We have heard it a million times: “money can’t buy happiness.” But most of us just chuckle at the saying thinking “well, it can buy me cars and vacations and nice things and those things make me happy.”
So, money can’t buy true happiness, but yes it does have a purpose and does allow us to obtain items that are quite enjoyable.
It certainly would be fun and exciting to receive millions of dollars, but immediately after receive a fortune, you would have to start figuring out how much you have, how much you can spend, who is trying to scam you and how to keep track of your purchases and investments. How much did you receive after taxes? Do you owe more taxes? Is it a monthly amount and how much would you get every month? What would you do first? How much would you give away? To whom, why?
We need to keep our financial dreams in perspective. I have heard people say that winning the lottery or even being given a large lump sum of money would fix all of their problems and their life would then be worry free. Money has limited usefulness. It can pay off debt and buy goods, services and luxuries. It can buy you a house, a pool, a gardener, a housekeeper and lots of furniture, food and toys. It can provide us with the ability to throw large parties, take luxurious vacations and purchase cars.
It seems that a large amount of money would fix all of your problems, relieve all of your stress and guarantee happiness in your life, but, no it won’t. There is no amount of money that will fix all of your problems. In fact, large amounts of money tend to make life more complicated and stressful. Keeping track of many assets, bank accounts and personal items can be overwhelming. Managing large amounts of money can be confusing and complicated. Maintaining friendships and family relationships seems to be much more challenging for people with substantial amounts of money. People of wealth have numerous sales people and companies trying to sell those items and services constantly. Likewise they have scammers and thieves trying to lure them out of some of their money. Some people think that their friends or family members with money should help them out by giving them some money and even purchase meals, vacations and cars for them. The list of challenges that come with a lot of money is long. However, if you happen to run into a large deal of money, it would be best to be prepared for saving, spending and enjoying any amount of money.
Also, some people spend vast amounts of time dreaming and wishing of coming into money that they disregard their current financial situations. Dreaming about money should help you with your planning and goals make sure it is part of your progress not your financial decline.
What happines do you have and what things can you enjoy which do not require any money?