+74 votes
by (1.4k points)
If you were wealthier, do you think you would be happier?  
If you were wealthier, do you think you would be happier?

58 Answers

+6 votes
by (4.4k points)
 
Best answer
After 75K per year income, the happiness index with wealth plateaus. As a test case, I will volunteer to take all of your wealth away from you for the next 30 years and see if the study that "money doesn't bring happiness" is actually true. I am happy to take one for the team, I am happy to take on your burden, and I am happy to be part of a new experiment.  
by (9.7k points)
It doesn't plateau. it just slows down compared to the earnings before 75k. i saw that same figure in a documentary called "happy". it also depends on cost of living. haha. i'm a lot happier making 200k than i was making 100k. i think the key is not trying to keep up with the joneses, practicing contentment, etc.  
by (1.4k points)
@valparaiso love this  
+39 votes
by (2.4k points)
Up to a certain point yes. Having FU money represents freedom to make choices that otherwise are not available.  
by (1.4k points)
@interface totally agree  
+22 votes
by (670 points)
Yes, it obliterates an entire level. of debilitation. When you don't have to worry about where your next meal comes from, or if you will have a roof over your head and health care, your mind if freed up to do other things. There's an entire study devoted to why the poor stay poor, and it has nothing to do with them. not trying to get out of poverty.  
+29 votes
by (7.9k points)
Depends the next step would have to be enough money to give up working
+25 votes
by (2.5k points)
Absolutely, I feel like a slave at my soul sucking job and it gets depressing. Everything else in my life right now (outside of the whole pandemic situation) is really good. Most of my stress is financial. I work full time in retail and I can’t cover my bills on what I make.  
+39 votes
by (2.7k points)
From my current frame of reference, yes. Once in that position though, I don’t think so.  
by (1.4k points)
@vaccinate417 so this is a yes with a no attached  
by (2.7k points)
Maybe.  all depends on your frame of reference!  
+42 votes
by (4.3k points)
There is that saying money doesn’t buy happiness but I’ve never experienced wealth though I think it would allow me to do more things and free up more time.  
by (1.4k points)
@concertante76454 it cant directly buy happiness but it helps you facilitate the things that do make you happy! Money is a tool  
+19 votes
by (640 points)
No. But I don't think happiness is the point of money. Choice is.  
+38 votes
by (610 points)
“Money doesn’t solve all your problems. but it does solve all your money problems. ” -Naval
+19 votes
by (4.9k points)
Yup, it would relieve a lot of stress and provide a legacy for my kids! Plus I could do all the things I want to, like renovate my kitchen, travel wherever, buy whatever.  
by (1.4k points)
@lase3922 love this  
+11 votes
by (2.8k points)
Sure. Trading roommates for a house with no mortgage would be great, especially since I wouldnt have to wait as long to go back to school
+42 votes
by (4.3k points)
Yes when it came to security.  
by (1.4k points)
@doenitz9 beyond security?  
by (4.3k points)
@sinotibetan74 not really. My biggest fear is being homeless. Other than that I’m pretty easy to please.  
+6 votes
by (1.8k points)
The whole 75k cap to wealth happiness is simply a tool to make you want to be happy with less. Money does not buy happiness. If you are a miserable person you would just be a miserable rich person. If you are a generous and happy person you would just be a richer generous and happy person. Money takes away stress because you are no longer worried about making mortgages and bills. It also gives your kids a leg up in education and job positions. Anyone who thinks making more sucks is an idiot. Now, sometimes what you have to do to earn the extra money is not worth it but the more money you bring in with the same effort the better. Period.  
by (1.4k points)
@conversational this is a good answer  
+2 votes
by (1.2k points)
Yes and I think it’s more noticeable for people who come from poorer backgrounds. When we make more money we get more access to just the basic crap that many take for granted who didn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck or who didn’t have poor parents. But humans also have a tendency to forget as well so making more money needs to come with constant mindfulness, remembrance and perspective. Otherwise those who grew up poor and those who didn’t fall into the same trap of taking stuff for granted. For example, I had to catch myself because I was miffed that I had to wait to put in a retaining wall. Realized I wasn’t putting things into perspective and remembering that I came from a family that didn’t own property, lived in one room. So yeah, it’s not that I “have” to wait, I “get” to put in a retaining wall.  
by (1.4k points)
@voluntary love this  
+13 votes
by (610 points)
Nope. I think happiness comes from purpose.  
by (1.4k points)
@afeard so would money help you achieve your purpose?  
