|
 This survey originally ran in
the 7/3/02 DebtSmart
Email Newsletter.
Can money buy happiness?
 |
47% of respondents
said No |
|
53% of respondents
said Yes |
"Happiness is something that
comes from within. It comes from being content with what you are and
what you have."
--Donna
"I believe unless you have true
spiritual faith, money can't buy happiness. The bible says the love
of money is the root of all evil."
--Claire
"To a certain degree. It can't
truly buy happiness but it sure can rent it for awhile!"
--Carol
"Money can't BUY happiness, but
LACK of it can destroy happiness!"
--Marsha
"But only I believe to a certain
extent. Money can never make the person you love -- love you, but it
can relieve stress and make you look at life in a more relaxed
way."
--Tammy
"Yes, money CAN buy happiness.
We live in a society where material things are important. Sad to
say, but true. I know if my husband and I had the money to buy all
the things we'd like to have, we'd be happier. We may not need some
of the things we want, but our lives would be made easier."
--Terri
"Either you are already happy
with your relationships or you are not, and money is not going to
fix that."
--Anonymous
"Yes, in that happiness is a
temporary state of being, dependant upon events. The better
question, in my opinion, is "Can money buy joy"? That
answer is no. Life brings us ups and downs. We can make ourselves
happy in poverty or wealth."
--Hannah
"In some ways money can buy
happiness. However the most important things in life cannot be
bought-love, family, and spiritual peace that only God can give. If
however, financial difficulty causes strife and stress in your
life-money then could make you very happy indeed."
--April
"If I could buy everything I
want and need. I would not have to fight with my wife about money.
And I would not have to work two jobs."
--José
"No, I don't think money can buy
true happiness, though it can make a person feel much better and
more confident, which could lead to things that will make him or her
happier."
--Valerie
"Happiness comes from within!!
More money just gives you that...more money!! If you have more money
and not the happiness from within ... you are just richer but
miserable nonetheless!!"
--Phyllis
"I think this is more a figure
of speak. Meaning that happiness is not something that can be
purchased. However I do believe that feeling comfortable financially
does increase one's feelings of happiness. It is no fun always
worrying about how you are going to manage financially from month to
month. I think that not having enough money for life's essentials
creates a high level of stress on individuals and on families.
Everyone has to determine what amount of money is sufficient for
them to feel comfortable and satisfied. As we all know the more
money we have the more we tend to spend."
--Kathy
"Debt weights heavy on the heart
& heavy on the soul. Debt changes the person you are & the
person you would like to be. Unintentional debt such as, medical
bills, or high college loans can be your undoing."
--Anonymous
"More money can help you achieve
financial goals quicker and bring peace of mind and thus
happiness."
--Anonymous
"All the things that give
happiness are priceless and cannot be bought."
--Anonymous
"Perhaps. I would assume that
you wouldn't have to worry about how you are going to pay the bills,
if there is enough money, and you could afford to go on vacation.
Even if you don't win 1 million, having financial security and money
in the bank takes a tremendous weight off your shoulders. Especially
if money was a big stress to you before you got a lot of it. Of
course, you also hear of people coming into a great deal of money
and then a few months later they are broke. Oh poor them! If you
live comfortably and do not make bad decisions, you could reasonably
have nothing to worry about for a long time."
--Julie
"If the person who comes into
the money does not act with greed and uses wisdom it will lessen the
stress that life brings them."
--Danny
"I don't really think that money
can buy happiness, however I think it may bring peace of mind,
knowing that your debts are paid and you can provide for your family
including education for your children. But only if its handled in a
sensible way."
--Rebecca
"Money can`t
"directly" cause happiness just by having it, but it can
buy security and freedom to do what you want, when you want to. Not
having to worry about things financial can take a lot of stress
off."
--Joyce
"If it can eliminate your debt
load, as well as provide a secure financial future (thereby
eliminating the stress and anxiety that financial uncertainty can
cause)...then yes, money CAN buy happiness."
--Anonymous
"I think because you can go
places and buy things that make you feel better."
--Phyllis
"Money does not buy
"happiness" it just makes your life a lot less hectic! The
only way that you would be truly happy after getting a large sum of
money is if you were truly content with your life before the big
change! That would make it possible for you to be smart with your
finances even if you were well endowed in the banking arena!"
