Can Money Bring You Happiness?

The general notion regarding money in spiritual and religious circles in general and the circle of people with no money, in particular, is that money cannot buy happiness.

Followers of this ideology believe that money is a materialistic thing thus it has no relation whatsoever with happiness which is totally an intrinsic factor.

Can-Money-Bring-You-Happiness

As far as the religious circles that promote this notion against money are concerned, if they do believe that money cannot buy happiness then it seriously puts the concept of charity to question which the religious circles so abundantly stress upon.

Therefore, directly or indirectly, money does have something to do with happiness.

To me money has a large role to play in happiness; however, it all depends on the way money is spent.

This spending of money should not be confused with like if you are going to buy a sedan or a Lamborghini, rather, it refers to whether you spend money on yourself or you spend it on others.

Before moving on to telling you which type of money spending brings happiness, let me share a strange fact with you.

We believe that people who win lotteries are the happiest of all and they get their life changed overnight.

Several types of research in this regard have proven the fact that the happiness of lottery winners is not long-lasting and their life does change but for the worst.

Research shows that these people start buying things, which they do not need and start spending money without a second thought, as a result of which they end up in debt.

On the other hand, when they win the lottery, their friends and family start bugging them asking for money, and when they don’t comply with their demands they face an anti-social response from others thus, for such people money really does not buy happiness.

From the example of lottery winners, it can be deduced that money does not buy happiness.

However, there is another side of the picture as well and it is related to spending money on others.

Every religion encourages spending money on others as a means of spiritual cleansing and growth.

Applying this philosophy to the real world, one can easily feel happiness and joy for all the spending one makes on others.

Money can serve as the best means of attaining happiness when it is served on others.

Can Money Bring You Happiness

Moreover, pertaining to spending money, some people believe that it’s the spending of money on their loved ones that bring them happiness, while there are others who are of the view that spending money on a random person or a stranger is what brings them happiness.

No matter whoever you spend it on, the sparkle in their eye that represents that there is someone who cares for them is priceless and that priceless sparkle is what will bring satisfaction and happiness to your spirit and soul.

On the contrary, spending on oneself is quite conventional and it is what every one of us does.

The reason why it does not bring happiness is the same as with the lottery winners. Moreover, as humans, the responses of others is what triggers our response.

Therefore, if your money isn’t able to bring happiness to anyone, then it won’t bring you happiness.

On the other hand, if you are an ordinary person with an ordinary job and an ordinary amount of money at your disposal, then spending from that ordinary would bring the same amount of happiness to him or her as would a lavish charity bring to a millionaire.

It’s not how much you spend; it’s the way you spend that brings happiness from money.

Now it’s Your Turn!

Do you feel that money can buy happiness?

In case you don’t then why?

How many rich people have you seen who are happy or unhappy?

What is the major reason behind their happiness or sadness?

I would love to hear your feedback in the comments section below!

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63 responses to “Can Money Bring You Happiness?”

  1. I don’t think money will make you as happy as people tend to believe it does. However, it does lead to peace of mind, if you use it wisely. To have money and never have to worry about how you’re going to pay the bills is a plus. To be able to do what you want and whenever you want sounds like freedom. But to spend like a maniac, as in your example with lottery winners, that is sure to bring disaster. Personally, I like to use my money to help where help is needed. Thanks for your post, Nate.

  2. Ryan Biddulph says:

    Nate,

    Money can give cause for happiness. If you are unprepared to receive large sums of money – see broke, poverty conscious lottery winners – the money will flee from you, as it does from these folks who lose the money quickly.

    Money is simply an energy that can help you feel free if you acquire money in harmony with universal laws.

    Thanks Nate, nice share!

  3. Greetings Nate,

    Money can certainly buy happiness, such as putting a smile on your child’s face when they open a gift. I think in this way money can contribute to creating quality memories, an investment in future happiness.

    I know some wealthy people who are quiet about having money because it’s not the be all, end all for them. It’s a means to an end. They are quite happy to give generously, but silently, to causes that are close to their heart. One friend, in particular, gets an enormous number of requests for handouts, which are always refused because it is seen as enabling a terrible habit.

    I know of someone else who went from millions and is now struggling financially. Much like the lottery example you cited, this person had an easy-come, easy-go attitude.

    You could throw money at a cause, and that may provide you with a sense of happiness because you’re contributing, but does it fulfill you? Perhaps for a moment or two, Many people who are not wealthy financially, are very wealthy spiritually and give of their personal time and energy, because that’s all they have.

    Generally, if you analyze where a person’s money is going, it will reveal what their beliefs and attitudes are.

    Kind Regards,
    Bill

    • Nate Leung says:

      It’s all about perception and how you feel about money. Good points!

  4. Shari says:

    Great article. . .Money certainly makes thing easier and lets you focus on other things. I agree that spending money on others, or giving to charitable causes increases happiness. I believe that money is just a vehicle, people have to figure out how to be happy with themselves.