+10 votes
by (6.5k points)
Depends on your situation, If you have $50k in savings, maybe not. If you have $50k in credit card debt, I would say definitely.  
+23 votes
by (1k points)
The majority of my stress is financial stress, so the relaxation from that being lifted might have some happiness benefits as a side effect. Happiness is different for everyone though!  
+32 votes
by (3.2k points)
No not really
by (1.4k points)
@advowson why is that?  
by (3.2k points)
@sinotibetan74 I am happy with my life. I have my dream job, I’m not itching to “retire early. ” I already prioritize spending my money in the way that bring me happiness (traveling, books, hobbies). More money would be great but I don’t think it would come with more happiness.  
+13 votes
by (710 points)
Uhhhhh yes.  
+30 votes
by (2.6k points)
Sure, it would lighten some key stress points, and give the ability to focus on other things.  
+40 votes
by (1.2k points)
No, and in some ways, I might be less happy at certain wealth markers right now.  
by (1.4k points)
@wiggs Elizabeth tell me more
+14 votes
by (7.7k points)
We in the west place happiness outside of ourselves. It’s something we allegedly obtain when we “get” something. I’ll be 60 in 3 weeks and I have to say, after all the drama, struggles, triumphs and surprises, learning to be mindful and sourcing happiness from within has no price tag. That’s just me. I believe we miss the scenery along the ride called life when we’re in a constant state of pursuit.  
by (1.4k points)
@heber happy early birthday!  
+2 votes
by (1.1k points)
I would be less stressed
+16 votes
by (3.4k points)
Somewhat because I wouldn't be living in the area I am now
+19 votes
by (3.3k points)
I spend anything above my very minimalist life style on taking care of dogs. More wealth means more puppies are taken care off, which means more happiness.  
+41 votes
by (1.5k points)
Well happier. one less thing too worry about. No debts, find a better place, makes necessary auto repairs.  
+2 votes
by (1.1k points)
Definitely- Less stressed, more opportunities, more activities/experiences, etc.  
by (1.4k points)
@swag8239 love this  
+8 votes
by (960 points)
Yes but with a different set of issues. Money won't buy happiness  
+35 votes
by (4.7k points)
Not necissarily happier, but more comfortable with the less stress of financial stuff
by (1.4k points)
@risley less stress is hugely important  
0 votes
by (6k points)
I think about this. On one hand I think no because I wouldn’t be proud of myself for having to come up with ways to be better but on the other hand I’m like life would be easier.  
by (1.4k points)
@beaner Thanksburec I am a little confused by this response. Why wouldn’t you be proud of yourself?  
by (6k points)
@sinotibetan74 because I didn’t work hard.  
+34 votes
by (930 points)
Money = freedom. Yes I would be free to focus on what I want rather than having to work so hard for someone else’s dream
by (1.4k points)
@subassembly Johnson love this  
+11 votes
by (3.8k points)
Depends on how you define wealth.  
+52 votes
by (3.8k points)
Only in a few aspects. Overall happiness, probably not.  
+22 votes
by (1.5k points)
If it came suddenly; like now, then yes. Without a doubt.  
+40 votes
by (8.3k points)
As the old saying goes, "Money doesn't buy happiness. but it's a hell of a down payment. " I don't think wealth makes you happier, but it certainly helps to create space in your life to find happiness. It's easier for me to be mindful and appreciative of what I have in life because I don't have bill collectors knocking at my door and I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from. Would more wealth make me happier? Nah, probably not. I have caught some breaks and already have that margin in my life. Would more wealth make somebody who lives life on the ragged edge more space to find happiness? It certainly wouldn't hurt.  
by (1.4k points)
@iconostasis23 love this  
+42 votes
by (6.7k points)
I think it’s circumstantial.  
by (1.4k points)
@godwit well what about for you?  
by (6.7k points)
@sinotibetan74 extra wealth would be nice, but we’re already in a good position financially. I don’t think it would make my husband and I any happier. A few years ago when we were scraping by, a little bit of extra money would have taken loads of stress off . We weren’t unhappy back then, but we’re happier now.  
