There is an age-old saying; money can’t buy happiness. I think I could argue the point. Money bought this and I’m pretty damn happy right about now. Have we been traveling like this for the past eight weeks? Absolutely not. This little slice of paradise is the result of a substantial withdrawal from our points bank, but that’s a story for another post.
Even Martha Stewart Landed in Prison
Here’s the fascinating thing about money. No one likes to talk about it; it’s considered gauche to do so. And yet, everyone – every single one of us – needs a few pennies in our pocket in order to survive in this world. It’s a matter of how many pennies do we need to #1 sustain us, and #2 make us happy. I’m guessing there are billionaires out there who are not particularly happy. Hell, even Martha Stewart landed in prison and I doubt she was happy about that. And, how many times have you read about people who’ve won a gazillion dollars in the lottery and it absolutely ruined their lives because they blew through it like the wind and were left in the dust with nothing to show for it? So it would seem, it’s not necessarily about the amount of money.
Balance
On the flip side, how many people do you know, right at this moment, that seem extraordinarily happy, yet seemingly have very little in the way of tangible possessions? I can name several right off the top of my head. Have they learned the big secret? I think maybe they have. I think they found a sense of balance in their life.
Money
So does money buy happiness? I think the better question is does money bring you the happiness you are seeking in your life and are you using your money in such a way that fulfills you? It’s a loaded question, I know. But ask yourself, are you controlling your money or is your money controlling you?
A Moral Compass
We all have a built in moral compass, but what makes life interesting is how many different directions our compass has and which paths we choose to follow. The older I get and the more I travel, the more my perspective evolves when I think about such things. Since beginning this blog 16 months ago, I have met so many people (in person and/or online) and it fascinates me that each of us has such a sense of who we are in this world and yet many of us are still searching for answers. My eyes have been opened to so many options that never entered my mind before this past year. It’s exciting to think of the possibilities that lay before us.
People are Packing it In
People are packing it in and embracing a different way of life that requires very little money, and yet, what money they do have is definitely buying their happiness. There are those who sleep on a stranger’s sofa, in airports or in their car in a WalMart parking lot because the saving helps bring balance to their life of travel. If they save the cost of a hotel room, they can travel for days in some parts of the world.
Can Money Buy Happiness?
Okay, back to my original question, can money in fact buy happiness? I’m going out on a philosophical limb and say yes, it can, but with the caveat that it doesn’t have to be a busload of money. And with that being said, money alone won’t do it. Whatever “it” is, and “it” is different for each of us, there has to be a sense of balance; a sense of fulfillment. Abi and I work ridiculously long days for 9 months of the year, we take one month to regroup and then we travel for two months. It’s our balance. It works for us.
Expat Life
There are those who have given up living in the USA because life in other countries can be so much more affordable. And there are those who work 9 – 5 to take an annual two-week vacation while others sell everything they own in order to use their money to travel indefinitely. When it comes right down to it, it’s all about the value you place on your dollars. What works for one, doesn’t necessarily work for another. And it doesn’t have to. It’s about finding what works for you, what makes you happy.
What Keeps You Balanced
The other day, while driving in the middle of I have no idea where, I randomly said to Abi, “I’m happy.” I don’t think we (and by we I mean me) say that often enough. Why is that? So did money buy me a bit of happiness? Yes, it did. But it would mean nothing if Abi wasn’t sitting in the car right next to me. It’s all about balance, right?
So, what is “it” for you? What keeps you balanced?
Instagram Feed
I don’t think money can necessarily buy happiness, but I think a lack of money for the things you and your family need can cause a whole lot of stress and misery. Whenever I have to spend money to “fix” something, I always remember what my father-in-law used to say, “Any problem that can be taken care of by spending money (if you have the money), isn’t a problem.”
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…The Hawaii Chocolate Festival – Educational and Yum!
I love the conversation that has been brought about as a result of my going out on a philosophical limb when I suggested money could in fact buy happiness! 😉 Thanks for jumping in!
I don’t think money can Buy happiness but probably doesn’t hurt getting what you want. Happiness is a frame of mind.
Gaelyn recently posted…Driving in circles South Africa
It is indeed Gaelyn, you have to find the inner happiness.
I loved both the content of this article and your conversational writing style. You made some excellent points!
