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10 Reasons Money Can't Buy Happiness & 10 Ways It Definitely Helps In Life


10 Reasons Money Can't Buy Happiness & 10 Ways It Definitely Helps In Life


Are You Truly Rich in Life?

They say money can’t buy happiness, but how true is that statement? For those on the outside, it looks like the grass is far greener on the other side—but those with oodles of cash don’t always have the same fulfillment. So, which side actually has an easier time in life? We’re here to break down a few reasons why cash won’t solve your problems, and a few reasons it really does help. 

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1. You’ll Never Have Real Satisfaction

That shiny new purchase will eventually fade into just another object. Material items aren’t really part of our hierarchy of needs, and at the end of the day, splurging on the latest fashion won’t boost your happiness. Money also won’t supply what really matters in life, like security, family, and a trusted network of loved ones. 

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2. Temporary Happiness

Who doesn’t love getting packages in the mail? Everyone loves spoiling themselves now and again, and there’s nothing wrong with that! However, if you bank on material objects as your sole source of happiness, that smile will fade faster than you think. 

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3. Money Isn’t a Core Need

We’re not saying that money has no value. Of course it does. But money isn’t the only thing that satisfies our basic needs. Research shows that employment, friendship, and basic survival needs (food, shelter, water) are more than enough to appease our primal desires. 

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4. Doesn’t Guarantee Health

Money might buy you insurance, but it won’t guarantee a clean bill of health. Your diet, sleep schedule, exercise, and stress levels play a far larger role in how healthy you are—not to mention genetics. 

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5. It Doesn’t Buy Relationships

Money doesn’t buy real friendships. It won’t buy long-lasting relationships either. If anything, money can hinder close connections; it’s hard to tell who’s actually with you for your personality and who’s just waiting for a spot in your will. 

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6. Money Can’t Fix Your Mindset

People struggle with all sorts of hurdles in their everyday lives. Living paycheck to paycheck certainly doesn’t help, but it also won’t automatically change your mindset or provide more confidence. It doesn’t earn you a promotion or reduce depression symptoms all on its own. It’s useful, but it’s not a cure. 

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7. You Won’t Get More Time

Money doesn’t buy more hours in the day. You can have all the cash in the world, but it won’t free up your schedule for vacations or hobbies. We still have duties to our families and our jobs, and while money can make life easier, it doesn’t magically make your day longer! 

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8. Chasing for More

You might think having money is the end of your problems—but some people fall into a black hole. What they have is never enough. They compare themselves to others. They always chase after something bigger or better. And next thing you know, they’ve found another reason to be miserable. 

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9. You Don’t Know Who Your Friends Are

People worry about “gold-diggers” all the time, but romantic partners aren’t the only double agents. Your friends might suddenly hint at financial woes. Their attitudes may change. It’s a pretty lonely feeling to think the only reason someone sticks around is for your checkbook. 

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10. It Can Ruin Hobbies

As we mentioned, money doesn’t buy time. It doesn’t necessarily buy happiness either. And when you’re slammed with other priorities, earning money can impede time spent on hobbies, which is one of the best ways to reduce stress! 

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That’s not to say that money isn’t beneficial. Sure, it doesn’t always buy deep-rooted happiness, but it definitely makes life easier. Let’s dive into a few ways it helps us. 

1. Healthcare

First and foremost, money provides healthcare. We’re not just talking about expensive insurance premiums; it can cover anything from last-minute bills to professional therapy. Even something stress-reducing, like massage therapy, is only a swipe of the card away.  

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2. Convenient Services

Boy, we’d love to paint the house…but it’s such a chore. We don’t know how to tackle electrical work either, so we’re just living on thoughts and prayers. But when you have money, you can splurge on convenient services that make life way simpler. 

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3. Reduced Stress

Say what you want about money and happiness, but studies show that treating yourself does reduce stress! We’re not advocating you buy every car on the lot, but even a simple purchase can bring a smile to your face. They don’t call it retail therapy for nothing. 

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4. Better Quality of Life

Money paves the way to a safer apartment. It bumps you up to first class. It allows you to shop for more groceries. You can go to school. There’s really no way around it—more money improves our quality of life.

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5. Allows Time for Travel

Alright, you won’t buy more time, but you will buy that first-class ticket to Portugal! Research shows that a lot of today’s employees spend their PTO just resting in bed, and it’s not just because they’re burned out; it’s because they can’t afford to take a proper vacation. 

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6. Welcomes Generosity 

There’s nothing better than sharing the wealth—literally! You don’t need to give away every dollar, but you’ll feel better helping your loved ones or just donating generously to your favorite charities. 

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7. Financial Security

On the flip side, there’s nothing worse than getting slapped with a random bill. Anything from a new air conditioner to a leaky roof can sink your savings, and it’s tough to scramble for the funds. But with money, you always have a nest egg to dip into. 

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8. You Can Get Out of Jams

Money isn’t just about a healthy savings account; it’s also about having funds on hand for last-minute hiccups. A child’s school trip, tow truck services, and medical bills are a real headache without cash available. 

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9. Control Over Your Life

Whether we have it or not, money dictates our lives. Shoestring budgets can mean more affordable groceries or secondhand outfits, while money in the bank can mean treating yourself to dinner or pursuing hobbies. 

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10. Higher Self-Esteem

Regardless of how you make it, more money usually means more self-esteem. Unfortunately, our culture thrives on belittling those under the poverty line, even when they work multiple jobs or just can’t get ahead. With more money in the bank, it’s easier to feel better about yourself. 

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