--Jodi
"I think money can buy happiness
for a time but I do not believe money can buy joy. That comes from
within. Our family has much more fun (happiness) when we have plenty
of money on vacation and don't have to eat sandwiches for every
meal. Although, we've had plenty of good vacations while eating
sandwiches. (It's just easier on mom!!)"
--Anonymous
"There are many people who have
lots of money and are still not happy, so there must be something
more eg. love for/of family and friends, and peace of mind, that
brings more lasting happiness."
--Marcia
"If you have plenty of money you
can....pay your bills off or on time, have money to buy that house
that your family needs, have money to pay for all of those medical
expenses that your health insurance doesn't cover...need I go
on?"
--Kristina
"Money can solve some problems
but not all. Happiness comes, I believe, from being the best person
you can be and doing the best you can do at all times. You are the
same person deep down regardless of what your finances are."
--Mary
"I could get all my bills paid
off, not have to worry about where extra money will come from, and
be able to take a vacation when I please. Also I wouldn't have to
argue with my husband about money and where it's going."
--Anonymous
"Lack of money can certainly
contribute to unhappiness - but money alone is not enough to
guarantee happiness. A miserable poor person with no friends could
end up a miserable rich person with false friends."
--Anonymous
"Money can buy happiness for
obvious reasons. for one, I'm much happier staying at home with my
family instead of working. with money at hand and no work to
perform, I can be happy at home. I like to travel also, but without
working all year I can't take that trip to Italy I want. by the end
of the year the trip to Italy won't be as fun because will be
exhausted from working 50 hour weeks and more. many people confuse
happiness and love. money can't buy love, but what's a top reason
for divorce?: financial reasons. I'll be happier staying home with
my wife and kids and having the time to SHOW my love if I had the
money. soon, I will because I know money can buy happiness."
--Ansel
"Much less stress in one's
life."
--Mike
"Only for a while, then if you
are really not happy with someone, eventually you will still be
miserable with them. Also, look at some celebrities and athletes.
They are millionaires and some are miserable all the time you see
them."
--John
"Money in itself can buy only
things. If you have specific items which money can buy that would
make your life more comfortable then perhaps it can buy a measure of
happiness."
--Michelle
"It makes life easier."
--Anonymous
"Generally speaking, happiness
is attained from many different things. When I was in a probationary
period for my job, I absolutely detested overtime which equaled more
money. I would have much preferred to have my time to myself. The
economic cost of my time to rest, was more valuable than more money
in my paycheck."
--Marcia
"The stress of making only
enough money to pay bills and have none left over make everyone
unhappy."
--Anonymous
"Money can make life easier and
give more opportunity to enjoy the things and people that make you
happy I think. Not even money can make some people happy. If I came
into a lot of money suddenly I am sure that very little of it would
be saved. I would spend it and give it away impulsively and that
really would make me happy. I would buy the things I really need and
some things I really like then move on with life. I have a pretty
low income so my bills are already at a bare minimum. Just being
able to cover the house payment, utilities and food is a struggle.
Getting any more than what I have now is just a bonus, but at least
I know that I can live without, and the world still goes around.
Sometimes being poor is just who you are and what is wrong with
that? Last year we had an income of about $60,000. Over night that
income dropped to zero. And I mean zero. We were just getting
started in our business, and we lost everything. Our vehicles, our
tools, our phone, our new house was foreclosed on-- We even lived
without electricity for six weeks! Every thing we ever worried about
happening happened. One seemingly minor set back and the right
economical environment ruined us financially. It was very scary. But
we lived. We managed and are still managing. Things are still a
mess, but we are not hungry. Am I happy? Yes I am, and I am
especially happy knowing that I can survive without money. I may
never make another major purchase again, Or get my satellite turned
back on, or get another credit card. Do I feel funny driving a $500
beater to work every day? You bet, but in the same way that your
mind is free from worry when you have lots and lots of money, it is
free from worry when you know you have no payments to send because
of a lack of money. At least this way I know what I am worth. The
cash from my weekly paycheck is all I have. Eventually we will have
some saved up if things go right, but at this point all I care about
is finishing off the rest of our unsettled debts and never - ever
accumulating more! That way when or if we ever do come into money I
know exactly where it will go- straight into my pocket!"
--Helen
"Lots of people have money but
still aren't happy"
--Lisa
"Money is a tool. If you use it
wisely it can accomplish any chore you wish."
--Kathy
"Happiness comes from within.
