Can Money Buy Happiness?

Money is important.

Having money is critical to your life.

However, having "enough" money is your choice.

How much money is enough for your happy life?

Basic needs are met... 
a rainy day savings fund makes us feel more secure... 
and then, finally dreams are next.  
Why are our dreams last?

Trade offs for more money sometimes come with denial and delusion.
We bargain with ourselves.
If I work late tonight I will:

• be in line for a promotion
• impress the boss
• catch up on my work
• go the the next game or recital for my children
• pick up dinner on the way home
• make it up to my family later
• prove that they can't do without my expertise

and on and on until it is obvious that this is not working out for your happy life.  
The message is not-don't ever work late or you won't be happy.  
Be mindful of the reasons and understand the costs and trade offs of your decisions.  
What will it "cost" to make that money you are using to buy happiness?

Money cannot always buy what you need.

You can buy a house but not a home.

You can buy medicine but not health.

You can buy a bed but not sleep.

You can buy education but not wisdom.

Money can buy time.

You can hire someone to clean your house then have more time to spend with family.

You can pay a babysitter for date night and strengthen your relationship.

You can contract a website designer, which may bring clients and increase income.

When you buy time, by not doing something else, you increase time for loving, being creative, something more important or maybe just pure pleasure.

You can spend or overspend on entertainment and it will take you away from life.

But what if you loved your life and didn't need to get away from it?

I believe you can buy happiness...if you spend your money in the right way.  

Every person will have a "right way" for their happiness.  

Money can create opportunities to serve the world by sharing our "wealth."  

You can invest in others.  

You can buy positive experiences. 

You can buy time.

What are some of your happiest moments today?

• Buying a coffee for the person in the car behind you
• Rocking your baby to sleep
• A phone call to your mother
• Eating dinner with the family
• Learning a shortcut at the Apple store
• Working out at the gym
• Closing the deal 

Money can buy a lot of "things" but not everything and not always what you really need.

What do you need to be happy?