If money buys happiness then why is it so fabulous? Some of the most valuable human qualities are happiness and honesty. As the saying goes, the best things in life are free, and there are some things in life that have no monetary value, such as friends, family, and good memories. Although most of us pretend to not believe the proverb that "money can't buy happiness," everyone is aware of it. It is evident that wealth does not ensure happiness; many people are extremely wealthy but are utterly unhappy. This blog explores the important factors that come along with money and the impacts it has on peoples lives.
The expense of loneliness
What can money buy? Of course, there are the obvious things. The huge mansion, the luxury car, and the Rolex. The overseas vacation. But these days, money really buys distance from other people: large swaths of uninterrupted life. Large housing developments where you can't hear or see your neighbours. Private cars for quiet, independent travel. Restaurants with plenty of distace between tables. This separation from others extends to our financial lives. The more we earn, the less we discuss it.
According to two recent studies, those with higher incomes spend less time socialising, whereas those with lower incomes feel less lonely. Researchers Emily C. Bianchi and colleagues from Emory University and the University of Minnesota focused on questions regarding household income annually and social behaviour in survey responses from approximately 120,000 Americans in the first study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science. According to their findings, those with higher salaries spent longer alone and less time interacting with others. When they did socialise, those with higher salaries spent fewer time with their families and far more time with their friends.
Does love have a price tag?
I believe there is a huge misconception about the idea that love can be bought. The belief that all you have to do is buy expensive gifts, or at least a lot of little things and someone will love you. People believe that if you shower your significant other with gifts, that this is the main factor of expressing love. I genuinely believe sometimes people do this to try and fill a void in their own lives; they crave love, but don’t think they are satisfactory enough to receive it by simply being themselves. Buying things for people consistently can additionally make those very people you are trying to impress, feel uneasy. It isn’t money that matters in a relationship; it’s your heart, who you are as a person.
If someone truly loves you, they will love you for who you are, not what you can buy them. They'll admire your heart, your joy, happiness, and sadness, your ability to lift each other up, and any other characteristics that make you...you.
Love is not about money, material possessions, or how much you can spend on someone. Love cannot be purchased with money. Trust and what you offer of yourself are how you "earn" love. People will love you regardless of whether you spend a fortune on them, there's nothing wrong with buying gifts for others; just don't do it for yourself.
Money is stress
Money is a source of stress. It's an unavoidable fact of life. Money is, in my opinion, the number one concern in society today.But why is money such a big contributor to stress? According to experts, there are several reasons. One is how money is perceived in society. Many people associate wealth with success. Those who are experiencing financial difficulties or are in debt may feel inadequate or even worthless due to their few assets to show for their efforts.
Money can also cause stress due to the unintended consequences that can result from financial problems. Many people who are stressed engage in unhealthy behaviours. According to a recent survey, 21% of respondents use alcohol to cope with financial stress. Thirteen percent stated that they began smoking. While these habits may provide a temporary escape, they frequently contribute to longer-term stress.
In a survey of about 3,000 Americans undertaken by Harris Poll for the APA, 72 percent said they were stressed about money in the previous month, and 22 percent said they were extremely stressed. Significantly, 26% said they are stressed out about money a majority of the time. Stress levels were higher among households earning less than $50,000 per year, women, and millennials (people born between 1980 and 2000). Dealing with unexpected expenses, paying for necessities, and saving for retirement are among the causes of financial stress identified in the survey. When people are struggling to meet their basic needs, it's not unusual that unforeseen expenses are stressful. Although money can contribute to the finer things in life it is important to note the expense it comes at too
So what price do we have to pay?
To conclude, there are many unspoken about elements that come alongside the idea that "Money buys happiness".Although we love the idea of the luxury life filled with designer items, or the dream job we’ve worked hard for, there is much more to life than material and social status. Money cannot buy love, true relationships, time or happiness. You can be the richest person in the world but without these factors money can leave you lonely and stressed. Money is only a contributor to happiness, not the route cause.