Does having more money really make you happier? Some may feel like the answer is an obvious yes. Money can buy you more vacations, nice meals out, fancy cars, but beyond basic financial security for you and your family, how much joy does more and more money add to your life? This week, Hallie and I discuss why money may make you happier at the moment, but it doesn’t necessarily mean more fulfillment. We talk about how to define your rich life and get clear on your motivation for going after more money. We also share the baseline numbers in the United States that research has shown do make people feel more content, and at which number that starts to go down, which may surprise you. Then, we discuss the inner work you can do now that brings in the same feelings you are looking outside yourself for.
Take a listen and let us know what you think with a comment below! If you like what you hear, make sure to subscribe and share with a friend.
Subscribe to Business Meets Spirituality:
Join Our Free Conscious Coaching Community:
- Facebook Group: Facebook.com/groups/joinbusinessandlifecoaching
Timestamps for our meetings episode:
[2:09] Most people have this perception that the more money they have, the more fulfilled they will be.
[6:16] After a certain point, it’s not about the actual money, but more about the feeling. It could be a feeling of power, worth, significance, etc. that they attach to having more money and a new dollar amount.
[8:11] There is an amount where your income covers your basic needs such as food, safety, shelter, and then there is an amount of satiety for which you can go on vacations, out to dinner, see movies, etc. We discuss that it may be $75K globally, but for places where it’s more expensive to live, that baseline number may be even higher.
[12:09] When you put time and energy into seeing what brings you fulfillment, you can be more selective about how you spend your money.
[14:25] Sometimes you have to experiment on what it is you are looking for that gives you that feeling of fulfillment. For some it’s prepped meals and clean cars, for others it could be clothes, concerts, or eating out.
[18:05] Research shows that after you go above $250,000, your level of contentment can actually go backward.
[18:24] Instead of waiting until you have the money to feel joy, do the inner work to feel gratitude and joy for what’s already right in front of you. When you truly accept where you are, you can go out there and play with the world.
[23:58] Money can give you time because of leveraging and investments, and if you pour that extra time into what matters, it can make life easier and make you feel more content. However, more time and more money do not always equal us being intentional about spending time in a way that aligns with our values.
[28:32] People get so lost in thinking that some future event or some future dollar amount is going to bring them a higher level of joy.
[30:24] Money can buy joy and happiness, but up to a certain point. But then after that, it just doesn’t work for what you want it to do.
[30:36] Have fun with your things; just don’t think that any of those things are going to contribute to your well-being.
[33:14] What does your rich life look like? Is it fresh flowers, a nice cup of coffee, time in the morning? When you get clear on your relationship with money, you can see what you may need to move around to feel a rich life.