+39 votes
by (5.2k points)
I think the better question is would you remain the same person if you were wealthier. Money is a tool and provides the opportunities to do anything with enough. It will also give you opportunities to indulge in your personality, be it grotesque or altruistic. Me personally I think humans start to lose themselves after 3 million. 1-2 million you kinda still have fear of losing it all but after 3 mil+ you start to have ideas like "like I am buying an island for chicken fights" lol
by (1.4k points)
@bevins this is a really good point! I have always said money or wealth simply reveals who you really are
+34 votes
by (490 points)
Not “wealthier” but debt free - yes! Which would, in turn, create a higher net worth. “The things you used to own, now they own you” -Tyler Durden
by (1.3k points)
@frye if that’s not the TRUTH. At first it’s like oh yay I have a car 3 years of working later. Oh fuck I have a car
+40 votes
by (6.4k points)
No. I think we are at that threshold of making enough not to stress. It would always be nice to have more money but I don't think it would improve my happiness, just make me more comfortable in the future
by (1.4k points)
@tentacle47 do you think the ability to give back even more would bring more happiness?  
by (6.4k points)
@sinotibetan74 that's a good point. Yes, it would be pretty great to be able to give more but I think it depends on the implications of making more money. Is that a promotion at work that will bring added stress or longer hours with the income? Or just a straight up raise where I'd have more money in my pocket? And what about moving up a tax bracket? Mo money, mo problems. It would have to be a significant financial increase to outweigh all the negatives.  
+12 votes
by (440 points)
No, got plenty thank the Lord
+2 votes
by (3.2k points)
So like free money? Yeah, at least a lil more happy. If to get that wealth me and/or the wife had to take on more job responsibilities, stress, work travel, etc, no probably not.  
by (1.4k points)
@tridactyl481 this is a really good point  
+12 votes
by (480 points)
Money gives you choices. Choices make you happy.  
+23 votes
by (790 points)
Money isn’t everything but it’s a part of everything
by (1.4k points)
@guru9 love this  
+53 votes
by (500 points)
You ever seen someone frown on a jet ski?  
by (1.4k points)
@ene10452 no I don’t think I have  
+30 votes
by (8.4k points)
Yes. I don't need to be super rich but if i knew my daughter's medical bills and living expenses were going to be covered, I'd feel much better.  
+32 votes
by (3k points)
Nope. Had money, anything I wanted. I was miserable. Now I make 40k, have a meaningful job and loving husband as well as wonderful grown children. My life is so much more fulfilling.  
by (1.4k points)
@lewes722 love this  
+34 votes
by (1.2k points)
Yes. But I'm pretty happy with my life anyway and consider myself wealthy to have enough health, freedom and finances to do a lot of what I want to do that makes me happy. More money would free up more time to do more of those things so yes, I do think I would be happier.  
by (1.4k points)
@val10 love this  
+53 votes
by (7.6k points)
Na i think once i started making 30k/yr in austin texas i hit my peak money happiness. Now making double that not much as changed, i guess i can spend a bit more on vacations, but not much different
0 votes
by (920 points)
Not happier but I would have more room to move, dream, and grow. There is a window. If u don’t have enough money you can be bound but once you make a certain amount of money you won’t be any happier either.  
+38 votes
by (1.1k points)
Not happier, but I'm still willing to find out!  
by (1.4k points)
@mite97 all in the name of research  
+26 votes
by (1.6k points)
Less stressed, more freedom to pursue hobbies and travel. happier ‍♀️
+21 votes
by (1.2k points)
Depends . if healthy, together as a family then yeah
by (1.4k points)
@morphogenesis very important  
+63 votes
by (480 points)
Just enough to remove financial stress, of course keeping the same living standards, not going do an extravagant lifestyle
+44 votes
by (390 points)
Money give easy exists to think you need or want. The only thing makes you miserable is your mindset. And it is far more better to have it, then not to have it. And on the other hand poverty, to be a have not its stinks. And in my life I will never encouraged someone to be poor. "A haven't. " As that is the mentality keeping Africa until today to be always dependent And even after its independence give everything away, without thinking twice. And indebted ourselves as we used to handouts. I will never, even entertain Speech of money is bad. I will rather teach you how manage it, how to fish, and how to plant. And to be disciplined, to take good care of what you have.  
+51 votes
by (2.4k points)
I would live comfortably and have enough money to pay off all living expenses
+61 votes
by (360 points)
In some ways  
+22 votes
by (3k points)
Wealth as in 20 lbs lighter and medically cleared , then yes . More money ? No
+56 votes
by (350 points)
Have immediate and long-term plans that's been seriously delayed by fundings
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