The feeling I got after completing my winter clothing haul may have been the highlight of my winter break. After a grueling semester of classes, volunteering and shadowing, a shopping spree that culminated in a new wardrobe renewed the motivation I needed for the spring. Often, people like to voice that money doesn’t buy happiness. However, more often than not, money has offered me more avenues to happiness than I would have without it. 

Happiness is a broad term that aims to categorize feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction. Every person’s definition of happiness varies to a great extent, but for many it can include having the freedom of choice, access to entertaining experiences and mental stability. It may be true that money alone cannot guarantee meaningful, genuine relationships, but it offers ways to enhance smaller and more personal moments of satisfaction. For example, after what I considered a rather disastrous math exam, I purchased a Halloween Snoopy plush from CVS. Although Snoopy did not lend me a helping hand in math, from then on he offered me relief from the distress I was facing. To this day, he is a source of comfort and peace otherwise hard to find in the activities and challenges in my daily life. 

For some, happiness largely stems from love, relationships and experiences. However, money has the ability to enhance these aspects of someone’s life. Several studies have proven that for most people, a higher income was correlated with higher levels of day-to-day happiness. The effects of the trend plateaued at incomes higher than $75,000, and an exception to the trend were those who were unsatisfied even with the highest income. More money would not help in the case of someone who is already troubled, but for most people, money could reduce anxieties related to finances. In today’s world, some leading causes of stress come from the concern that one cannot pay certain bills, afford healthcare or sufficiently provide for a family. Financial strain largely contributes to the anxiety and depression impacting someone’s mental state. Financial struggles are also a leading cause for stress in close relationships. There can be strong tensions and resentment between friends, members of a family and even significant others. Having the financial stability to overcome these burdens allows people to focus on their passions, goals and relationships. Having the luxury of maintaining meaningful relationships provides people with enriching encounters that foster social pleasure. Families and couples can enhance their emotional connections through events like thoughtful celebrations, exciting vacations and other various bonding activities. 

Another crucial part of overall happiness pertains to physical wellbeing and access to healthcare. Having more funds grants access to higher quality medical care, healthier foods and curated fitness opportunities. Wealthier individuals also have access to frequent mental health check-ups and therapy which further improves their happiness through mental well-being, which is often not a priority for those who struggle with financial stability. 

The freedom to choose one’s life experiences is not only liberating, but also inspiring. Having more financial resources allows people control over most aspects of their lives. An individual with secure finances can make choices on where they want to live, how they want to spend their time and advancements in their career. Usually, this leads to pursuing work that is enjoyable while also being beneficial. There are few limitations to their choices and making compromises due to financial strain is not necessary. Freedom commonly enhances individual power, and having the power to design a life that aligns closely to personal desires offers greater contentment. 

Having money enables people to help those in need by supporting charities and giving back to the community. Besides volunteering service, money can ensure that people who need help can get it. Being able to give back and support people who need a little extra help is rewarding and inspiring. Apart from helping individuals, giving back through charity can give someone a sense of purpose as they feel like they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. Additionally, being philanthropic strengthens social connections within a community, reducing feelings of loneliness that can arise when someone does not have the opportunity to be involved. 

Ultimately, money is a vital factor in someone’s well being. Even if it cannot secure personal relationships or ensure emotional connections, it can play a role in doing so. In addition to satisfying material desires that many have, it provides several options to strengthen relationships, encourage generosity and increase personal freedom. When managed appropriately to invest in these aspects of life instead of just material possessions, it can indeed establish feelings of happiness.