HAPPY MONEY: THE SCIENCE OF SMARTER SPENDING By Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton

HappyMoneyCropped
Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton present a breezy (and short!) introduction to the science of happiness. Examining all the current research on the link between money and happiness, they come up with five principles that can increase satisfactions:
1. Buy Experiences
2. Make It a Treat
3. Buy Time
4. Pay Now, Consume Later
5. Invest in Others
Most people have increased happiness when they take a trip or go on vacation. Experiences tend to increase satisfaction. Boredom is the enemy of happiness. Treat yourself to something out of the ordinary and chances are you’ll feel better. Most people are time-deprived: we are constantly stressed by having too much to do. By giving ourselves more time–taking a day off, only checking email twice a day, etc.–happiness goes up. Anticipation increases happiness. Delaying consumption actually makes us happier than immediate consumption. Finally, investing in others–in a word, charity–makes us feel happier. Follow these principles and your happiness will go up! Check out Elizabeth Dunn below. GRADE: B+

6 thoughts on “HAPPY MONEY: THE SCIENCE OF SMARTER SPENDING By Elizabeth Dunn & Michael Norton

  1. Jeff Meyerson

    Yes, Buy Experiences does work! Even though travel these days has become an incredible hassle I still look back on the past traveling we’ve done with great satisfaction.

    Reply
  2. Richard R.

    As I do not care to fly and the train is very limited in routes and is also expensive, our travel is limited to driving trips. As for anticipation, I’m glad I went ahead and bought the books and CDs I have, rather than anticipating that one day I would do so. I think the thing that makes people over 50 happy is good health.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *