Money and Happiness: Beyond Finances, Toward Fulfillment

Is money the key to happiness? The old adage, “Money doesn’t make you happy. I now have 50 million but I was just as happy when I had 48 million,” resonates with many. While some argue that financial wealth is not the root of happiness, others, like myself, believe that money can indeed bring joy and satisfaction.

Money as a Means to Fulfillment

I conceive of money as a means to achieving a fulfilling life rather than an ultimate goal. My belief is that money enables us to support those in need and provides a sense of personal fulfillment. For me, having the financial means to bless others, to cover the costs of education, and to contribute to the community is a vital aspect of my happiness. However, it's not the only thing that matters. A life filled with money but devoid of genuine happiness is, in my opinion, a hollow existence.

Personal Experiences and Observations

I have accumulated some savings, but the rising costs of living, often attributed to corporate greed, have forced me to dip into my retirement funds to pay off credit card bills. This highlights the precarious nature of savings in the current economic climate. Yet, fundamentally, I believe that for most people, money can indeed make them happy. Not having it can be deeply challenging.

However, if money is your sole pursuit, it's unlikely to provide lasting happiness. Instead, think about using your financial resources to feed others, support your family, give to the community, and further your education and personal development. These are the acts that will truly enrich your life.

Meaning Beyond Wealth

We currently have enough funds to keep our family fed, warm, and dry. Acknowledging that this does make us happy, albeit not entirely without limitations. For instance, we needed to cover flight costs for a family member to join us in the US for quality time with our dying mother. The journey was made possible by the generosity of siblings and cousins, but the real joy came from the love and care we received from our American family.

While the summer ahead may be financially tight, the spirit of generosity will help us experience the Olympic women's soccer semi-final. This event, whether it is a US-France or US-German match, will be cherished. Even a thrifty approach won't stop my wife from helping those in need outside the supermarket; we can afford that.

Insight from Personal Experiences

Working in a wealthy suburb of Philadelphia for six years introduced me to various perspectives on the relationship between money and happiness. Some wealthier individuals, living opulently in mansions and indulging in luxurious lifestyles, never smiled. They exuded a cloak of disdain and discontent, suggesting they had no moments of genuine happiness. In contrast, many millionaires I met were down-to-earth, kind, generous, and joyous, even when helping a hard-working boy save for college. This dichotomy underscores that money itself does not create happiness, but the use of money can contribute to it.

As far as I can tell, having large sums in a bank account doesn't necessarily trigger feel-good hormones. However, spending money to help others creates joy for everyone involved. This nuanced understanding of money and happiness brings a balanced perspective to the ongoing debate.

Money can make you happy, but it's not the only key to a fulfilling life. How you use your financial means matters just as much as the amount you have.