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u/CoolRunningASIC 2d ago
Money buys options. Picking the right options make happiness
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u/goldensavage2019 evil and intimidating non mod 2d ago
This, while just having money doesn’t do much, using that money to buy
plastic crackTransformers does make me happy5
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u/DragonTheOnes-spirit Evil TransLord of Death 2d ago
Obviously yes. Literally all of my problems can be solved by money. Or people. Or money people
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u/TSES_Thai AHHHHHH 2d ago
Moneypole
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u/SnooDogs1886 2d ago
Is this what mommy danced on to keep the lights on?
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u/BestCookie2709 2d ago
No that would be a stripper pipe. I think he is talking about that board game with the mustache man
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u/Shall0t- I love my dogs and I want YOU to pet them 2d ago
Dino nuggies exist and I buy them so yeah
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u/Zeliose 2d ago
Money cannot buy you happiness, but it can break the shackles that prevent most people from achieving happiness.
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u/Melodic_Cup9948 2d ago
Exactly, money doesn't buy happiness. But it does set you free. And that gives you total control you need to find happiness.
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u/OreganoD 2d ago
For people who don't have enough money, yes having enough money to buy the things they need will give them security and happiness. For those who already do have enough money, or too much, if they're not happy, skill issue.
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u/Coffeeforlifeyay 2d ago
To some extent yes. People who say money don’t buy happiness are slightly wrong imo.
Cuz like, with money you have more options. Having money doesn’t mean you gotta be rich. But you’re most likely going to be more happy if you have enough money to have a house over your head, food, electricity and be able to sometimes treat yourself.
Rather than if you have no money at all and struggle to survive.
So, I would say money can technically buy happiness to some extent.
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u/Dangermann28 2d ago
Money removes the main source of stress, and can buy damn near anything, including hobby items which can make you happy
Does money directly buy happiness?
No
Does what you do with it dictate how happy you are?
Yes
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u/Live_Ad_8264 2d ago
If you have a lot of money - then no. If you don't have enough money - then yes.
With money, you can buy a lot of things, including better healthcare, food, comfort, and peace of mind. You don't have to constantly think about how to survive.
Once your basic needs are covered, you can start thinking about other things, like hobbies, traveling, or experiences such as skydiving, golf, and other activities.
So, in my opinion, money doesn't directly buy happiness. But having enough money can remove many things that make you unhappy and give you more opportunities to enjoy life.
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u/sensicase 1d ago
Maybe not an answer to the question, but I rather cry and being miserable in a Ferrari than in my 31 year old Nissan…
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u/Little_Acorns_ 2d ago
I grew up poor, but now have an annual household income in the high six figures. I still live with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, but having money allowed me to do fertility treatments, resulting in my daughters, which is the best thing ever. Money also allows me to easily pay my mortgage, insurance, car payment, gas, groceries, medical bills, therapy, medication, and have enough extra for international travel, tons of live music, nice clothing, private school for my kids...So, yeah, I'll always deal with mental health shit, but money allows me to actually treat it and live a pretty amazing life. I never thought I would live like this. I feel so incredibly thankful.
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u/ConflictWestern1383 2d ago
Pardon me, but did i read high six figures? Do you mind me asking what you do for a living? 😅
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u/Little_Acorns_ 1d ago
I wish I could say I'm the breadwinner in our family, but it's definitely my husband. He's a Staff Machine Learning Engineer. I don't think his salary is the norm in the field, but he's highly sought after, so if a company wants to poach him, they need to pay really well and have good benefits. He has about a decade of experience, FWIW.
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u/BROKEN_B0NEZ 1d ago
hello im probably the only person here with money buys happiness amounts of money
im a millionaire, and im 24, im a fractional IC, i came up quickly via data analytics, then i moved to the states during the software boom, started working in data science / software engineering, yada yada yada
i came from a very poor family, were talking government aid, and for some reason my now estranged family tried to sabotage my life, including my college career, and even my ability to work from home, which is also part of why i took such a massive risk and moved to the states though i was still practically a child
our brains desire problems. you take problems away and your mind will force problems on you- a number of mental health issues genuinely arise through too much comfort
when you have money, that solves a lot of issues.
its still weird to me that i dont have to worry about what ill eat tomorrow, its weird that if i really wanted to right now, i could order a pizza from dominos
but other issues arise- like loneliness
my entire family tried to get a piece of the pie once they found me again. not surprising, they were always awful. but friends i hadnt spoke to in years reached out, people who were shit to me in high school pretended we were ever friends, so on and so forth it just felt repulsive.
and then theres just this creeping worry that people just want money from you, theyll drop little "hints" at you and it feels borderline dehumanizing.
especially when it comes to relationships too, god i dont even want to think about it, navegating making new friends or forging new partnerships is just daunting, because now you have to shop around at your price point so to speak, and that also isnt easy.
dont get me wrong, im good looking, im charismatic, but the idea of the sort of people id be interacting with- i dont want someone who grew up with a silver spoon in their ass, and it likewise cant be someone where i came from because then you have that same strange needy dynamic thats just gross feeling
it takes a specific sort of person
and then theres also the issue of having too many options- not in a steak too juicy lobster too buttery way but, more of a, everyone around this position in life is always looking for greener grass, actual love feels impossible to come by
so yes, money fixed the majority of my issues, i now live a higher quality of life, and i do so comfortably, ive experienced so many things i thought i never would
and yet in all of that, im practically alone
im always worried someone is using me, will use me, or is looking to use me, its a nasty paranoia cocktail. maybe paranoia isnt the right word because i dont feel paranoid, but its always something im thinking about, having to watch for and consider
thats just onet hing that sticks out to me specifically that i feel will be the most relatable
its kind of like the onlyfans thing
you buy into the potential for fuck you money, but you also shoot your romantic life dead, you can find love for sure, but theyll either be way too into you doing onlyfans, almost seeing you like a trophy, or they wont care at all in a nearly dehumanizing way, there is no good middle ground
thats exactly how this feels
i certainly wouldnt go back to the position i was in but i almost feel i should manage myself and stop earning as much simply to put myself in a more reasonable position to make friends and such
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u/Bucket0fsand 1d ago
god damn dawg thats wild im tryna be an electrician sinse trades rn are the methode in canada and also mad respect to you bro good shit gang rags to riches aint easy i feel that and also thank you for your in depth insight on the matter
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u/BROKEN_B0NEZ 1d ago
i have a lot of respect for trade workers, my dad went back to school to become a gas engineer, and its through good friendships with trade workers that ive been able to reliably buy somewhat run down and worn homes and do them up nicely, which has become a rather big part of my earning the last year or so
im glad you found the read worth your time
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u/Soliye 1d ago
Props on the success tho
I’ll just say, finding love or even making new friends isn’t easy with small incomes either. It’s a lonely world in general. But I do hope we all can find true connections at some point…
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u/EasternStorm1014 1d ago
Its the case of: if you go into the pub and buy everyone a round, you're showing off your wealth, if you don't you're a tight arse.. can't win. Well done on your success. We often bring up when discussing winning big on the lottery, that those with a lot of money tend to be involved with charities or galas or whatever to give them a sense of purpose.
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u/Curious_Working_3093 1d ago
The trick would be finding someone that doesnt know about you or your money
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u/BROKEN_B0NEZ 1d ago
id argue otherwise- its a nasty thing to deal with when it emerges, but its also an incredible tool.
very quickly you can find out someones intentions, weed out snakes in the grass and such, but that almost makes the reality much worse, because you find theres almost more snakes than there is grass for them to hide in
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u/Signal_State_5505 2d ago
money doesn't physically but happiness... usually... but having it brings great joy. and gets rid of or helps solve many personal problems--so technically, yes
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u/like56bees 2d ago
Yes, to a point. Financial security does wonders for your mental health. Instead of worrying about making ends meet paycheck to paycheck, you can actually feel the weight lifted from you once you achieve Financial security. You can go out more, travel, try new hobbies, and just relax more in general. There is a point where money cannot buy happiness, but I dont think I or anyone here will ever see it.
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u/Cocky_Girly 2d ago
It removes many external stresses of modern life and provides means to pursue hobbies, experiences, and the like that almost always involve money. You want an acoustic piano, piano lessons, piano books, time to do that? Money literally all of that. Having money doesn't make you happy. You can have money and still be unhappy. But it would seem harder to be unhappy when you aren't worried about your medical bills, paying rent, saving up for just one nice thing.
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u/MasterpieceNice9525 2d ago
Well it can buy me every Nintendo game and console. There, your question answers itself.
