Are you Spending Money the Wrong Way in Pursuit of Happiness?

[Unbunplease]

Happiness is not an all time thing, you can't just go around feeling happy all the time, you can't just be 24/7 happy non-stop, that may mean that you are having some mental issues. However, feeling less unhappy could be a good starting point, because that is also something you shouldn't feel all the time. If you are constantly unhappy then something is wrong and you shouldn't feel that, it just doesn't make sense. I personally feel like the best thing to do in this case would be just focusing on how you could feel upset only here and there when things you can't control happens, but you do not feel it commonly. I do not feel unhappy commonly, I try to avoid those things, there is elections in my nation this week so there are a lot of ups and downs, but in normal days I try to just focus on the good and try not to feel bad, if you can avoid it, then it should be alright.

Happiness is a temporary phenomenon, and for each person happiness is a purely personal moment. That is, each person has his own criteria of happiness. I think that life doesn't have to be completely joyless, and you can spend a little money to feel a little happier.

[ChiBitCTy]

Money should make you happy but if it doesn't then you are probably spending it the wrong way. See the eight suggested principles to help anyone to be able to get happiness from their money.

• buy more experiences and fewer material goods
• use your money to benefit others rather than yourself
• buy many small pleasures rather than fewer large ones
• eschew extended warranties and other forms of overpriced insurance
• delay consumption
• consider how peripheral features of your purchases may affect your day-to-day life
• beware of comparison shopping
• pay close attention to the happiness of others

These suggestions are not mine but are from the scientific findings of EW Dunn et al. They are valid suggestions which even without reading have been practicing.  What are you take on these suggestions? Do you have more to add to what the researchers have discovered about this?

- https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/danielgilbert/files/if-money-doesnt-make-you-happy.nov-12-20101.pdf

Money DOES NOT buy happiness.  Many very rich people in this world are completely miserable.  Money can certainly help buy happiness, and obviously being financially stable helps make you a happier person by not being in need of next months rent check in a big way each month...but it doesn't guarantee happiness by any means.

I agree with some of these main points, but not all. 

[Yatsan]

Money should make you happy but if it doesn't then you are probably spending it the wrong way. See the eight suggested principles to help anyone to be able to get happiness from their money.

• buy more experiences and fewer material goods
• use your money to benefit others rather than yourself
• buy many small pleasures rather than fewer large ones
• eschew extended warranties and other forms of overpriced insurance
• delay consumption
• consider how peripheral features of your purchases may affect your day-to-day life
• beware of comparison shopping
• pay close attention to the happiness of others

These suggestions are not mine but are from the scientific findings of EW Dunn et al. They are valid suggestions which even without reading have been practicing.  What are you take on these suggestions? Do you have more to add to what the researchers have discovered about this?

- https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/danielgilbert/files/if-money-doesnt-make-you-happy.nov-12-20101.pdf

If you are enjoying where you are spendong or using your money, then that's just fine. What is not is to stress out because you used all of your money into something which will generate profit but will not give you satisfaction or happiness. Things should be balanced; allot money for investment purposes and also, allot for personal entertainment. You'll see; not all people are the same. Some would be fine just enjoying things that much 'coz money is their motivation. While others are prioritizing enjoyment over investments. Eitherway is valid as long as you are meeting your personal goal which is to either earn profit, enjoy, or both.

You can think of many ways to earn profit from investment but sometimes you will have difficulties with finding the source of your happiness. Alike with the counterpart with struggling to dinf that investment and ssacrificing happiness and contentment.

[Sexylizzy2813]

Some people find it difficult to spend their money on others because they are enveloped in the "me" cloud. Some regard it as unfair to extend a hand of financial help to others since everyone has two hands to work, so your number two point, op may sound like a foreign language to them.
 Money can never buy happiness, rather to some people, it makes them greedy and unsatisfied hence the need to look for more. True happiness can come from contentment or using what you've gotten to benefit others.

[Smartvirus]

• use your money to benefit others rather than yourself

I got the point about being a philanthropist but, the purpose of having all those funds is because you worked for it and giving away things doenst mean you should depressive yourself. Your entitled to your reward for hard work and I don't see reasons why you should help and not help yourself with the things you need. That's a first responsibility to yourself and every other thing is a secondary concern.

