How many times has someone wisely intoned “Money can’t buy happiness” at you?
And how successfully have you stifled the urge to say “That’s hilaaaaarious because I’ve got a $700 flight to Greece in my cart right and that looks A LOT like happiness, my dude”?
Friends, I am not going to tell you that money can’t buy you happiness because I have purchased happiness, freedom, connection, and support many, many times.
I bought happiness and free time and a cleaner, calmer home in the form of a $400 robot vacuum. I bought sweeter, slower mornings in the form of a dawn simulator. I bought better sleep, easier breakfasts, and a healthier diet in the form of a Nutribullet smoothie maker.
So I’m not going to pat you condescendingly on the arm, smile over my latte, and murmur “Money can’t buy you happiness.” I’ve got a truer, slightly less optimistic saying for all of us to adopt:
Money doesn’t matter if everything else sucks. Share on X
Money can pay for the therapist but it can’t make you change your behavior.
Money can buy you a Match.com membership, but it can’t make your dates any kinder, smarter, or more likely to laugh at that story about your dog.
Money can pay for the home delivery of a lightly dressed green salad, but it can’t prevent you from eating an entire bag of pizza rolls at 11 pm on a Wednesday night.
Because here’s the thing we know but need to be reminded of:
Money isn't magic. No matter where you go, there you are. Share on XYou’re you at $34,000 a year and you’re you at $340,000.
Money can’t buy you happiness if you don’t know what makes you happy. But once you figure out what makes you happy? Well, happiness probably costs a lot less than you think.
P.S. Did you know I have a (free) private Facebook group dedicated solely to the topics of money and happiness? And the stuff we talk about has helped members change jobs, save thousands of dollars, and fight less with their partners? Join us!
I just signed up and I’m really looking forward to this. My financial situation is the best it has ever been, but I still can’t seem to figure this out. Can’t wait!
P.S. I also have a robot vacuum and light alarm clock 🙂 I can’t recommend them enough. They really are amazing if you dislike vacuuming and are looking for a more pleasant wake-up.
Yay! Looking forward to having you, Nikki! (And, yes! Those two purchases are truly life-changing!)
Trying to find how to get in? I signed up but there is no link for the call in the response email 🙁
Things could suck a lot more without money though! Last week was a week of emergency hospital and doctor visits, and it would have been much tougher if we didn’t have the money to buy a ready cooked chicken for dinner (the first time I have ever bought a pre-cooked chicken!)
Love the article and the message. Could not agree more. What’s the point of having money if you can’t enjoy it or do not love your situation? Personally, I value time with family and freinds way more than I value the dollars in my savings account and my portfolio.
Thanks for the great read!
Bert, One of the Dividend Diplomats
How incredibly well said. I love this, because I DO hate those very easy sweeping statements about money and spending and happiness. It’s a pleasure to read something smart and thoughtful and not an oversimplification or cliche on this topic. Looking forward to discovering more of this blog…
Oh, thanks so much for the kind words, Linda! <3