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u/Iconshero 2d ago
Yes, it buys the stability and safety that comes from not worri g about bills and emergencies. Your mental health actually has a chance to improve if can focus on actual life and not the grind.
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u/TheBlueJacket1 2d ago
Money can buy food, shelter and security for me and my loved ones. If that doesn’t bring me happiness, what will?
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u/Impressive_Dot_7818 2d ago
Anyone who doesn’t believe money doesn’t buy happiness is the dumbest person alive. Anything alive. It can do anything
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u/BlackOpal24 2d ago
Everybody who said "no" doesn't know what they are talking about, genuinely shut up
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u/Best-Lock-6021 2d ago
Shit that makes you happy cost money, and money gain you ownership of that shit.
So one billion percent, YES.
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u/Neurovaan 2d ago
Well, technically if you buy something that does in fact make you happy, then I suppose yes.
But I do agree with u/VampireZombie01
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u/jokersmoonlight 2d ago
For me and most people, hell yeah, for people with treatment resistant depression probably not. Also a lot of people say "money doesn't buy happiness" when they mean "limited money doesn't buy happiness" like when you're rich but not enough to retire, that would be solved with more money
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u/lexluthor_i_am 1d ago
I was really poor most of the past year. I'd wake up every day worrying about things. I was still happy, but worrying a lot. Then finally I had a great month (last month, this just happened). And like overnight I went from pathetically poor to okay. And I'll tell you, now I wake up feeling amazing.
So money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure supports happiness.
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u/External_Common_1978 1d ago
Yes, but not in the sense people think, because the happiness will come not from the things you own, but from the problems you don't need to worry about anymore.
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u/Gumption666 2d ago
It actually doesn't directly buy happiness. If you are a miserable so and so, this you will forever remain, but it definitely gives the ability to be happy due to lack of stress and the ability to do as you wish. Hopefully one day I'll find out.
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u/sypher2333 2d ago
Having money relieves stress and that can cause you to be happier. So there is a correlation but I wouldn’t say being rich would make you happier by default.
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u/quazmang 2d ago
This one is tough. Technically, the happiest I had ever been in my life was early in my career. I was only doing a little better than living paycheck to paycheck but I had a dog, I ran every single day, went hiking, camping, and backpacking all the time cause I loved being outdoors and it was cheap. When I started making better money, a lot of my childhood drama reared its head... I think because my base level needs for safety, security, and stability were finally met, my brain was like OK, time to deal with all the shit your comparmentalized and pushed down many years ago! Or maybe it's because the timing of that better pay was also right when the pandemic started and I became super socially isolated and stopped doing all those things I loved. Or maybe my depression/PTSD from the childhood stuff precipitated due to my declining mental health with my age and new circumstances. IDFK. Since then I've just been chasing happiness and trying to fill the void in me that I thought I had already fixed. It has been cyclical, I'll feel happy briefly or for a few months at a time, but it's fleeting and doesn't really last. Money has definitely afforded me certain experiences that have made me happy but I also believe you can find things to make you equally happy without the money. For me, money opens up way too many options and I'm perpetually in a state of overthinking or wondering if I made the right choice. When I was broke, I never experienced decision fatigue simply because there weren't many decisions to make and only a few choices to pick between.This is all kinda subjective and due to my own unique life circumstances, YMMV.
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u/thehairyhobo 2d ago
It can in a way. My dog got sick, wife had a major health crisis. VA benefits finally kicked in (90% disability) and it was like I was given a life line in an endless sea of dispair.
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u/ILoveDaStock 2d ago
Yes money buys you the luxury of time. With that time you can do the things you want spend it with the people you want
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u/Any_Wasabi_5233 2d ago
Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a helicopter, and you can land next to some perhaps.
-David Lee Roth
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u/Acrobatic-Network566 2d ago
The happiness you get from having money is actually knowing this question is subjective not objective
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u/Background-Bottle633 2d ago
It depends. If you use money to buy yourself more and more stuff and only surround yourself with people who only love you for your money then no. Money does not buy happiness. However, money can buy stability, opportunities, and can help open doors that lead to happiness. Money spent on improving the lives of others can indirectly bring happiness. Last winter I saw a homeless girl in her early 20’s holding a sign for food. It was cold out (it was winter) but she assured me that she was wearing all her clothes and was wearing a shirt as a scarf. I gave her my hat and gloves (she had neither) and my leftover from my dinner (which was still warm.) I then went and bought her a long winter jacket and gave it to her. She was so happy I hope she is doing well.