While money may reduce stress and help you feel happy, it is still
from your inner peace which you achieve happiness. I also won a
great deal of money in the lottery, and while I have a better
financial picture, my happiness has not changed at all."
--Anonymous
"Only that it takes the pressure
and stress off allowing ones extra energy to focus on family and
friends and not working a second job to pay off debt."
--Clarissa
"Money can not buy true
happiness. It can reduce stress in a persons life by paying bills or
taking a long deserved vacation but when you bills are paid off and
you have taken the vacation your still left with yourself I think
happiness is something you either have or do not have regardless of
money. if your a materialistic person sure money can buy happiness.
If you think happiness comes from things like love, family, health,
or God money can't do a thing to change your happiness."
Tracy
"The truth is that in order to
get a real warm fuzzy feeling called happiness you need other people
around you. I am sorry to say that you can pay for people to be
around you."
--Anonymous
"Happiness is a state of mind
not a financial state. It comes from within."
--Jenni
"It doesn't take money to make a
person happy to start with. What counts is the thought of doing
things that are cost free, enjoyment of life, what others do for you
or what you can do for them. Nothing can love that brings happiness
and joyfulness between family members; especially for certain
outings."
--Anonymous
"It can buy financial freedom,
and therefore some Peace of Mind."
--Anonymous
"It would take the everyday
stress that a job especially in this unstable economy with so many
lay offs has put on everyone."
--Kathy
"No more worries and headaches
over bill-paying!"
--Anonymous
"In the words of Sophie Tucker
"I've been rich and I've been poor, and believe me rich is
better." Most problems that I've seen - in relationships
especially - comes from a lack of funds. This does not necessarily
mean wanting to "have it all," but can mean the difference
between a family vacation or private summer camp. Or not."
--Anonymous
"Happiness is not about
possessions, it's about how a person feels about themselves and
their accomplishments and things they have such as family and
friends."
--Anonymous
"Happiness is a state of
mind...money is only a tool."
--Anonymous
"If someone can't handle their
finances with what they make now, they won't suddenly learn if they
win the lottery. It will only be a matter of time before they are
back in the same situation."
--Crystal
"It makes life easier."
--Anonymous
"It all depends on your outlook
on life and your attitudes toward money. If you have a bad attitude
when you're poor, money isn't going to change that. It also depends
on the situation. I don't generally believe money can buy happiness,
but in some cases, it might. I don't think it's a black or white
thing, there is a grey area."
--Anonymous
"Money is only a band-aid on the
real problems that plague a family. Money doesn't solve anything, it
merely makes you forget your problems for a while. I guess you can
liken it to drugs."
--Anonymous
Money may make some things easier,
but if you are unhappy money is not going to fix it.
--Heather
It can't make you happy, but it sure
can take the stress away when you wonder were the next dollar is
coming from (as with me)
--Carol
"It's not money but what you do
with your life regardless of how much money you have that makes you
happy. You can have $1million & be extremely unhappy (hence
suicides from the rich & famous). Likewise, 1 can have next to
nothing & be extremely happy...Mother Teresa. (& my hubby
& I right after we got married. LOL)"
--Amy
"Because it can take away some
of the stress you have when you have a ton of bills and just break
even every month."
--Paula
"Yes, because you can pay off
bills, hopefully quit your job or at least work at something that
you enjoy doing and not have to worry about making enough to pay
bills."
--Anonymous
"Yes and no, but mostly no.
Money can buy comfort and security which make up happiness in part,
but of course that's not all there is to it."
--Anonymous
"Because it will relieve the
stress that money problems add to the family and make life easier -
it may not buy happiness, but it will alleviate the stress and
enable one to feel happier because of the lack of that stress."
--Sofia
"Some people need the security
of money to make their lives stress-free (happy)"
--Brenda
"I know people who have money.
It seems that they are always buying new items thinking it will make
them happy. After a few weeks the items are old to them and they are
unhappy again. I think money can buy peace of mind but happiness
comes from how you perceive life."
--Anonymous
"Someone once asked Howard
Hughes, "How much money is enough money?" His reply was,
"A little bit more." Money can never fill an empty heart.
Jesus Christ can. Money offers more options in how you solve
problems, but in and of itself it can't make anyone happy. Happiness
is a temperature, joy is a thermostat. If you have a joyful outlook
on life, no matter the circumstances, you will be happy and content.
Philippians 4:10-13"
--Dana
"Happiness is a state of mind,
not legally purchasable at this time."
