They say money can’t buy happiness. The truth is that the things that bring happiness aren’t for sale. Money allows for the opportunity of happiness, but people consistently waste that opportunity because the things they think will make them happy often don’t.
A study by UBC and Harvard Business School has found that buying time makes people happier than buying material things. UBC psychology professor and senior author of the study Elizabeth Dunn said, “When you’re rushing around, feeling pressed for time, that seems to take a bit of a toll on people’s day-to-day happiness.” Research shows that getting rid of tasks you dislike can be a smart decision, even if you don’t have a lot of money. Those who do buy time saving tools, usually spend only $80 to $100 a month.
There are plenty of articles about how experiences can make you happy. We are more likely to replay a special moment we had than think about our 4K TV. This is because what we do is more related to who we are as an individual. The challenge is we are so backlogged in our daily errands that we don’t have time for experiences.
Money can buy most things that make us happy, and if it doesn’t, it’s because we aren’t spending it right.
So next time instead of spending money on a big ticket item, think about spending money on something that will save you time, you’ll be happy you did!