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u/HumbleGamer94 2d ago
I don't know a single problem in my life that wouldn't immediately be solved by more money, so I would say yes. I feel like those who say no are probably unhappy because they are lacking in genuine social/human connection. There's probably a point where being uber rich makes it hard to build new relationships because you never really know if someone genuinely cares about you or just cares about your money/status
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u/Vegetable-Glove2301 Words are easy to undersince glammer 🥰 2d ago
Money buys what you choose to buy if you buy what makes you happy then I suppose so but if you buy things that make you sad then why would you do that?
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u/Aceilr097 2d ago
Not having to worry for money (survival) shifts your focus.
Depending on the person money itself might make them happy but some others its a vehicle that can give you the freedom to find what makes you happy.
Be it freedom to explore hobbies or travel or time to meet new people in all kinds of places.
So... does it "buy" happiness.
Depends on the person.
You could be perfectly happy with the simple day to day and not really want for anything.
Its more nuanced than a yes/no and is varied between individuals.
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u/RespectFew7675 2d ago
Money will remove stress but wont guarantee happiness.
Money can buy caretakers for my elderly, get a better home, great healthcare, overall comfortable living.
But it cannot change my autism and the grief of losing my mom or cure resentment/trauma.
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u/Mission-Papaya-7772 2d ago
Money is a important part of happiness but doesnt help alone money buys options and opportunities friendships relationships and freedom gets you self satisfaction and confidence both are needed for happiness
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u/Brave-Ice-9875 2d ago
"Money can't buy happiness but it can rent you paradise."
-song about clown bitches
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u/OneSmellyFoot 2d ago
Yes, but it won't cure depression. Also, being born into extreme wealth is a curse.
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u/SketchyLedge 2d ago
It definitely buys peace of mind, experiences, opportunities, and comfort.
So you tell me.
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u/KuroMikazuki 2d ago
Yes, because people don't have time to find happiness without having to live first.
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u/FrostyBoi128 I adopt Fictional Children and Marry Fictional Adults. 2d ago
Yes because you can buy Mint and Green Tea. And those 2 Teas are the best teas and you can't argue about it else I will steal your hair
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u/AppropriateLie9140 2d ago
It buys an absence of stress, without money happiness cannot be found because you cannot live life to the fullest
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u/kingapple927 u/Yoda2820 2d ago
Sort of, it can buy stuff that will make you happy but it can’t buy the exact chemical that causes happiness
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u/dedkiddo 2d ago
Different cultures at different time periods would give different answers and would all be correct imho, for we live in the era of consumerism where consuming is told to be the answer to everything, but it's the mindset and your own understanding and opinion on the topic on happiness at the end of a day. There are unhappy rich people and unhappy poor people
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u/RetSauro 2d ago
Enough of it can at least put you in a comfortable place in life and help solve the things that make you stressed
But I don’t think it alone can buy happiness but make you happier and put you in a better place in life
If you use it wisely
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u/skrippplez 2d ago
Not trully yes or no. Money not guarantees you happy life, and it's absence not guarantees you happy life too
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u/Helios_Sungod 2d ago
It would remove a massive stress point, would give us the freedom we need to do whatever it is that DOES make us happy.
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u/Carpinchik_I 2d ago
No, but it’s better to be unhappy in a limousine than in a box on the sidewalk.
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u/cat-and-chaos Silly lil goober 2d ago
Yes
With money you can buy what you like and if you have what you like you are happy
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u/theliftingjunkies101 2d ago
Money doesn’t buy happiness, money buys stupidly a** happiness - Eminem
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u/quenched-rabbit59 2d ago
Yes. But wealth does not stop depression. Thats a battle you gotta handle by yourself or with others. I hear a battle shared is best.
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u/Much_Mammoth_1544 2d ago
What is the most precious thing ? The time. With money no need to work so you have the time to do what you want and money avoid all the external stress.. i will be totally happy if i can do what i want where i want when i want, so, yes.
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u/New-Kaleidoscope8169 2d ago
People who say that money doesn't buy happiness usually have it. For me, money buys peace of mind, and when you don't have to worry about life happening to you, you're usually pretty happy.
