At some point, most people realize that “money can’t buy happiness.”  However, through wise use of your financial resources, reduced stress and increased joy are possible.

To enhance your personal enjoyment and satisfaction of life, consider these questions and actions:

• What spending from the past year do you remember with a smile? Which did you regret? Use those memories to guide current spending.
• When during your life were you happiest? Think about what made you happy, and if money was needed for those times.
• What household chores do you dislike? Paying others to mow the lawn, clean house, or make dinner can increase happiness.
• Should you consider spending more time with family and friends?  Most activities and experiences provide greater joy when you do them with others.
• Do you live near or associate with people who make you feel poor?  Avoid comparing your spending and possession to others. Trying to spend to keep up with others will likely reduce your happiness.
• Are you grateful for things that don’t cost money?  Emphasize an attitude of gratitude for your family, friends, community activities, and other relationships. Instead of thinking about what you don’t have, stress the opportunities available for your enjoyment of life.

For additional information on happiness and money, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students talk to others using the questions above to learn more about the connection between money and happiness.
• Have students create an audio or video drama to communicate the positive and negative aspects of money trying to buy happiness.

Discussion Questions 

1. How do enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose in your life connect to your spending habits?
2. Describe actions a person might take to better understand the connection between money and happiness.