Do you really need money to be happy?
“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” ~Henry David Thoreau
I’ve been poor in my life. I mean like REALLY poor – so poor I had to get help with paying rent and bills and even buying groceries once or twice.
It was tough, y’all. I’m not going to lie. It was absolute agony and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, that feeling of “OMFG WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD TO STAY ALIVE?” – it really grates on a person’s soul, if you know what I mean.
And I found myself unable to think of anything else more than once – which was absolutely the wrong way to see things and certainly extended my financial misery.
But with hard work and intentionally choosing my path over the years, life has drastically improved. Not only is money less of a sore spot, but in general, I’m much happier.
Is this because I’m not so broke? You might think so. But I propose that because I’m intentionally happier, I’m doing better financially.
But what does having money have to do with anything that matters, anyway? Do you REALLY need money to be happy?
Why It May be Important to You to Have Money
Few topics elicit such a wide range of opinions and emotions as wealth. It seems that we either pursue wealth with reckless abandon or downplay the importance of having money altogether. While money isn’t the only thing that matters, there are few substitutes for those areas of life where money excels.
Ask yourself a few questions about your beliefs and perceptions on money.
- What are your current beliefs regarding money and wealth?
- Do you believe that money is the root of all evil?
- Do you really want to be rich?
- Do you respect those that have “made it” and become wealthy?
- Have your beliefs regarding wealth affected your finances?
How can having money make your life better?
Obviously, having money does have its advantages, and sure, we all know what they are. But just in case you’ve got any doubt, let’s break it down, shall we?
1. Money can help you solve challenges. The fact that other qualities like love, family, friendships, and spirituality are important doesn’t minimize the importance of wealth. Consider the many challenges that money solves quickly and easily.
- Cracked windshield
- Utility bills
- Toothache
- Hunger
- Career change
- Start your own business
- Buy a new home
- Get out of a bad relationship
- Further education
- Ripped pants
- Your child wants to attend an Ivy League school
- A desire to own a motorcycle
2. Money gives you freedom. Imagine that you have enough money that you can quit your job and spend your days doing what truly fulfills you. You can live anywhere you choose and do nearly anything you desire. Money and wealth increase the options available to you. How would you spend each day if you didn’t have to go to work?
3. Money offers you security. Wealth provides security in different forms. It provides financial security against negative financial events, such as unexpected care repairs or medical bills. You can also better secure your home and care for your health. Money provides a safeguard in so many ways.
4. Money means you don’t have to do stuff you don’t want to do. Let’s just pretend you aren’t REALLY thrilled about certain daily responsibilities. If you have plenty of money and you hate cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, shopping, doing your taxes, or even driving, you can hire someone else to do these for you. BOOM!
5. Money helps you help others. When you have more money than necessary to take care of your basic needs, you have the option of applying the excess to enhancing the lives of others. Giving money to charity is one way to accomplish this. You could also provide funds in a more direct manner to those in need, including friends and family. I’ve found that anytime I can help someone else, it always comes back to me in the most beautiful ways. Give it a shot.
6. Money lets you take a well-deserved break. Wealth gives you the option of calling a timeout and realigning yourself. Life can become a series of projects or adventures with a healthy break in-between. The option to literally work hard and play hard exists.
If you want to “break” like a rich person, think BIG! There’s a difference between the typical idea of playing hard and the “playing hard” options available to the wealthy. There’s a difference between partying on the weekends after a long week at the office and spending a month in Hawaii learning to surf.
7. Money gives you status. This goes beyond impressing the neighbors. The wealthy have advantages socially, politically and even legally, to a certain extent. We all know that there are many advantages, considerations and niceties extended to the wealthy that are commonly unavailable to the average person. Why shouldn’t you get your share too?
It’s true that money doesn’t solve all of life’s problems, but it can certainly make everything less difficult – and help you solve many challenges. Plus, having money can offer a wide variety of opportunities that you might not otherwise have.
The freedom that comes with wealth and the opportunity to help others are perhaps the most satisfying advantages, don’t you think?
If any of these advantages are included in your life goals, then being wealthy would make them possible. Seek further education in the mindset and skills that could bring you wealth and work on them each day. Consistent action toward your goals over time yields positive results!
