I've always believed that money doesn't make you happy. Heck, I tell my son that all the time. But I got my stimulus check a few weeks back and used some to pay off a credit card and the rest is just sitting in my wallet (so to speak). I have $100 in my wallet and $200 in my safe at home. I haven't bought really anything with it. In fact I don't plan to. But I am walking around with around 100 bucks+- and I FEEL GREAT! Is it because I've been struggling so long that I'm really enjoying having money in my possession or am I just full of baloney? Do I really believe money brings happiness? Am I alone here?

Kenny

I don't believe money = happiness, but I absolutely think that a severe lack of money can = unhappiness.

I agree with Bluebell. It's hard to be happy if you don't have any security.

Nope, you're not alone. I believe money can buy you happiness.

There's a German proverb that says "Money alone does not make one happy." I think that qualifier makes perfect sense.

IMO, money can buy you happiness if you know what to do with it (the money) and spend it wisely.

I don't believe you, I have evidence that you've lied in the past.

your not a liar. is a relief to have money. i think that if you always had that money it wouldn't make you happy

Thanks for the replies. While the "big fat liar" part was mostly tongue in cheek, it does feel good to have a little loot
Although there is an ominous faint squeal coming from the brakes in my truck...and they are about due I knew it wouldn't last!
kenny

There's plenty of research about the tenuous connection between money and happiness. The diminishing returns come incredibly quickly. It's pretty interesting stuff: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness_economics

Ryan

Wealth is like health: Its utter absence can breed misery, yet having it is no guarantee of happiness.

I have a friend who stashes a $100 bill in his wallet and has for years. His reasoning? Everytime he sees something that he wants to buy, his mind doesn't say "I can't afford it". Instead, he knows that he CAN afford it, and he consciously can say " I can afford this, but I choose to not purchase it." This was quite empowering for him!

i have lots of money, and i'm still not happy

Money definitely does buy happiness. Ever notice it's only ever poor people who spout that tired old saying, "money can't buy happiness?"

Money = freedom. Debt/poverty = slavery.

It's all about freedom isn't it!? I'm beyond buying everything I want (this site has helped). It's trying to undo past mistakes and the death grip the creditors have on us that WE gave them. For me thats the point of debt"FREE".