Does money buy happiness?

There is probably nothing in the world that people spend more time discussing than money.

Countries go to war because of money.  People marry and divorce because of money.  And we spend the biggest part of our waking hours working to earn it.

The age-old question, of course, is, does money buy happiness?

While writing a fascinating book, John Stossel, the highly regarded former anchor of the investigative TV show, 20/20, did some research into the answer to this question.

Not surprisingly, it turns out that people who struggle on a daily basis to survive – put food on the table, clothe their family and put a roof over their heads – are the least happy.

In America, most people say they are “fairly happy,” but “they’d be happier if they had more money.”

However, Stossel’s research revealed that, after the basic necessities are covered, more money does not equal more happiness.  A survey of people on Forbes Magazine’s “richest” list found they rated themselves no happier than anyone else.  (But I imagine it’s more comfortable to cry in a Porsche https://staging.bankonyourself.com/wp-admin/profile.phpthan a Hyundai.)

Note:  Stossel’s book is called “Myths, Lies and Outright Stupidity,” and I highly recommend it.  You can get your copy now.

One thing we do know is that not having to worry about whether the money you were counting on to provide a comfortable retirement will be there when you need it reduces stress and increases your ability to enjoy every day.

Which is a big reason people are flocking to Bank On Yourself.  It gives you peace of mind for retirement planning, because you’ll know the minimum guaranteed income you can take every year and for how long you can take it.

Perhaps the best things about having money are:

• Personal Freedom

  Money is the tool of independence – not having to do what you do not wish to do.

• Charitable Ability

  Americans are among the most charitable people on earth.  Being able to give more to your church, temple and/or favorite charities is one of the most fulfilling feelings.

My best-selling book contains some very moving stories of folks who use their Bank On Yourself plans to allow them to devote more time and money to charitable causes.

And check out this video revealing how one family used their Bank On Yourself policy to help raise over $100,000 for their church.

It’s a very creative idea that almost anyone can use!

I think most people would agree that true prosperity is loving relationships, fulfilling work, contributing to a greater good, beautiful sunsets, abundant health, rainbows and talking with good friends.

And… it means having the freedom to live life full-on, doing the things that bring you joy.  It means living without fear of paying bills, scrimping by, or depriving yourself of the things that bring happiness, fulfillment, and meaning to your life.

Maybe money can’t truly buy happiness.  But it sure lubricates life and can prevent a whole lot of unhappiness.

It’s a lot easier to be happy if you’re not worried about paying the rent or mortgage, having the money to pay for braces on your kid’s teeth, or providing a home-health aid for an elderly parent.

Money stress breeds unhappiness, hopelessness, and broken relationships.

If you want more financial certainty, less stress over money and finances, and the ability to enjoy more of life’s luxuries (without the guilt), why not investigate what Bank On Yourself can do for you?

If you haven’t already requested your free, no-obligation Analysis that will show you how adding Bank On Yourself to your financial plan can help you reach both your short-term and long-term goals and dreams, why not request it now, while you’re thinking of it?

If you haven’t already started to Bank On Yourself, please take the first step today and take back control of your financial future!

Tell us what you think below.  Does money buy happiness?  And how do you define true prosperity?