Happiness
Happiness….Most of us don’t actively advocate death for anyone, even our enemies. Being happy about someone’s death is even more unusual.
Osama Bin Laden reached that short list by killing of thousands of innocents and his promises to add to the total. He joined the likes of Hitler and other evil men whose heinous crimes have allowed even the most pacifist among us to be comfortable with his assassination.
Shopping, Spending and Happiness
I saw this article on spending money and happiness at Smart Money by Jack Hough-just after reading about the spontaneous celebrations from the Osama ocean dumping…. (I wonder what Greenpeace thinks about this newest toxic pollution source?)
It reminded me of a line from one of the crime shows (paraphrased): “The rich know money can buy happiness- ’cause they can afford a high-priced shrink!!!”
The article by Mr Hough listed 8 ways to maximize happiness from spending-in a more healthy way than the short term thrills felt by shopping addicts.
- Buy experiences instead of things: Spend your money on travel, learning a new language-memories that can last a lifetime, rather than baubles. My take: The satisfaction from buying a thing is only temporary. That’s why they call it a new car smell-it’s fleeting….I do have great memories of trips with my kids!
- Help others: By giving-not to be nice, but because it FEELS good! My Take: It feels good because we’re helping others. Giving comes from the heart.
- Spend on many small items rather than a few big ones: The happiness from buying big ticket items is fleeting, so buy many smaller things and save money instead. Results in more satisfaction. My Take: Maybe. If you buy multiple cheap items that fall apart or are worthless the next week-that’s not very satisfying. Don’t expect to feel good for ten years ’cause you bought a $10,000 3D 1000 inch plasma. You will just want another one in the bedroom by next week…
- Insurance: the idea here is you are overpaying for most insurance, so you feel bad. My Take: Huh-Insurance and happiness in the same paragraph? I guess I agree partially. Don’t waste your money on insurance for items you can afford to replace-like most extended warranties. Cheap term life insurance is well worth the money, though! Peace of mind makes me happy!
- Delayed Gratification: Can be more satisfying than immediate gratification. My Take: Duh….Why else is Pfizer depressed over Viagra going generic….So yes, saving to eventually pay cash for an object can be more satisfying than putting it on a card and buying now. Especially if you actually read the interest payment amount on your statements…
- Think Un-Happy thoughts before you spend: Reminding yourself of the negative consequences of your actions can help you avoid costly mistakes. Imagine “Buying 5 buck/gallon boat fuel and paying docking fees/repairs” rather than ” babe magnet!” when looking at that gorgeous speedboat in the showroom. My take: This is true, but will it make me happy to avoid those future stresses? Not sure the testosterone-laden male mind works that way….
- Don’t shop too compulsively: Spending weeks or months obsessing over details of your purchase does not make you happy. My take: They must’ve read my post about the Kindle last week.
- Mimic: If it makes a lot of people happy, helps others get where they want to be, then you try it….My Take: Huh?? Paying for sex makes a lot of people happy…No, don’t think I’m going there…Nice try, but my wife reads occasionally….
Psychologists and Happiness research papers are as common as personal finance bloggers writing about coupons. And just about as important in the big scheme of life…But I’m HAPPY to share ‘em with you!
I needed something to write about today….so… thanks!
What say you? Do you think these tips will help your happiness? Did Osama Bin Laden’s death make you happy? Does that bother you? Lay down on my cyber-couch while I set the timer….”How does that thought really make you feel???” (Make out your psychotherapy check to______________)
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Tags: can spending make you happy, happiness, happiness and spending, spending and mood, the relationship between money and happiness