--Lisa
"When you're not able to make
ends meet, it's hard to be happy."
--Anonymous
Can money buy FINANCIAL happiness?
|
22.7% of respondents
said No |
|
77.3% of respondents
said Yes |
"People with more money do not
necessary handle it correctly. All of us have a tendency to spend a
little more than we make, so more money does not translate to more
money that we have, just more money we spend."
--Donna
"If I had all my bills paid, I
would be relived."
--Claire
"Less stress & fewer
worries, & the peace of mind & associated relaxed state
associated with that!"
--Marsha
"Again yes and no -- depending
on the persons spending habits -- spending all of your money at once
on material things can only make you happy for so long."
--Tammy
"You brought up an interesting
point about people who win lotteries. I have read stories and
watched TV talk shows about these people, a lot of whom really
needed the money to just live their lives. Of course, some people go
overboard when they come into that much money. My husband & I
have discussed many times what we would do with lottery winnings,
the most important items being buying land and building a
house."
--Terri
"If you are always worried about
money, then if you win the lottery you wouldn't have to worry
anymore and could focus on other more enjoyable things. You would
also feel financially secure."
--Anonymous
"Again, happiness is a temporary
state of being. A lot of money can bring someone happiness
temporarily, or intermittently, however, money has it's own pains.
And, when you have it, often you want more. Additionally, when you
have lots of money, your investments stand risk of greater loss, so
money has it's downs, too."
--Hannah
"Yes, Money can buy financial
happiness. Lets face it, if you are struggling with your bills and
unhappy about them, extra money will change that. The key to keeping
that financial happiness is to learn to change your financial
habits."
--Valerie
"Well, of course many times some
of a person's unhappiness comes from stress which is brought on by
financial woes. Just to not have to worry constantly about how bills
will be paid, that's nothing out of the ordinary will happen to
"sink" you would relieve a person and make them
financially "happy". Of course, if that basic happiness
isn't within you, you will only be financially happy but still
lacking real deep-down happiness.
--Phyllis
"Not necessarily. If your broke
off of an income of 80K a year, you will probably be broke off of an
income of 2 million a year. Your spending habits and respect of
money and debt do not change by throwing more gas onto the
fire."
--T
"Less of a need to make ends
meet."
--Anonymous
"Sure, Pay off debts, invest,
savings - things you may have done, but not as much. Once you have
financial stability, and you're not worried about who you'll pay
next time and who you won't, you'll have time to be happy about
everything else. Of course true happiness depends on you as a
person. You can be happy even in debt. Troubled sometime maybe, but
generally ok with life."
--Anonymous
"If you invest it right and make
good money decisions ie. budget and spend wisely, you would be
reasonably financially secure. Money issues are contributor to
stress, especially if you don't have a lot of it. I should clarify
that. If you have more bills than you earn, it causes stress. I know
some people who don't have 2 nickles to rub together who are happy
and other people who make really good money but are stressed out
because they don't live within their means. The key to happiness
with money is education. Learn how to spend it, budget it, and
invest it."
--Julie
"No worry about how bills will
be paid for the future. This is of course the spending habits don't
take a drastic change."
--Danny
"Same reason as above, knowing
that you can take care of your family, and have no creditors
calling."
--Rebecca
"If you know how to manage the
money and I would find a financial advisor If I ever had a
wind-fall, yes it can buy happiness, but I would proceed with
caution before I made any major purchases or investment
decisions."
--Joyce
"I think because you can pay all
your bills and have money left for savings."
--Phyllis
"Money is the root of all
evil--it makes people do crazy things but if you know how to live
without it then when you finally do have "more than
enough" life will be great--if you stay smart!"
--Jody
"One of the best feelings in the
world is to be completely debt free. Of course health and other
issues can come into play but finances is one of the biggest
issues."
--Anonymous
"When a person cannot meet their
bills or afford to buy what they would like, this can make a person
miserable, stressed and depressed. So having the money would
eliminate all this."
--Marcia
"If your bills are paid off or
on time and you have enough money to make a decent down payment on a
house so that your monthly payments aren't outrageous and you have
the money to cover all of the expenses that come along daily, i'd
say that would be financial happiness."
--Kristina
"I'm not sure about this but I
believe that, when managed properly, it can bring security and
therefore assist with financial happiness."
--Mary
"Yes, because it could allow me
to pay all my bills and have leftover money for entertainment and
savings."