  5. I agree! It really does depend on how you spend money. Money doesn’t control my happiness, but it can make me happy…especially if I am buying something that I have been wanting really bad…or I am buying something for my children.

    • Nate Leung says:

      Having money isn’t a negative or a positive. It’s all about how you perceive money and you proved that everyone feels differently about money. Thank you for the comments!

  6. Steve Clausell says:

    Hey Nate….I know so many people that have the mind set that if they could just win the lottery or somekind of money miracle, all of their problems would disappear. Not true. I believe that a person has to have the right motive as it relates to money. I use it as a tool and and no the source of my overall happiness

    Awesome post Nate!…will share

    Steve Clausell

  7. Money is a tool. A hammer is a tool.

    If I use a hammer to hang a pretty picture that makes me happy. If my toddler uses the hammer to smash my computer screen that makes me very unhappy!

    Money is a tool – Happiness comes in how it’s used!

    • Nate Leung says:

      Great analogy Melody. You can also take it a step further. If a hammer is a tool, and the reason why you have a hammer is to use it to either fix something or build something. So if turn back to money, money can give you options and can help you make decisions based on what you need it for. Hence, a tool. Thank you for the comments!

  8. Carol says:

    I don’t think money can buy happiness. The best things in life are free!

    http://www.lifestyleandimage.co.uk

  9. Benson Wong says:

    Money may not be able to buy you happiness but no one can deny that it certainly helps. For instance, if you were struggling to raise your children, would a salary of $75,000 be preferable to $30,000? The money gets you there and opens up doors for you. The more valuable commodity is time. The money buys you time, freeing up your worries and stress so as to pursue goals of a more spiritual nature and fulfilling our need to be compassionate towards others and to pursue a higher purpose, which are some of the things that ultimately bring us happiness.

    • Nate Leung says:

      You’re absolutely right about time. We often trade time for money. Thank you for the comments!

  10. Andrea says:

    Hi Nate. I don’t think anything has the power to make me happy or unhappy. It’s my choice whether I feel happy or sad, mad or glad, and I can feel those emotions whether I’m rich or poor. It’s not the money that makes me feel anything one way or another…that said, it sure is nice to have it in my life 😀 It’s up to us what we do with our money, and choosing to give some to charity or help others in some way will probably make us feel good about ourselves, but it’s the act, not the money. Great post! Thought-provoking. Andrea

    • Nate Leung says:

      Exactly. All about perception towards money. Thank you for the comments!

  11. Peggy Nolan says:

    Hi Nate,

    If you do not believe you are worthy or deserving of richness and abundance, no amount of money will make you happy. I personally believe it’s the feeling for worthiness and feeling that one is deserving. That’s the internal fire that sparks the feelings of happiness. Money is just a tool – it’s a thing – and it works in making the world go round because nearly every human on earth has agreed to the value of money. Could just as well be corn, grain, or salt.

  12. I don’t think money can buy us happiness but it can buy us security and a sense of freedom which then allows us to do things that make us happy.

    It someone is struggling to make ends meet, going in to debt then it can be difficult to feel happy. I believe there is a baseline of money that people need which is different for each person. Once that baseline is met we can start to find happiness in our own way.

    I think money provides us with opportunities to be happy but we have to see that and determine how to use it.

    I think it is often the small things that bring us the most happiness. A hug, a beautiful walk in the woods, a connection with someone. Most of which do not cost money, just time and being in the moment.

  13. Money is a reflection of its possessor. The more one has the more whatever the core of that person is revealed. It is the thought and desire of those who chase it, once they get it, have the need to respect it and do what they have desired to do with compassion for the things, people and lessons that got them there in the first place.

    Much love and great post!

  14. frank joseph says:

    Money do not bring about happiness, but our thought makes us happy.
    But to be frank, money can make one have a good thought that will bring happiness.
    So true about lotteries winners, money those not bring happiness for them but sadness.

  15. Cindy Eidahl says:

    Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.~ Thomas Jefferson

    I always liked this quote and wanted to share it with you.
    It is all in the mindset and what you believe.
    Make it a wonderful day!

    • Nate Leung says:

      That is an awesome quote. Goes perfectly with today’s message. Thank you Cindy!

  16. Saad Ansari says:

    Well, they say money is the only key to success and peace. But, sooner or later they get to know it was their wrongful thought. Peace matters in other way around.

  17. Stacie says:

    Money can buy happiness to some extent. No doubt money is an important thing in life but not everything. Basically religion teaches us to give charity if you meet certain criteria. As per my personal experience,I have seen peoples lives changing for worse when they have more money. Maybe money is not to be blamed, but people should be. They don’t know how to spend. I have even seen people not in debt, when they were not so rich but getting in debt trap when they become rich. Its a strange phenomena. I believe in religion which says life is nothing but an illusion. Working hard for money is not wrong, but misusing it, is.

  18. Sandy K Hardy says:

    Money does not buy happiness. Happiness is a choice. Money buys fun!!

