Spend your way to happiness

Published on September 30, 2010 by The Editor · No Comments

Mark Hodges says forget austerity, just have fun with your money

The next time someone tells you ‘money won’t make you happy’ tell the miserable peasant where to get off.

Because psychologists at the University of Colorado have concluded that cash can do exactly that, make you happy.

However, there is one rule (why is there always a rule?) You have to spend it wisely.

Spending your hard earned on experiences such as going to the cinema, dining out or going to a concert does make you happier for longer.

Apparently buying gadgets and cars doesn’t give you lasting fulfilment compared to such life experiences as a holiday or a day out at a sports event.

I suppose that makes sense. Cars are a never ending pit of money. Gadgets always break or become obsolete faster than you can say mini-disc.

Leaf Van Boven from the university explains: “We found that people receive more enduring pleasure and satisfaction from investing in life experiences rather than increasing their material possessions.”

So ditch your i-pad you shallow cretin and book a world trip. Just make sure that when you come back you’ve still got a few quid left or still have a job for that matter.

Are you happier poor? Or would you take pleasure in booking that world trip and putting the money doesn’t buy happiness theory to the test?

Mark Hodge is a WowdeWow editor