--Agnes
"Again, not quite guaranteed -
notice the number of professional sports figures and rock stars who
end up bankrupt - but the hands of a reasonably intelligent person
with common sense, money should be able to buy financial
happiness."
--Anonymous
"I'm not sure what financial
happiness is, but i do know what financial freedom is. if i had
enough money and the right team of advisors i wouldn't have to count
on the tax refund or $50 winning lotto ticket. so yes i would be
happy if i had money to be financially free. more money WITH more
knowledge does make having money fun."
--Ansel
"Much less FINANCIAL stress in
one's life."
--Mike
"You will always want more
money."
--John
"It can free you from worrying
about the future."
--Michelle
"The bills would be paid."
--Anonymous
"For myself, money could
definitely buy financial happiness. I would love to have my debts
paid off, and live comfortably without the worry of will I have
enough money to pay for this or that."
--Marcia
"It depends on how much money,
but it has been my experience that the more I earn the more it costs
to live."
--Anonymous
"I would think so, as it could
relieve a lot of stress you feel when you live paycheck to paycheck
just to pay the bills."
--Helen
"This is a no brainer. No
debts-no worries."
--Lisa
"Happiness is happiness. Money
will come and go in your life, but happiness that is real will
always be there."
--Anonymous
"Can't hurt."
--Tracy
"Along with some smarts."
--Anonymous
"Financial happiness comes from
good stewardship and wise management of your funds not more
money."
--Jenni
"This is more of a take-by-situation question. I would say no before yes. If
you are in debt and need
to pull out, it can be less stressful. If too much money is involved; no.
Travel here, travel there, spend money to do this and that; so what,
there are so many creative things to do without money."
--Anonymous
"If you come from a stable
background and have a good head on your shoulders money would buy
financial happiness."
--Kathy
"You'd be able to buy what you
want."
--Anonymous
"When people win the lottery and
are asked what they plan to do with the money (the part the guvmint
lets them keep!) it's almost never something outrageously
extravagant. They say "I'm going too repair the roof
finally" or "I'm investing it for my kid's education"
or "Take the family a vacation." Rarely do you hear
"I'm buying a mansion" or "Shopping spree at
Tiffany's!"
--Anonymous
"Of course, it's great to be
able to go out and buy whatever the heart desires, however, I
imagine it would get boring after a while not having any financial
goals to work towards."
--Anonymous
"Only if you use it
correctly."
--Anonymous
"IF someone already has basic
money skills and basic happiness then wins the lottery, I'm sure
they would be financially happier... maybe I'll let you know after I
win. :)"
--Crystal
"It allows you to have control
of your finances. If you are smart, you can pay your debts and
invest the rest of the $."
--Anonymous
"I think this is another
question that is difficult to answer with just a yes or no. Again,
it depends on your situation. If you are in a bad financial
situation because you have put yourself into debt, having more money
might get you out of it, but soon you will be back in the same
situation. However, if you are put into debt due to an accident or
something else out of your control, then I think yes, it can buy you
financial happiness."
--Anonymous
"You'll never have enough money
if you base your life on that principle. You'll always want more and
you'll never be satisfied. You have to learn to be happy with what
you have before you can attain financial happiness."
--Anonymous
"It depends---some people would
require money to have financial happiness (pay bill, buy whatever,
etc), other people would find alternative ways to save money, be
frugal to achieve financial happiness."
--Heather
"Can't buy happiness, but can
give comfort when able to pay monthly bills."
--Carol
"Again, it's not how much money
you have but rather what you do with it. You can have $1million but
mis-manage it so badly that you end up bankrupt. Likewise, you can
have a salary of $30K a year, but if you handle it wisely, you can
have substantial savings over time. Neither my husband's grandparents
nor uncle ever made over $30K in their lifetimes yet both retired at
64 debt-free & owning their homes & cars debt-free. Plus,
both have a substantial savings totaling almost 1 million. How? They
saved & invested wisely throughout the years. On the other hand,
I can't count the number of "rich" & famous who filed
for bankruptcy even after making $500K/episode for 30 episodes a
year of their tv show or making $1million a year in their sports
contract. They had the money yet handled it so badly that they now
have nothing."
--Amy
"If you have enough money and
one of you gets laid off you can still pay your bills for awhile
without being forced to take the first job."
