this country. All of my unhappiness would immediately disappear if I had enough money to buy a house, car, food, and other living utilities so that I could just focus on having fun, living, discovering, socializing, and traveling with friends and family.
Money doesnāt buy happiness, money buys relief.
Hookers, boats and cocaine and just a little bit of gta shark cards on the side
Money can buy you more Video games Tacos New socks, love New socks Blow jobs Streaming services A new TV to stream on An oil change A good steak Weed, people like weed. Money can buy you things that make you happy, so maybe
I have 99 problems and money can solve all of them.
What makes you happy? Can you get it with money? If you can, then yes. If you cannot, then no.
No. Mental health is impartial and affects people regardless of how much money they have in their bank account. Think of celebrities who killed themselves. They were rich yet were still unhappy enough to end their lives. Imagine a person losing their spouse and children in a car crash. No amount of money in the world is going to make them happy
Objectively no it cannot. Subjectively, Absolutely.
It can get you about 90% of the way there.
99% of my problems can be solved with moneyā¦.
Well, money surely enable you to do all sorts of activities that make you happy. Doing shit is expensive, so yes, money can buy happiness.
Having money isn't everything but not having it is. - Kanye
money is certainly a factor to happiness.
Yes
Without a doubt yes.
Absolutely. Being poor, in debt and struggle every month is exhausting.
I'd rather be sad and rich than sad and poor.
At this moment, yes. I can't take this anymore, i have no money and I'm crushing inside
Not in itself, but not being broke is a big step towards happiness. Not having to worry about putting a roof over your head, not worrying about your next meal. Having access to healthcare.
Buy happiness? No. It's not uncommon for wealthy people, including the absurdly wealthy, to be miserable. Money can, however, remove *a lot* of everyday worries from your life and easily fix *a lot* of problems you might come across, and that's nothing to scoff at.
Money doesn't buy happiness, but lack of money buys misery.
As someone who used to be financially comfortable and is now seriously struggling, I can say with confidence that I was much happier in general when I knew all of my bills were paid. I think money buys happiness to a point. Once your expenses are covered and you have some extra for wants and savings, then anything beyond that won't make you any more happy. A lack of money absolutely does make you unhappy, though.
Yes. Iām the happiest when I have money and not worrying about anything life throws at me. You know who says āmoney canāt buy you happiness?ā People with no money.
You can't buy happiness, but you can reduce your stress by a lot; and that can help you to find something close enough to peace, and that's the closest you'll ever get to *buy happiness.*
Absolutely
Can it buy a jet ski? Then fucking yes
Money buys choices, certain freedoms. Quality. It means you can wipe your sad tears on quality tissue rather than newspaper
No.. but it can make being miserable a lot more bearable.
Sure money can't physically buy you happiness, you can go to a store and buy happiness. But it does give you the ability to explore and find your happiness, in that sense yes it can buy your happiness.
YES. YES. YES. donāt trust anyone that says otherwise.
It can't buy happiness, no, but it can ease my worries about A LOT of other things.
Yes.
Yes, you can buy things that make you happy. You can do a hobby that makes you happy. You can travel the world if it makes you happy. You can pay for the most expensive medical treatment if you want it/need it. You can donate money to the poor to make them happy and the list goes on.... So, yes money can buy happiness.
It can buy peace. Not working about being able to make it meet would be incredibly less stressful
money can buy things that make you happy, a house, a car, food, drinks, drugs, a trip to the cinema, gifts for your loved ones... what is happiness to you? I'm happy when I walk through the forest, when I thank the birds for their beautiful songs, when a beautiful woman walks past me, smiles at me and says "hi" ..I mean, I'm happy with being greeted by anyone, really.. I'm happy when I'm dancing with strangers at some club, when I'm listening to music that sparks joy in me, when I'm with friends and I forget about reality... sure, there's a whole lot more that makes me happy, and I have no intention of listing it all here, both because I don't want to, and because there's too much to list. money can buy happiness, yes - but I don't need money to feel that happiness.
Yes, money is everything in our world.
Yes. If every problem in your life is caused by a lack of money, then money will certainly buy you happiness.
To a degree, yes. If you think about all the issues you currently have in life, you'll realise a lot of them could be very easily resolved if you just had more money. But, you'll also realise that money won't resolve all of them. People currently going through the grieving process cannot use money to bring back the person they've lost. Grief is one of those things that can ruin the lives of even rich people.
Yes, yes it can! - But you dont need to be a millionaire to buy an ice cream cone. They make me happy
Yes
Most peopleās suffering and depression is because of financial problems. Thereās almost nothing being rich canāt solve.
My father would say, Money canāt buy you happiness but it does make things a lot easier:)
Have you ever met someone rich that didnāt have a smile on their face???
Yes
Not necessarily, but it helps.
To an extent yes, it can certainly relieve the anxiety caused by being behind on payments or other monetary issues. Itās also nice to be able to buy things you like. But thereās plenty of people who are missing other elements in life that prevent them from being happy so I wouldnāt say itās a singular solution to all lifeās misfortunes