From the cradle to the grave, we’ve been given the message, covertly and overtly, that money cannot buy you happiness. It’s been so ingrained in our head that if you are a typical woman living in American society, your mindset, belief system and monetary personality has created an avoidance, if not downright aversion, to any conversation surrounding money, finances and investing.
Americans have been told, “you can’t buy happiness” and that “money is the root of all evil.” Women, unlike men, have bought into this mindset hook, line and sinker, although current research finds evidence to the contrary. This quote was published in 2013 in Forbes.com: “relying on worldwide data from Gallup and other sources, … determine that the wealthier people are, the more satisfied they are with their lives, at least when you look at nationwide figures. They also find, contrary to what many economists believe, that there is not a point of wealth satiation beyond which happiness levels off.”
So there you have it – there is statistical research and data that finds a positive correlation between one’s happiness and one’s income.
If I were to ask you what keeps you up at night, I bet you eight out of ten times the answer relates to money – and not having enough of it: to fix the car, pay the mortgage in a timely manner, put the kids through college, etc. Money can eliminate these specific types of fears and research shows money also increases your overall sense of well-being by diminishing stress in your life.
Perhaps the greatest contribution to happiness money makes in our lives is the ability to buy stress out of it – resulting in contentment and peace of mind.
If you think money cannot buy you happiness, I urge you to think again. Money can buy you happiness, as long as you don’t become consumed by or a slave in its pursuit.
Dr. Patty Ann
www.relationshiptoolbox.com
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