--Paula
"If you do it correctly. You can
pay off all your debt and invest your money so you don't have to
work anymore."
--Anonymous
"Again, yes and no but mostly
no. Attitude plays a part in this more than anything else. If you're
basically frugal and happy with what you've got, then YES. However,
if you are a shopaholic or in the business of acquiring things, then
NO."
--Anonymous
"Financial happiness is based on
money, so if one has money, one has financial happiness."
--Sofia
"If it's managed correctly, I
think money can bring financial happiness...what could make anyone
happier than to know all their debts can be covered in case of an
emergency, such as a death, illness, job loss."
--Brenda
"Yes, the careful use of
whatever amount of it you have will be a blessing to you."
--Dana
"I was born into dysfunctional
poverty; through hard work, I have grown into comfortable middle
class for myself and my family. It will take me another lifetime to
educate myself and my family, and support the causes that are dear
to my heart. I'd like to have had much more of my lifetime to pursue
my interests, instead of struggling so hard just to survive. A
monetary jumpstart would have made me financially happy."
--Lisa
Say two people have the same happiness
level, that level can be from sad to thrilled but they’re equal. Now, give
one of them $10 million. Who do you think would be happier?
|
57.3% of respondents
said The Person with the $10 Million |
|
9.3% of respondents
said The Person without the $10 Million |
|
25.3% of respondents
said Still the same |
"Many lottery winners have told
stories of how miserable they were after winning the money. They
have all kinds of worries they did not have before, false friends
wanting to get at their wealth. Many go bankrupt."
--Donna
"No more bills."
--Claire
"Money is one of the biggest
stresses in life, if that stress is removed or reduced, it's natural
to be happier."
--Carol
"Would depend on the people,
i.e., jealousy on the part of the person who didn't get the money,
what LEVEL of happiness they are at, etc."
--Marsha
"Because now they have financial
freedom to live outside there normal means."
--Tammy
"I think because money is not a
major concern to that person."
--Terri
"If they are already happy,
having extra money to spend will make them even happier. Money isn't
going to change relationships, just your ability to purchase what
you want, and feel secure about your future."
--Anonymous
"The person with 10 Million will
be 'happier' for a time, but again, life will take it's toll and
their happiness will be only for a season."
--Hannah
"Now that person can do
more-whether their cause is charity or their own pleasurable
activities, such as travel or not having to hold down a regular job.
The person with the money is freer."
--April
"I would say that the person
with the $10 Million would have a slightly higher level of happiness
because a lot of financial problems would be lifted. Of course new
problems would be created, but lets face it, financial problems are
very stressful. Its much easier to deal with other issues than it is
to deal with money problems."
--Valerie
"Well, at least the person with
the money would be happy to be able to pay bills, buy a few brief
moments of escape, and have a few less worries. Still, and I know
I'm beginning to sound redundant, true real happiness comes from
within--a deep peace in the soul, a connection with a higher power,
whom I choose to call God, and always knowing that whatever happens
with God's help you'll get through it!! That is true
happiness!!"
--Phyllis
"The false high of money will
wear off quickly and the after effects will ripple forever. Money
changes you. It changes your views. It can skew your image of
yourself, change the way your friends and family see you. It changes
your political points and shapes your future to set you up for
distrust and greed. If you have a uncle asking for 25.oo - and you
only had fifty you would give it to him. Others may or not may ask
for the other 25.00. If you had 10 million you can bet that uncle
wants much more and now so does everybody else in your family - who
are you going to deny, who are you going to turn away? Who's more
important in your life? All natural questions of unbalanced wealth
in a family situation. So the person who won 10 million now has a
strained relationship with family and friends and a extra large
house or car to keep up with. Paradise is only paradise if someone
is there to notice it with you."
--T
"The level of happiness has not
changed."
--Anonymous
"They can now get rid of a few
problems (mortgage, repairs, debts) have enough to invest/save and
some to splurge - on themselves, family and friends and add to their
peace of mind/happiness! Of course this could easily cause other
problems (Bobby got something more expensive than Jane or you paid
sister's bill and not brother's) But hey, that's your family and
their issues!"
--Anonymous
"Because sudden windfalls can
cause greed and have them change their friends and cause them to
work at protecting their money etc."
--Anonymous
"I would assume the person with
the 10 million. Of course, there are new stresses that come with the
money. Did they win it? Then everyone and their brother would be
calling wanting a piece of it. But, if the person kept the same
lifestyle as before, they would be set for life. Pay the bills, live
off the interest."
