Does money buy happiness?

[mai72]

Money is one of those topics that most people don't like to talk about which is a shame because being ignorant about money can make your life that much harder. You tend to go into debt. Avoid investing because you think the money game is rigged. Its not rigged. Learn to play the game.

And so, it just amazes me that people avoid the harsh truth that money does buy happiness. And according to new research that number is much higher than previously thought which was about $75k or about $100k annually.

Its funny that people act like money doesn't matter. And yet, we work long hours. We go to college, and take on advanced degrees and we will never say the reason why. Its obvious. MONEY MATTERS. Lots of money matters. Stop lying to yourself. I love the idea of making a lot of money because money buys freedom. Money gives you options in life. Have you ever needed to fix your car and you didn't have the funds? Or, you have bills and you didn't have the money to pay those bills. Or stuck at a horrible job but you can't leave because you have rent or a mortgage to pay at the end or beginning of the month. Yea. I've been there. Money is amazing. We should have more open dialogue when it comes to money. Make so much that you have Fyou money. Nothing wrong with that.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/30/business/money-happiness-study-nightcap/index.html

[Hobbit XIII]

Not reading all the text. I'll answer the title question :

Yes, money can buy happiness.

If a person wants to be miserable then they can buy something that will make them into a thrill seeker.

[Xero_Daxter]

Even if it doesn’t at least I can drive a Bugatti whilst depressed.

[Will be deleted]

The average person today is poorer than decades ago relative to the economy, which probably is one reason why happiness seems to be declining. Also the countries that tend to do very well on happiness index not only got good economies but also relative egalitarian approach to it compared to other countries.

[KingSimpson369]

Yes, money can buy happiness.

[NW/RL]

Yes

[mz]

it can buy me funny chemicals so yeah it does

[Triple G]

This is why free will doesn´t exist.

The human mind is easy to corrupt - and they would waste their time with making money instead of enjoying the time they have. While in certain countries it´s luck based, as a small accident can bankrupt You - and screw over the whole career plans. Then depression kicks in. But it matter not, as most people don´t have such accidents, so one can easily forget about it. Buying identity, happiness, and confidence with money - because they´re unable to get it otherwise.

Is money bad? No.
Does money buy happiness? No.

Money matters as much as it´s required by the system. And of course products are produced so people buy it, so it´s appears to buy happiness to get the people going - and the marketing departments do a good job.

[Will be deleted]

Probably financial security/stability rather than money as a number that is important.

[tallgeese]

Money provides stability and removes a lot of uncertainty in your life, which objectively will make you happier. Will it provide happiness? Who knows.

[Will be deleted]

Despite being poorer in terms of GDP USA seems to been a happier country decades ago which probably have to do with financial security was better back during those times.

[Xero_Daxter]

Originally posted by tallgeese:

Money provides stability and removes a lot of uncertainty in your life, which objectively will make you happier. Will it provide happiness? Who knows.

Idk about you but I’ll be able to buy a life time supply of cheesecake. Just to be petty I’ll also buy all of the houses in my town and Airbnb them for more money.

[AdahnGorion]

Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Yes it does.

[Shiro♌]

Money matters only for as long as you have the freedom to use them, so while you're still healthy they're of importance; Upon retiring and your health detoriating, they start to matter less and less, while relationships and how you have lived your life starts taking its toll.
In the end, nobody wants to be alone, right?

[Will be deleted]

Rent used to be much lower in the past https://ipropertymanagement.com/research/average-rent-by-year

Adjusted for inflation the 1970 $108 rent would be like $754.25 in 2021 or about just 2/3 of the actuall 2021 rent.

Education cost have gone up dramatically https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college-by-year

Same with healthcare https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/u-s-spending-healthcare-changed-time/#Total%20national%20health%20expenditures,%20US%20$%20per%20capita,%201970-2022

Cars also seems to gotten more expensive but they use less fuel and last longer so probably not as bad as the items above.

Basically affording a middle class lifestyle have gotten progressively harder.

[Steve]

Depends where you're shopping and what you're shopping for.