Money makes the world go round – or does it?
For every positive quote about money, it seems as though there are 5 negative ones.
Money is the root of all evil.
You can’t buy happiness.
Eat the rich.
Even as far back as Greek mythology, we can see warning lessons about money.
Just look at King Midas, who wished that everything he touched would turn to gold – it seemed like a great idea, until even his food and drink turned to gold!
Many people believe that money leads to corruption, greed, and hubris.
But what if money is everything?
Money Is Everything – Or Is It? An In-Depth Look at the Relationship Between Money and Happiness
Is money everything?
Money can’t buy everything…or can it?
Money can’t buy fulfillment, but it can buy great therapists, wellness retreats, and all the soul searching you need to do in order to find that fulfillment.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy trips to the Maldives, fast cars, concert tickets, and a nice house.
The more you think about it, the more you realise that money can buy the vast majority of things needed for a happy life.
Here are just some things that money can buy:
Security
Money can’t buy total security, but it can buy everything you need to cover your basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Money can also buy future security, as you can use it to build a retirement fund or invest.
It isn’t even just your security that money can buy – with the right amount of money, you can pay for a nursing home for your elderly parents, give your children money for a down payment on a house, and ensure that your pets are always taken care of.
Time
One of the most important things that money can buy is time.
In How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis (which is a brilliant book, by the way), Dennis says that being rich is about being able to buy the only thing more valuable than health and love – time.
Time to learn a new language, or go and find yourself at a meditation retreat in India.
Money is about having the time to spend with loved ones, pursue further education, or travel to every country in the world.
When you stop trading your time for money at a 9 – 5, and learn how to make your money work for you (one of the key lessons in Rich Dad, Poor Dad), you have the time to focus on the things that make you feel happy and fulfilled.
Money allows you to pursue your passions
Education
Whether you’ve always wanted to return to education to pursue a PhD, or you want to put your children through the best school, money is the key to doing just that.
True story – the reason I didn’t go on to get a Masters degree after my Bachelors was that I couldn’t afford to, and I knew that I wouldn’t have the time to work and study unless I took a part-time degree.
If I’d had money, this wouldn’t have been an issue, and I could have focused all of my efforts on my education.
Travel
One of the best things that money can buy is travel, and as many people say, ‘travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.’
The reason for this is that being exposed to new cultures, religions, and people, makes you grow in ways you never could if you stayed your home town.
Respect
It might not be fair, and it might not be right, but the truth is that with a lot of money comes respect, and if you want people to listen to what you have to say, having money certainly helps.
You can use this to your advantage, to draw attention to issues you care about, or fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
Freedom
No, I’m not talking about freedom from consequences (although corruption can certainly bring that too, heheh), but another kind of freedom.
Money can buy the freedom to be able to make spontaneous purchases without worrying about going over budget, or to take up new hobbies.
It can buy the freedom to say ‘yes’ to new opportunities that come your way, from last-minute vacations to international conferences, World Cup tickets, or your place on Elon Musk’s next trip to Mars (if you’re so inclined).
It also gives you the freedom to be generous and help others. This could mean simply buying gifts for your whole family at Christmas, or making a substantial donation to a charity of your choice.
Money buys you the freedom to start your own business, or pursue a lower-paying job that actually makes you happy.
It also gives you the freedom not to work at all, should you so wish!
Health
Of course, money can’t buy health itself, but it can buy the best healthcare available, which is essential in countries that don’t provide free healthcare (or where the state healthcare is very limited).
It can also buy appointments with chiropractors, personal trainers, nutritionists, therapists, and dermatologists.
Money gives you the opportunity to pay for premium health and fitness products
Why You Should Care About Money
You see?
Money is everything.
Most of the negative things that people associate with money actually result from the obsession with making money and stereotypes that surround the super rich, rather than the money itself.
Money is neither good, nor bad. It is neutral.
You (yes you, reading this), should absolutely care about money and the things that it can do for you and your loved ones.
You see, money is more than just ‘pieces of paper,’ as some people like to say.
It is something that can be directly exchanged for things that bring you joy, things that bring your loved ones joy, and it can be used to help people thousands of miles away who aren’t as fortunate as you.
