Money and Happiness

Financial literacy is important to all and I think should be taught in school, not just in the house.

One of the questions I always encounter when teaching about personal finance is, “Are you still enjoying your life?”

Many would agree that their view on saving money is equivalent to giving up nicest things in their lives. It means they will live with lower budget, lower-end life style, no more clubbing or expensive vacations and the like.

I always tell them, “I enjoy the best things in life and at the same time not sacrificing my future.”

Enjoying doesn't mean you have the latest fashion statements in your wardrobe, the latest gadget from Apple, going to the latest club nor having an expensive vacation in a secluded island.

Enjoying life for me means I get the best of nature with a fraction of the cost – that’s why we have a mountaineering club in the office. It means communicating with my family and friends all over the world and cherishing every moment with them – that’s why we have cell phones and social networking sites. It means laughing out loud when the situation permits. It means crying my heart out at times when I am upset. It means meeting my goals physically, emotionally, financially and most important of all spiritually. These kinds of enjoyment don’t require a lot of money. They don’t rob me like a bandit.

Yes, money is important. But if you put a price tag in your happiness then something is wrong with your mindset. The happiest people in the world don’t have the “best” things. They simply enjoy the things they have and make the most out of them. Simplicity is the key.

~Till then

Money can’t Buy Happiness

This is one of the many excuses a “poor-minded” people use why they are not yet rich.

I want to quote something from the book Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich: “Of course, money doesn’t buy happiness. And neither does poverty. It’s not wealth or poverty that makes you happy or unhappy, it’s how you live your life. Money simply gives you choices that you might not otherwise have.”

Money cannot buy happiness but it can buy freedom. Freedom from your boss who nags you everyday. Freedom from the worries of tomorrow because you have enough saved and invested. Freedom to do whatever you want because money is not a problem. Freedom to go on a vacation when ever you wanted. Freedom to attend school activities with your kids because you can afford to do so.

You may recall an old line from Sophie Tucker: “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor; believe me, honey, rich is better.”

~Till then.