--Julie
"Take for example. You are
walking down the street, this is a street that you walk everyday to
go to work. But today you find a $20 bill. Will you have a smile on
your face. Well all those other days you probably didn't have a
smile as big as the one the day you found the cash."
--Danny
"Because depending on the
situation, one person could be deeply in debt and the other not,
however both could still have the same happiness level, but the
person who gets the 10 million would have the relief of knowing that
his debts are paid."
--Rebecca
"If a person is already happy,
getting money wouldn`t change that person, likewise if a person is
the type who is already unhappy, getting the money wouldn`t make him
much happier; money doesn`t change a persons personality."
--Joyce
"I think because they can enjoy
themselves more."
--Phyllis
"They were content with their
life to begin with!"
--Jodi
"It really depends on the person
and their view of life."
--Anonymous
"The $10M given to the person
without it would have increased his level of happiness as it served
to fulfill a need."
--Marcia
"Money solves a lot of problems.
Can't solve all but it surely helps."
--Kristina
"The overall happiness level
will not be changed simply with money."
--Michelle
"Life will become easier for
them."
--Anonymous
"The happy person with the $10
million would be happier, because that person's financial happiness
would have just been raised immensely. The happy person without the
$10 million would get over the disappointment and move on. We do it
each time the lottery gets won by someone other than
ourselves."
--Marcia
"If they used their $10 million
wisely, they would never have to worry above money again. That would
take care of the financial problems. That does not mean that they
would not find something else to be sad about, besides money."
--Anonymous
"People find reasons all the
time to be happy or sad with or without money. Not even money could
help you sustain an emotion like happiness. Or any emotion for that
matter."
--Helen
"They have the same happiness
level; regardless if one has more money than the other they'll still
be the same level of happiness."
--Lisa
"No financial worries and the
financial ability to achieve dreams and goals."
--Kathy
"Money may allow more
opportunity, but it can also add stress, especially if you have no
experience and/or knowledge in handling it."
--Anonymous
"If a person is clinically
depressed than no amount of money or lack thereof will bring
happiness, however for your average Joe an extra 10 mil would allow
them to express their happiness to others thereby increasing their
happiness."
--Clarissa
"The person who gets the money
will change what makes him/her happy."
--Anonymous
"People love to get gifts - so
giving someone something makes them happy. It's not the money - it's
the gift."
--Jenni
"It depends on the type of
person that received that money vs the person who doesn't. There are
so many people that get a few thousands of dollars and yet can't keep
it. They don't have the knowledge to handle the money. They learn to
make BIG mistakes. But when the money to gone, it's gone."
--Anonymous
"Money changes everything."
--Anonymous
"As long as the money is free of
strings, it can only help."
--Anonymous
"Sometimes large amounts of
money as such can bring more worry and stress into a persons life
than not having it at all. It depends on how the one who ends up with
the 10mil deals with it. In my case I would be happier just to have
enough money to pay off my debt and live comfortably in addition to
my normal paycheck."
--Anonymous
"Initially they would feel
happier and secure with their windfall...but-eventually they will
have a new set of problems."
--Anonymous
"If the 2 people were already
sad, the $10million will only be a temporary band-aid on deeper
issues. If the 2 people were both joyful, they will still both be
joyful... one will just have more stuff. :)"
--Crystal
"The person that receives the
$10 million will be temporarily happier. However, by the time he gets
an accountant, etc., he may be stressed out."
--Anonymous
"It depends on the person and
what they do with that money."
--Anonymous
"There might be a change at
first in the mood of the winner but eventually whatever is troubling
the person will come back to haunt them. The same would be true with
a happy person. If you're generally a happy person, you'll just be
happier for a while."
--Anonymous
"Because money can't make you
happy---it may ease some worries, but you'll find your life is the
same (except your bills are paid)."
--Heather
"Doesn't change the level of
happiness. Happiness is created by you and people around you, not by
having money. Money provides a comfort zone, not a happy zone."
--Carole
"While the money may bring some
temporary excitement, in the long run they're only going to be as
happy as they allow themselves to be regardless of how much money
they have."
--Amy
"Bills paid off, can afford a
house better than before."
--Paula
"Because they can get out of
debt and enjoy their life. But they have to do it right if they
don't want to work anymore. Pay off all the bills and then just live
comfortably, go on vacation, have a nice car."
