“Wealth and children are the adornments of the life of this world. But the permanent righteous deeds are better in your Lord’s Sight (to attain) rewards, and better in respect of hope.” [Surah al-Kahf, 46]

First, let me say that it is his money. He has the right to do whatever he likes with it.

Now to the part I don’t understand. He said: “Money is counter-productive – it prevents happiness.” I don’t think anything can be further from the truth.

It seems this man has confused having money with spending money on a 5-star lifestyle. Later in the article, he talks about being dissatisfied by having so many things.

If I had a $5 million fortune, I probably wouldn’t own multiple houses and a bunch of gliders. That isn’t in line with my values. Yes, I’d have a nice house and a couple of nice cars. But the 5-star lifestyle? Unnecessary.

You see, I know what brings me happiness. A bunch of expensive “stuff” isn’t it. That sure doesn’t mean I think money “prevents happiness.” What a ridiculous idea!!

I have family members with a net worth that’s about the same as this man’s. They live simply. House worth about $300K. Couple of nice cars. They give money to their children and to charities. They pay for summer camps and other treats for their grandkids.

Above all, they have security. No fears about becoming sick and not being able to live out life with dignity. They go on a great vacation every year.

Money doesn’t make them unhappy. It offers them security, peace and a way to help others.

As to the quote above implying that Jesus wants us to give everything away … the Bible also says you are to care for your household financially, and to leave an inheritance to your children and your children’s children. So those kinds of arguments don’t wash with me.

I’m sad for the man in this article. As others have stated here, he probably doesn’t know what happiness is. Having money – or not having it – won’t solve that problem.

As for money buying happiness – maybe not, but it certainly gets rid of a lot of the stresses that cause unhappiness. I’m generally happy now on my current small income, but there’s no getting away from the feelings of insecurity associated with not having a good financial cushion, and the frustration of not having enough time to do all the things I really want to, because I work so much (even though I love working on my business too). I know I’ll feel much more freer and more relaxed as my income grows, so yes, more money will bring more happiness for me, although I’m sure I’ll get to a point where it stops mattering so much.

I think the guest posts are a good idea too, even if I don’t always agree with them (& I generally prefer your writing). I especially like reading the ones from people who have some degree of wealth – as others said on the previous post, there’s only so much that can be written about the usual PF subjects such as debt-reduction, budgeting & the like before it gets repetitive. I intend to be wealthy, so it’s inspiring to read about life from that perspective, even if it’s not of practical use to me yet. I think your more expanded range of topics sets GRS apart from the other PF blogs I’ve read.

I’m a huge believer in balance. Going from one extreme to the other isn’t balance, in my opinion, but I am clearly not the same as this guy. If he wants to live in a hut in the woods, more power to him, but nothing was stopping him from doing that before giving away his money.

And JD, please feel free to add guest writers/moderators and whatever else is needed to ease your burden and increase your happiness.

I have a feeling that he’s going to give away his things and realize that he’s still not happy. Unless he’s too busy trying to survive to even think about happiness, in which case I suppose it’s a success.

http://www.thepowerofhalf.com/home

As an aside: I have personally found that you *can* buy happiness, and it’s called Wellbutrin. I’m serious – if a person struggles so hard to find any happiness and even goes to extremes for it, they may actually need an antidepressant.

Things, certain people, boredom, and ill health (mental included) can make you unhappy.

Great post! I love your insight. I read an article on Entrepreneur.com yesterday that has to do with this matter, but in an entirely different light. You’ve got to read what the “Turn Around Ace” wrote about business and family on Entrepreneur.com.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/management/columnistgeorgecloutier/article204856.html

I was shocked to find that this was no parody. Since there wasn’t anywhere to comment, I posted a comment on his site. Since then there’s been quite a few follow up comments.

http://www.turnaroundace.com/index.php/blog/comments/house_hits_home_with_fat_paychecks_leaves_a_few_lumps_of_coal_for_small_biz/

It would be awesome if you could point out this conversation. Thanks!

Please continue posting the occasional post dealing with life and issues after one has become “rich.”

I’d also be worried about his old age and retirement. To be honest, I can’t concieve of how having that security in the future could make you unhappy, even if the consumerism was getting you down today. Perhaps he should have put it in a trust.

@J.D. – You’re a restless guy, I think. Perhaps come to terms with it, and then tweak and align your course, rather than looking for the big solution?

Just a thought.

If he lived in the U.S., he’d need money each month to pay the insurance companies that feed into the for-profit medical industrial complex. (One-third of the U.S.’s medical expenses are insurance-related. Where are the incentives to cut costs, or the government’s incentives to foster better nutrition–for example, not subsidizing corn/fructose as an ingredient in processed food–when the bottom line is foremost?)

My doctor says that insurance clerks are practicing medicine without a license when they tell her what she can and cannot do with her patients.

There’s a great post over on LifeTuner by Jeff Yeager about how simple living is key to complex financial times. Check it out:

http://www.lifetuner.org/advice/124-simple_living_is_key_to_complex_financial_times

@Raghu, I am one who liked the previous guest post and enjoy the diversity of writers. Compare Erika to this guy. She spent less money to buy time, which did give her happiness, but her choice was heavily criticized by some. This guy used more money to buy stuff, and he’s unhappy. It’s an interesting comparison.

It does make me think, though–if my financial goals don’t take as long as I thought, will I be lost and floundering, wondering what to do with myself? I’ve noticed that I’m happiest when I’m planning for something. Although I guess there would just be different things to plan for in that case.

Maybe it doesn’t exist, and the people who don’t care don’t notice?

I am looking forward to the follow up in 12 months where he cries “What have I done?!”.

Yep, a house in delightful Provence, ski lodge in ze Alps etc etc sound HORRIBLE.

Does he get a chance to say, “I changed my mind, I would like to have my money back”. Do you think the receiver of the gift would in turn give back? Don’t think so.

Certainly money is nothing more than a tool. To look upon money as something evil is something foolish.