Thursday, March 28, 2024

Survey Results: Can Money Buy Happiness?
by Scott Bilker
Scott Bilker is the author of the best-selling books, Talk Your Way Out of Credit Card Debt, Credit Card and Debt Management, and How to be more Credit Card and Debt Smart. He's also the founder of DebtSmart.com. More about and DebtSmart can be found in the online media kit.

Scott Bilker 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

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