    • Nate Leung says:

      Sure is Sandy! I’m sure you have no trouble with what to do with money in order to have fun! 🙂

  19. I Know a lot of people say that money cannot buy happiness, but i’m happy already, so I don’t need to buy happiness, just a house, pay some debts lol if you get my meaning 😉

    • Nate Leung says:

      Sure do Marielle! Everyone’s reasoning is different. Appreciate you sharing!

  20. Di Hill says:

    It is interesting discussing this topic. Ask someone struggling financially if money will bring them happiness? Financial problems are a major cause of stress and depression. Money arguments in families (husband and wife) can cause so much trouble. I don’t think there is a simple answer – and I would still love to win lotto as I think it is the only way I will be able to fund a project that I have in mind. Oh, well. Dream on. Interesting topic to discuss.

  21. nabanita says:

    Money is definitely necessary but of course it’s not all

  22. Shalu Sharma says:

    Money can’t buy happiness but it certainly does pay the bills which turn makes you happy.

    • Nate Leung says:

      Everyone’s deal is different. If paying your bills makes you happy, that is all that should matter to you. Thanks for the comment!

  23. Dk Patel says:

    Money is the thing which is always loved by anyone and never hatred
    Each and every person love it. But it is true that you cant buy happiness from money but without money there is no happiness also.

    • Nate Leung says:

      You just proved the point of where money can’t buy you happiness.

  24. Hi Nate,
    No. I don’t think money can buy you happiness. Happiness comes from within, following your intuition, doing those things that bring you joy. Money is a tool. Sure it can make life better in many ways. But it depends on how you use it and your attitude about life.

  25. John Engle says:

    Well said Nate,

    From what I have learned, some of the most wealthy and influential people give large amounts of their money to charities and churches.

    It is even stated in the book ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ that if you want to start gathering abundance, start with giving.

    Well written Nate.

    John Engle

    • Nate Leung says:

      With that you said about giving, I would also add ‘pay it foward’. Thank you for the comments John!

  26. Hi Nate,

    Great post. I believe money can buy happiness in the sense that you no longer have to worry about your bills or where the next meal is coming from. But as a total fix for “happiness,” NO.

    You have to be happy with yourself and use common sense when/if you come into some money.

    Helping others is a way of making you happy with money.

    Have a great afternoon, Monna

  27. I should imagine that lots of wealthy people are unhappy for many a different reason. But this is a huge discussion really as money versus happiness is surely a sliding scale with pros and cons at every point.

    Consider just the following:

    A poor man cannot sleep at night because he has lost his job and may lose his house.

    A millionaire cannot sleep at night because he worries about all the descisions he has to make.

    It’s all relative really xxx

    • Nate Leung says:

      It’s all boils down to perspective. If a millionaire is going to worry about making the right the decision, his thoughts will dictate that so that will start to always show up in his life. Now if the same millionaire is living in abundance and allow things in lift to happen, than that is exactly will will happen. At the end of the day, what we think about is what we bring about and that’s all about the perspective. Thank you for the comments Denise!

  28. Hi Nate,
    Happiness for me comes from inside and has nothing to do with money .What we really need is free ,does not need money 🙂
    Money is for me like a energy we need to get what we want ,to much of it needs knowledge ,how to handle it and I saw there are all kind of tricks some use to keep it and make it more.Many this days talk about millions and charity ,but the charity they do is like a drop on a hot stone ,I would have better ideas how to change thing and think in reality they use charity to save taxes .Charity for me is help and show how they can help themselves.Most money spend on charity goes in other channels ,not where it is most needed.I have been in a lot of different situation ,with much money with less money ,I always got what I really need ,but a problem is if you have people around with scarcity thinking. Money is a good thing and can by comfort ,but not happiness.

  29. Shelley Webb says:

    While money cannot guarantee your happiness, it does allow you to create events that will allow for more happiness. For instance, being with family can be a wonderful experience, but if you lack the money to allow you to travel to see them, you won’t be able to have that experience.

  30. Sharon ODay says:

    My mantra in my work with women and their money is: “In the end, it’s not how MUCH money, it what money MEANS to you and what money DOES for you.” With that in mind, whether or not it brings you happiness depends on a wide numbers of factors …

    • Nate Leung says:

      Exactly. It all depends on the conversation we are having. Some view it as positive or a negative, and that’s not what the conversation is about when it comes to the variable factors. Thank you for the comments!

  31. Noel Worli says:

    Hi Nate,

    Money is an important part of our lives. It affects us in all areas, either directly or indirectly. Money can affect our relationships, our career choices, and so on.

    Having money sure does make things easier. Money can stress us out, especially if we don’t have enough to buy the things we need.

    • Nate Leung says:

      Yes, money does provide choices and what you said is exactly right. Thank you for the comments!

  32. I used to believe that money can buy happiness but one day i had a lot of cash and i was so sad, i tried all i could but i was still sad. Dreams money can buy.

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