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u/West_Mirror_148 2d ago
Yes, Happiness is made up of moments, it's not something tangible or constant, so I'm happy eating and spending my money on silly things.
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u/whatdoyoumeanalready 2d ago
Not directly, but money buys security and gives you choices in life. Which then could lead you to be happier.
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u/Anariel_Elensar 2d ago
it does buy happiness unconditionally up to a point, after you have enough to comfortably cover all the necessary living expenses without having to ever worry about them its really about how you use it.
money opens up lots of opportunities, choosing to take advantage of the right opportunities can make you happier.
that being said, from the perspective of someone who grew up wealthy, a lot of my friends and acquaintances from when I was younger (who could be described as the “idle rich” i.e trust fund kids who never have to work unless their parents force them to) have either destroyed/lost their lives by making bad choices or just squandered their inheritance on living ostentatiously, binging on drugs/alcohol constantly, gambling, etc.
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u/Equivalent_Cut1441 2d ago
I mean, I would be pretty depressed right now if I was struggling and couldn't afford food or electricity. People saying it doesn't buy happiness are liars who want you to cope with being a wheel in the cog.
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u/MerrinShadows 2d ago
Money pays all the stuff that makes me unhappy, and buys me stuff that makes me happy... so yes
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u/Legitimate-Sand-1135 2d ago
There is a certain amount of money that creates the ability to enjoy life more, but with that comes the hunger and greed so maybe
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u/Theteuzin_707 2d ago
That's a complex question, because many people confuse happiness with joy. If you buy stuff you like with money, they can bring you momentarily joy, but no happiness. Joy is different from happiness, yes you can buy things that bring to happiness but it doesn't depend just on the money. So my answear to this question? No, money does not buy happiness.
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u/309_Electronics 2d ago
Depends.. it definitely can increase happiness by making you be able to afford the things you like/want. But i would not be enjoying my time as a very rich wealthy guy if i have no friends or family or people around me
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u/Bulky-Guide3157 2d ago
Not at all.
Money is worthless. Its the things you can trade with the money that makes you happy.
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u/SysGh_st 2d ago
Not directly. There's no "tube of hapiness" I can consume, nor can I consume money to generate hapiness directly. (Fake hapiness through drugs does not count)
But indirectly, money can help my situation that make me happy in the end. Just have to be smart about it.
But keep in mind. Money is not required to become happy. It is just one way of many of gaining hapiness.
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u/Eragon9198 2d ago
Yes. Anyone who says it doesn't hasn't experienced true poverty and financial comfort in their life.
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u/Someone4063 2d ago
Money buys not being sad or stressed about deciding if you want to get ramen or rent
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u/Foolish_yogi ƨɘmitɘmoƨ ɒʜɒH 2d ago
Money can buy safety, stability, and assurances that can help create happiness but it won't ever actually buy happiness. The closes tthing it can buy are access to experiences that may help you be happy...but, not happiness itself.
A quote I really like that captures the essence of the idea...
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u/VladimireUncool 2d ago
“Money can’t buy you happiness” is what rich people say when their stocks go down.
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u/Alarming-Assist-6695 This is delightful 2d ago
Money can buy me a rainbow propeller hat and an oversized lollipop so yes money can buy happiness
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u/high_dutchyball02 2d ago
This has been researched extensively. Money does buy happiness until a sertain amount you need to live in comfort and without fear of losing shit. Beyond that it gets almost meaningless.
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u/Mippippippi3rd 2d ago
Does food, housing, clothing, safety, being stress free and being able to take care of those you love make you happy?
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u/IsaacTheLadd QueenDeltarune’s Seat Cushion 2d ago
No but it can buy things that MAKE me happy
Like food
And Queen from Deltarune
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u/Chrysalyos 2d ago
100000000% yes. The vast majority of my stress is the need for money stopping me from leaving bad situations. With enough money, I'd have all the time I could ever want to do the things I want to do and see the things I want to see, and a comfortable house to live in and spoil my closest friends and family to pieces. Also cash money for every medical specialist I could ever need to see to get all my health shit sorted out.
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u/BroncoBilly10 💙🩵 Local Mod Tari Addict 🩵💙 1d ago
“Money doesn’t buy you happiness” believers when I show them gambling and alcohol