Spending on others becomes a lot easier that way. When you ain't fighting with your thoughts over the things your not getting for yourself and you find it very important to your wellbeing or living your true nature.

[LogitechMouse]

I agree with some, but there are some parts where I disagree, or it's a subjective one.

• buy more experiences and fewer material goods

I guess I will not disagree with this one. Though there's nothing wrong with buying material goods for your own happiness, spending your money to gain more experience, and knowledge is for me the best place where you can spend your money with. A happy person is willing to spend money just to fulfill their happiness.

• use your money to benefit others rather than yourself

This is a very subjective thing, and for sure not all of us will agree on it.

How can you help others if you can't help yourself? At least before helping others, help yourself first. I know that helping others is a very fulfilling thing because I have done it as well in the past, and that's the best feeling that I ever had, but at least before helping others, make sure that you will not be having a hard time after that. There's nothing wrong on helping others, but if that's the reason that you will be poor, or can't afford to buy something in the future then I guess don't do it first.

• buy many small pleasures rather than fewer large ones

The more the merrier I guess.

• pay close attention to the happiness of others

Different people have different levels of happiness, and we can't force a person to be happy if they don't want to. Why pay close attention to their happiness? I mean they can be happy if they wanted to right? Even a poor person can be happy with simple things. Even a homeless person can be happy with us not paying a close attention to them.

[kryptqnick]

I liked the suggestions, and it's cool that they are actually backed by scientific findings. Buying experiences is certainly something many forget about and something that I agree increases the quality of life. If one can help others, it's also a nice way to spend money, both for your own sake and for the sake of others. I'm not sure about delaying consumption, though, as sometimes it can make a person angrier and the pleasure may no longer be relevant at some point. A good example that comes to mind is from the film Sideways, where the main character was waiting for a good occasion to drink great wine, but then the circumstances changed and there was no gratification at the time he drank it.

[Aikidoka]

I agree with some of the statements you posted, but not all. Personally, I am happy to spend my money on things that have a positive impact on myself and my family, and make us happy. As for the points I don't agree with, or only slightly agree with:

use your money to benefit others rather than yourself

If you can't use your money to benefit yourself first, then you won't be able to benefit others. Similarly if you use your money only for others, what about your own happiness? It's important to strike a balance between using your money for your own benefit and for others' benefit.

consider how peripheral features of your purchases may affect your day-to-day life

I'd rather not scrutinize my purchases too much. If I decide to spend money on something then it surely has some value in my life even if it doesn't I won't dwell on it too much and move on. I don't want to ruin my day by overthinking about it.

[Lorence.xD]

Well the list in the OP's post actually true, I found myself happy as I give my family some money/gifts it's so overwhelming to see their eyes to be happy with the things they received I can't even explain it. I also find myself happy when I'm spending some accessories for myself like in the components of the computer whenever I upgrade it. Spending money in a good way like thinking realistic is my method of being happy, we are all working and investing for us to have an extra money for us to spend. But I much prefer to invest as I could spend more in the future with the investment. Using your money in such a useful thing is the best decision that you could do with your funds. Thinking of your good decisions with your money would make you happy.

[Flexystar]

I envy that you made post out of your own experience and you must be liking it. However, this is not the case for me. For example I am trying to save up more money in the materialistic things which could include investing into something which is valuable asset for example gold and silver. Moreover, I do have virtual investment which includes our beloved Bitcoin and few other trusted coins. It's just like what other normal people would do to save up some money for the brighter future.

This is investing and more or less spending comes when I am profiting from these type of investment. I believe it doesn't matter at that time how much I am spending and where I am spending. I am still keeping my grounds as it is and thus my pursuit of happiness is configured to my earnings, profits and savings all the time. 

[YOSHIE]

Money should make you happy,

For me happiness lies in ourselves, have you ever seen people have a lot of money but they are miserable and have you seen people with mediocre money but live happily, I've seen two lives that are real.