--Anonymous
"For the most part, happiness
comes from the heart and not from the pocketbook. The person with
the $10 million may act happier, but it's not the real thing."
--Anonymous
"It depends on whether a change
of lifestyle would make their situation better."
--Lisa
If you had more money would you be
happier?
|
72% of respondents
said Yes |
|
22.6% of respondents
said No |
"I'm a very happy person right
now, I have the life I always dreamed of, except for the fact we are
always broke and we are in debt. Money is the only stress in my life
that doesn't go away with time."
--Carol
"I'm already very happy with my
relationships, and having more money in my savings account would
make me feel more secure."
--Anonymous
"No, I am very happy with the
financial situation we are in. We have worked hard, paid off all of
our consumer debt and only owe on our mortgage and car, which I can
live with. Of course more money would always be nice, but I have
reached a point where I am satisfied."
--Valerie
"Yes, because I have a happiness
within and the main worries I have which cause me moments of sadness
when I can't do for my children like I would like, etc. come from
financial worries and insecurities. To have more money would relieve
me of those moments and could be happy inside and out!! :)"
--Phyllis
"NO, if the debts are low, money
would not buy happiness. The immediate gratification that more money
would bring is a false high - if you don't have to work for it, then
it is often perceived as frivolous. Spending your time with frivolous
things will soon the suck the life out of you."
--T
"Hell Yes! Fortunately I don't
have expensive tastes, I'd just like to be comfortable! After
taxes... I'd pay off my debts, a few of my family's, have a few
splurges, do a little charity and be Happy! Now my love life is
another story! Money just can't help that."
--Anonymous
"Having more money just makes
you spend more. It is not the amount of money you have, it is what
you do with the money you have. If you make $1 and spend $1.25 you
are poor. If you make $1 and spend $0.75, you are wise."
--Anonymous
"If I had more money today in
particular I would be happier. would more money keep me happier? No.
If you ask me money itself has a price. In my experience getting
more money means paying for it in time, worry, sweat and really hard
work. The more money you have the more preoccupied with money you
become. It is not fair, and it does not make me happy."
--Helen
"I have had money and I have
been poor as a church mouse... money can create a sense of freedom
but even though I had money inside I still felt angry and unhappy. I
am not financially independent nor do I make the money I use to but
I am happier then I was when I did have money, because I came to
terms with what was making me unhappy. If your happy and you win a
million you will be happy. If you're unhappy and you win a million you
can bandage the unhappiness for only so long. I have know people
that have money and are the most miserable people I know. I have
known people that were very poor and were happier then those that
had millions...go figure. So bottom line is: it depends on what you
call happiness? health, family, love, or cars, houses, vacations,
and other material things. Some may be happy with material things so
money would make them happy. Others may think being happy means
having a loving supportive spouse, health, and offspring. So I do
not think there is a right or wrong answer because it depends on the
person and what they consider happiness to be."
--Tracy
"Sure, I would be able to pay
debt down - but I think it is a changing of responsibility from not
having enough to having to make sure you handle what you have
correctly."
--Jenni
"I can pay off my debts, invest
and sleep better. PS I would not quit my job."
--Anonymous
"I would be less stressed and
able to leave this job that I hate to do something I really love, so
yes, it would make me happier."
--Anonymous
"Yes, but only because at this
stage in my life I would be able to get myself out of debt, build up
a savings and retirement, and buy a house for my family. Five years
ago I would've blown it all and ended up with even larger debt when
I got done. You have to solve the problems within before you can
solve the exterior problems."
--Anonymous
"I would have a few less worries
(bills, debt), but because I don't let these worries run my life
now, I wouldn't be any happier with more money. (Doesn't mean I
wouldn't take the money if somebody wanted to give it to me!!)"
--Heather
"I would be more financially
secure. There's a difference."
--Anonymous
What do you Think?
Fill out the
Survey
Reader Comments
"Wonderful newsletter. Always
learn a lot. Helps to reinforce my commitment to be debt free."
--Donna
"Keep up the good work! There
are so many people out there with financial problems and worries.
Your newsletter is insightful and very helpful."
--Terri
"Great letter, helps me write
down my buying decisions and house budget."
--Danny
"Very informative. Very good
topics to learn from."
--Anonymous
"I love your newsletter-keep up
the good work."
--Anonymous
"Just love it and look forward
to it."
--Carol
--End--
| 