Patti Morrow recently posted…Bora Bora: Bungalows, Beaches, Baguettes and Black Pearls
Thanks so much for your positive feedback Patti – with an i – the best way to spell our name!
While money doesn’t buy happiness- it is a great tool. People without it don’t always have food on the table, a roof over their heads or clothes on their backs. Lots of people with money are very unhappy, but at least they can be miserable in comfort. Sure beats the alternative.
santafetraveler recently posted…Rancho de Chimayo a 50 year old NM tradition
Absolutely agree 100%!
Patti Morrow recently posted…Bora Bora: Bungalows, Beaches, Baguettes and Black Pearls
Thank you 100% 🙂
Thanks for sharing another perspective Billie – that money can be a tool.
It is absolutely about balance! We love our travels around the world but, without our family and friends waiting back home, it would all be meaningless. Interesting, insightful article.
Jan Ross recently posted…5 Important Things to Know About Winter in Michigan
Yes, Jan, it is about each of us finding our own sense of balance. Thank you for the positive feedback!
Great post Patti! I agree, it is about balance. While living and working in London Andrew and I were earning a fair bit of money between us but we were also pretty miserable in our working routines and longed to travel. Now we love our life on the road; we live off our savings and a small freelance income but that goes a long way in Asia. We know we’ll need to balance this out with periods of more intense work to continue this lifestyle, which is why we plan to teach in Taiwan for a year. Hopefully we can boost our travel funds back up enough to get to Canada and America in 2015! I’m glad you and Abi have found your balance, you have a great life 🙂
Amy recently posted…Thoughts on Bad Tourism and How to Travel Responsibly
Thank you for your continued support Amy! You and Andrew chose to embrace change and a new path in order to find your balance and your sense of happiness. It’s been a joy to follow you as this chapter in your life unfolds.
First off, absolutely fantastic post, Patti! Your on the flip side paragraph so reminds me of my aunt. In her case having immense means but lives very frugally day to day and travels the world. And it was from her I learned 30 years ago that money can not buy you happiness and that is my own personal belief. For me, it comes down to spiritual calm and inner peace. That’s happiness. I am a very non-materialistic person. I did read your caveat. Money does afford us to do some wonderful things that we could not do otherwise. Awesome read, our friend 🙂
Mike recently posted…Holiday Nomad Is Having A Contest!
Thanks Mike, I seriously appreciate your feedback! And yes, inner peace also brings balance. We all have different components that bring balance to our lives, for me I need to remove myself from my daily life for a period of time in order to regain my perspective and find clarity.
When I was younger, chasing the almighty dollar was where I found all my friends. It was very important.
Now that we’re retired, money has taken a lesser importance for achieving balance. Since so many people don’t have their health to enjoy traveling, I feel rich to have my health. I agree with Cathy, that having my hubby to share the travels with makes my life worthwhile.
Neva Fels recently posted…Robert Redford “In” a Cake at the Sundance Film Festival
Isn’t it interesting how our perspective changes as we grow older and maybe (hopefully) a bit wiser? And yes, having a fit mind and body is definitely another important piece of maintaining balance.
Balance is definitely the key, and the key to finding it isn’t “one size fits all”. 🙂
Nancie recently posted…Chiang Mai — Massaman Curry with a Twist on Foodie Tuesday
Definitely. Everyone has to follow their own compass to figure out how best to live a balanced life.
Oh, you’ve hit the nail on the head. What keeps me balanced? Not sure that I am (half joking). But the whole money, happiness and balance thing can be very complicated, can’t it? Good food for thought, Patti. I’m glad that you and Abi are having such an awesome, special time together on this trip. It’s my hubby that makes it all worthwhile, too.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted…Best of Budapest: Spa in the City
Yes, it is complicated and my perspective keeps evolving as we continue to embrace the changes in our lives. We’ve always lived a quality life but what kept me balanced at 40, is no longer what keeps me balanced now. When we made our major lifestyle change 3 years ago, I think that’s when I really started to examine what we need and/or want to sustain the next chapter in our lives and I continue to be surprised by the revelations!
Staying in that little paradise shown on the first photos would definitely make me happy 🙂 No serious I agree with you it has to be a balance between several things and what makes you happy will be different for every person
Freya recently posted…The Quintessential Guide to New York
Yes, there is no such thing as one size all. There are people in my life that I wish could embrace change in order to find happiness and live a balanced life, but everyone has to find their own way.