Everything you say is the percentage theory that practices it very little, no matter how much money someone has, if they don't have principles, goals and how to use money it's the same as lying, life has a final goal, as well as shopping also has a goal, there is nothing wrong in my opinion someone has money to spend this and that for their pleasure, unless: the money is spent on illegal drugs and other things that are useless or self-destructive.

[lixer]

Money DOES NOT buy happiness.  Many very rich people in this world are completely miserable.  Money can certainly help buy happiness, and obviously being financially stable helps make you a happier person by not being in need of next months rent check in a big way each month...but it doesn't guarantee happiness by any means.

I agree with some of these main points, but not all. 

I don't agree, money does buy you happiness, those people who say they don't need money for living a happy life are simply lying to themselves. If one learns to live their life with the minimum resources that they have and kills their wishes and desires within themselves only because they don't have money, that's a different thing, and I wouldn't call you happy if you do that.

In a world like today where inflation is touching the sky, things are out of reach of a lot of people, you cannot say that you don't need money to be happy since one cannot stay happy if one can't fulfil the basic needs of their family.

[isaac_clarke22]

~

True. I understand that there are people that are willing to help others like their family members financially. Here in the Philippines, there are those culture where the parents are making their children a retirement fund, especially the breadwinners, once they started working regardless if it is a corporate work or not. You just gotta suck it or else you're seen as a failure.
It's kind of a toxic culture here, but good thing not everyone is like that. No wonder there are many poor families at this country.

People forgetting to help themselves just because of the "toxic culture and obligation" is just way too much.

~

Not really literally, there are still rich people that are living in hell and wouldn't not even get to enjoy their lives due to them being busy making money. What people meant that money can buy happiness is that it gives people a peace of mind since they can afford to pay bills and never have to loan or be in debt just to pay what they needed to pay that supports their daily lives/needs.

You can't bring the money to the grave anyway like they said.

[Sterbens]

For me happiness lies in ourselves, have you ever seen people have a lot of money but they are miserable and have you seen people with mediocre money but live happily, I've seen two lives that are real.

Everything you say is the percentage theory that practices it very little, no matter how much money someone has, if they don't have principles, goals and how to use money it's the same as lying, life has a final goal, as well as shopping also has a goal, there is nothing wrong in my opinion someone has money to spend this and that for their pleasure, unless: the money is spent on illegal drugs and other things that are useless or self-destructive.

Money is not everything but all need money. But sometimes there are many rich people who cannot enjoy their own wealth, are unhappy with their own possessions. I agree with you, everything comes back to each other. Grateful for what we have, no matter how much money you have, if you can't use it properly, that's a lie. In fact, I see not a few people get hurt because of money problems. Some of my friends are rich and they always go to the casino to gamble spending their money with the aim of seeking pleasure, their way is not wrong but not right. Life will continue to spin, it will not always be on top, it would be better for us to use it for something more positive and can contribute to life.

[irsykes]

I'd say if spending money doesn't make you happy maybe you're all spending it wrongly, even though all the advices above seems good, but I think important what makes one happy isn't necessarily coming from textbook advices like this. Just spend whatever you want, one might be happy enough when they can buy some good cars, not necessarily need good experience, everyone differ to each other.
someone else might also be happy by spending their money for buying luxury goods, it's all relative. but what matters most is that, an individual will be really happy when they got their basic needs settled. it's the most important thing, then the other thing comes after that.

everyone has different desires, I read the text above as a basis for humanizing humane norms. I've experienced things like you said, buy what we want but it ends up being greedy and losing control of financial management that won't come back. buying a car or whatever to be on par with a neighbor who has everything for me it's not a guarantee of long fun it's just temporary fun. but if we have more money and can help others it is like a very long time happiness. the wheel always rotates, the position is not always at the top, there will come a time at the bottom. and it will be reborn from the person we once helped

[Mahanton]

Money should make you happy but if it doesn't then you are probably spending it the wrong way. See the eight suggested principles to help anyone to be able to get happiness from their money.

