Does more money make you happier?

Do you think money is the ‘ultimate goal’?

A lot of money = increased happiness = buying more things!

Is the above equation right or is this more a thing of your mind?

These are some fundamental questions you need to ask yourself whenever you start thinking about making more and more money.

Money is primarily a means of exchange. Many years ago, there used to be a barter system as a method of exchange. This system was used for centuries and long before money was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and goods in return.

The topic of wealth and its relationship to happiness is a complicated topic. A study in USA has been quoted often. In USA, money buys happiness up to $75,000; after that it seems people are not any happier.

Maybe this is true in varying amounts. Earning $75,000 can make one person happy, a second one may be happy with $200,000, while others may be happy with $1million or millions of dollars.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting to make more money – whatever magic number you think will make you happy. I think where people get it wrong is, when they get so stressed and caught up in the end product (money) that they don’t enjoy their journey towards making money.

If you look at Sir Richard Branson’s personal journey, fun has always been a part of his entrepreneurial journey. He enjoyed every single venture he got his hands on; that doesn’t mean it was all easy for him! Basically, he loved taking risks and doing what he did and he built an empire! Is he happy? Of course he will be (or maybe I should ask him!)

However, let us consider another person who is earning $250,000 and owns a handful of investment properties. Is he as happy as Sir Richard Branson? The question is – “Does it matter”?

Everybody’s version of happiness is so unique that you don’t need to compare with someone else. Comparison is the problem and reason why people are so unhappy and relate it to lack of money!

My suggestion for you is to go on ‘your’ journey of making money by doing whatever makes you happy! Be happy, enjoy every moment and money will come to you as a by-product.

What are your thoughts on this? Please share..