A rich life is a happy life. There are many people that are financially wealthy and miserable. In contrast, there are many people that are financially broken and yet you cannot wipe the smile off their face. If you have clothes to wear, food to eat, a roof over your head, and a few friends or family to share some laughs with, more money would only have a marginal effect on your overall sense of well-being.
Some studies suggest only 10% of our happiness is based on circumstances like financial status. This makes sense. Tabloids, reality TV, and social/network media have done their part to showcase the ingrates of the rich and famous. It would appear, the ‘Rich’, in financial terms, have just as many addicts, divorcees, and suicides in ratio to the healthy and happy, if not more.
Here are some easy ways to maximize happiness and instantly become richer than thousands of millionaires:
- Buy more memories and fewer things: Material goods depreciate, experiences appreciate.
- Give: spending money to help others consistently produces strong, positive feelings.
- Balance small and large pleasures: a good mix of frequent low cost indulgences with big reward items (vacations) produces happier people.
- Live below your means: debt is a happiness killer. Saving and paying in cash builds anticipation, leads to smarter choices, and increases gratification.
Go live it!