• buy more experiences and fewer material goods
• use your money to benefit others rather than yourself
• buy many small pleasures rather than fewer large ones
• eschew extended warranties and other forms of overpriced insurance
• delay consumption
• consider how peripheral features of your purchases may affect your day-to-day life
• beware of comparison shopping
• pay close attention to the happiness of others

These suggestions are not mine but are from the scientific findings of EW Dunn et al. They are valid suggestions which even without reading have been practicing.  What are you take on these suggestions? Do you have more to add to what the researchers have discovered about this?

- https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/danielgilbert/files/if-money-doesnt-make-you-happy.nov-12-20101.pdf

When it comes to lists then its surely that beneficial or something that it is really worth to do so, but we know that not all people would really be sharing up with the
same mindset and rather going into their principle which would really vary as we know.Here are the things which might contradicts on whats been
listed;

1. People are materialistic, experience wont really be that much in concern
2. People are selfish, they would always prioritize theirselves.
3. Bigger is always been better.
4. Does depend because not all would really be that compliant nor mindful about insurance
5. Lots of factors would be depending
6. Wants would be more than on needs or something beneficial
7. Jealousy and curiosity would derail you
8. You would be thinking of your happiness than minding on others.

Totally opposite eh? You do could really expect because there are people who are really like this type.

[BRINIRHA]

I loved every point made or suggested in the OP's writing. But in reality it is very difficult to carry out these suggestions. But I have succeeded in doing some and indeed I am familiar with some of the points from the suggestion.

Even when I decide where I will visit on vacation, I will first think about what can make me have fun but also gain experience and insight from the places I visit. I saw my friend who went on vacation abroad while looking for business opportunities that he could learn from when he was on vacation. In essence, everything we do must contain benefits for both things, namely for our enjoyment and for our financial development. we should not only intend to waste money when on vacation or sightseeing. but find both in one step.

[Agbe]

I really appreciate what the OP mentioned or suggested in the writing, he mentioned a lot almost eight or nine of them, but I love the number two and the last one most, use your money to benefit others rather than yourself and pay close attention to the happiness of others, Of course, if done in a good way, it will really be
a way for our neighbors to be happy if we use it to help or reach others because we are giving them help. When we pay close attention to our neighbors and friends are good, spending money with our children our friends, and  others are good and we will live happiest.

[dunfida]

Money DOES NOT buy happiness.  Many very rich people in this world are completely miserable.  Money can certainly help buy happiness, and obviously being financially stable helps make you a happier person by not being in need of next months rent check in a big way each month...but it doesn't guarantee happiness by any means.

I agree with some of these main points, but not all. 

I don't agree, money does buy you happiness, those people who say they don't need money for living a happy life are simply lying to themselves. If one learns to live their life with the minimum resources that they have and kills their wishes and desires within themselves only because they don't have money, that's a different thing, and I wouldn't call you happy if you do that.

In a world like today where inflation is touching the sky, things are out of reach of a lot of people, you cannot say that you don't need money to be happy since one cannot stay happy if one can't fulfil the basic needs of their family.

Talking literally then money is really a crucial part because you cant really be able to do the following if you dont have money.

- You cant travel if you dont have money
- You cant buy things you do want if you dont have money
- You cant have a better life if you dont have money
- You cant able to do something in emergencies if you dont have money
- You cant buy neither wants or needs if you dont have money.

This is why its really not that right on being that conclusive when it comes to money cant buy happiness because it isnt really true.
It is really just that there are things which money cant buy but in most cases, we do really need it.

[Finestream]

In today's world, you really can't say money can't buy happiness because you can't be happy when your stomach growls. It only means money helps you being happy.

But I think there is no wrong way of spending your money unless you didn't share what you bought with someone you love. Be it your significant other or family members. You will not regret the money you spend when you shared it with them.

Money is not everything but it can be very vital to make us happy but never in the sense of contentment. After all, humans have no real satisfaction and real contentment in life. But you know what, it’s a different feeling when you start sharing your money even a little amount not just to your loved ones but even to those unfortunate people that you see around living their lives the hardest way. It won’t matter anymore if you spend your money the wrong way, as long as you care for others and share your blessings, your money will never go into waste.