How to Make More Money
If money is everything (or at least something), then you’re probably wondering how to make more of it!
Here are 5 things you can do to start making more money right NOW.
Get Clear on Your Goals
Goals are powerful motivators that give us purpose and motivation in life.
By getting clear on your goals, you will be far more likely to achieve success.
First, figure out your why. When you know why you want the things you want, you’ll be able to set measurable SMART goals that align with your true purpose.
Break down your biggest goals into smaller milestones, which are easier to accomplish and keep you motivated.
Start a Side Hustle
The fastest way to start making money fast is by starting a side hustle.
Whether you’re looking for side hustles for stay at home moms, or easy freelance jobs you can do with no experience, there is something you can do online to start earning more money.
From selling clothes on Poshmark to making money selling feet pictures, there is truly something for everyone out there, and you never know – your side hustle just might turn into your 7-figure business!
Just one thing – don’t fall into the trap of joining an MLM. Network marketing is a predatory business model that NYBB does not endorse.
Even knitting can be a profitable side hustle!
Educate Yourself
We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves about money.
School won’t do it, and oftentimes, our parents won’t do it either, so becoming financially literate is our responsibility.
Read books (Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a must), watch videos, and talk to business owners and entrepreneurs to learn the secrets of their success.
Invest
Investing is something that everybody should do (in my personal opinion).
You don’t have to take huge risks, or put a large portion of your savings on the line – I make small monthly investments on eToro which have built up into a larger sum over time.
Investing also doesn’t have to be scary. Clever Girl Finance has a bunch of free courses about investing for beginners, and I can personally vouch for how great they are because I’ve taken them myself!
If you’re wary of investing, you could try starting with high-interest bonds – I have a couple of no risk savings accounts on Monzo that generate 3% AER!
Get Rid of Your Money Blocks
Money blocks can have a huge impact on our lives, and many of us have no idea they even exist!
A money block is a set of thoughts, beliefs, or emotions that stand in the way of your financial success.
These blocks can prevent you from getting out of debt, saving money, increasing your income, or achieving the lifestyle you desire, so it’s super important that we overcome these money blocks if we want to become financially free.
Developing a growth mindset is also a key part of overcoming your limiting beliefs surrounding money.
The Connection Between Money and Happiness
Can money really buy happiness?
The answer isn’t so simple.
Money and happiness share a complex and intriguing relationship that goes beyond a simple cause-and-effect dynamic.
It’s certainly true that having the money to fulfill our basic needs and create a sense of security can enhance our overall happiness and well-being – having to constantly worry where your next meal is coming from is not fun for anybody, and neither is constantly having to say ‘no’ to things you really want to do.
Numerous studies have discovered a correlation between a higher income and greater life satisfaction, which makes total sense. It’s natural to feel a sense of contentment when our financial worries are alleviated and we have the means to live comfortably.
However, it’s essential to recognise that the pursuit of money and material possessions can also have a negative effect on our happiness.
In fact, an excessive focus on money can often lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and a sense of social disconnection.
Factors such as meaningful social connections, personal fulfillment, and a sense of purpose play pivotal roles in our overall happiness. It’s crucial to strike a balance and not let the pursuit of wealth overshadow the significance of the other important things in life.
Overall then, money does contribute to our happiness to a certain extent, particularly when it fulfills our basic needs and provides a sense of security.
However, it’s important to recognise that true and lasting happiness goes beyond monetary measures.
Nurturing social connections, pursuing personal passions, and finding fulfillment in meaningful endeavors are essential ingredients for a truly happy and fulfilling life.
Money is Everything | Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that anybody who says that money doesn’t matter is probably suffering from some limiting beliefs about money that have become self-fulfilling prophecies.
Money might not be everything, but it is a tool that, when used correctly, can certainly have a positive impact on your life.
Money is not the root of all evil (the people behind it are), and wanting to have money doesn’t make you a bad person.
I hope that this article has given you some things to think about, and as always, if you have any questions then don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below!
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The post Wealth vs. Well-Being: The Truth About Money and Happiness first appeared on Not Your Boss Babe.
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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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