Only The Poor or Super Rich Say, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”

Source:http://www.financialsamurai.com/2010/06/03/only-the-poor-or-super-rich-say-money-cant-buy-happiness/
Whoever said, “money can’t buy happiness” is either poor or wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. The incessant amount of studies by researchers trying to prove money can’t buy happiness is simply a result of the researcher’s own poverty. Because they are financially mediocre, researchers are trying to console themselves that it’s OK not being wealthy. Generally, researchers have a higher sense of self because they have more education training. Hence, it tears them up when the see other “lesser beings” make more than them. Meanwhile, those who continue to highlight research stating that money can’t buy happiness are trying to justify their own financially unspectacular selves as well!

You see, the financially unspectacular are all in cahoots with each other. They’ve banded together to proclaim that being middle class is good enough. It probably is good enough for most people, but not for these unsatisfied folks! If being middle class or poor was good enough, then they’d leave well enough alone and be happy in their financial mediocrity. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but swallow they must. Not everybody can make multiple six figures, live in million dollar houses, and pay cash for luxury automobiles. That’s just life.

THE TRICKY RICH

On the flip side, only the super rich say “money can’t buy happiness.” They’ve got all the luxury in the world, with not an ounce of financial worry. It must be nice never having to budget during Christmas season. It must be nice going to $1,000/head charity galas and paying $200 for front row seats to watch the great Itzhak Perelman play violin. These types of people need to fight for the poor because otherwise, they’ll be deemed as greedy bastards.

The guilt factor the super rich have is enough to say statements such as, “The rich aren’t paying their fair share of taxes!” Even if you taxed Warren Buffet 99%, he’d still make more than 99% of the population. Of course it’s OK to raise taxes when you have so much wealth it doesn’t matter! The super rich will lecture us not to stop focusing so much on money and just following your dreams. Don’t listen to them for one bit! They’re just trying to win you over and pretend to be like one of you.

DEFINITELY HAPPIER

I don’t know about you, but I’m very happy making more than I did 10 years ago. 10 years ago, I was worried whether I could afford getting desert for two on a date. Now, the cost of a seven layer chocolate cake for $8.99 doesn’t even cross my mind, only the 3 miles I’ll have to run tomorrow instead. 10 years ago, I used to be more stressed at work because I didn’t want to risk getting fired since I had no safety net. Now, I’m focused on all the good things at work and don’t worry about face time issues, work place politics, and kissing every rump that comes around. 10 years ago, I would never be able to consciously buy two round-trip tickets the day before to celebrate Valentines week on Lost island. Now, I’m excited to go on more last minute adventures because experiences are what matter most!

The reason why money does buy happiness is because once you have money, you don’t worry about money anymore. All the stress that comes with a lack of money melt away. You’re not pissed at your friends for short-changing the pot during a group meal outing. You don’t care if you get a flat tire and have to spend $200 to replace. You’re just not worried anymore, and that feels fantastic!

Money also allows you to buy fantastic memories. Most would agree that your happiest moments are spent with friends and loved ones. If you have money to travel and be with those you care about, is that not happiness production? It absolutely is. What about all the fun times you had taking salsa lessons or playing tennis at the club? Not a cheap endeavor, but so fun, and made possible by money.

CONCLUSION

When people start telling you money can’t buy happiness, take a good hard look at their own finances. They are likely telling you this because they don’t have much money themselves. They haven’t tasted the freedom money buys. And if they so happen to be PhD’s, well you can forget about their advice right there. If they are super rich, then you know they are lying as well so as to not look like a prick. Money can buy happiness because money buys peace of mind and opportunities for great experiences. Don’t be fooled by ego-consoling research and those who espouse!

Readers, why do you think scientists try and prove that money can’t buy happiness? Do you agree that those who believe money can’t buy happiness generally have poor financials? Would you not be giddy as a school girl if you inherited $100 million buckaroos? If so, for how long?

Regards,

Sam @ Financial Samurai – “Slicing Through Money’s Mysteries”