tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post3040024431199557009..comments2024-03-15T04:01:53.036-04:00Comments on Cranky Fitness: Can Money Buy Happiness?Crabby McSlackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-20354192640084744182009-02-25T02:36:00.000-05:002009-02-25T02:36:00.000-05:00I am obviously warped, because I SO can rhapsodize...I am obviously warped, because I SO can rhapsodize over assorted possessions! Quite a few of them. You don't really want to get me going, do you?<BR/><BR/>Take my iRobot Dirt Dog. I LOVE this little sweeper. Since he came into my life, my bedroom floors are free of cat hair and cat litter. I can walk barefoot in the bedroom again! And he takes care of the living room too! I do not have to slave vacuuming daily... nor do I have to watch my floors get dirtier and dirtier if I don't.<BR/><BR/>Then there's my Vita-Mix. Use it daily, it saves me by making me good healthy food and fast. Or the rice cooker... that cooks healthy steel cut oatmeal for me and has it piping hot and ready when I return from the gym.<BR/><BR/>I love my stuff! I also like spending occasionally on art, something I enjoy seeing every day.<BR/><BR/>I do like experiential things too, but traveling means knowing that the fur children are unhappy being boarded. Talk about guilt when you get back and they are howling their heads off when you pick them up!<BR/><BR/>Memories are nice... but clean floors and perfect oatmeal when you want it are priceless, LOL!<BR/><BR/>That said, hubby has scored tickets to an upcoming K.D. Lang concert and I am so looking forward to that! 4th row seats!<BR/><BR/>We live simply, but indulge occasionally and life is good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-41078671995250531252009-02-22T13:46:00.000-05:002009-02-22T13:46:00.000-05:00I listened to that program, and thought the same a...I listened to that program, and thought the same as you - a thing can make you happy over time but isn't exciting on paper (like a computer hard drive or a plate with a pretty pattern).<BR/><BR/>BUT <BR/>I was surprised recently when my sister posted that one of her all-time favorite gifts was tickets to a play. She's gotten a lot of nice things in her life, but going to the play with family was top 2.<BR/><BR/>Safe to say there'll be more of that type gift in the future.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12932253450332995785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-22578084560566766322009-02-21T19:42:00.000-05:002009-02-21T19:42:00.000-05:00seems to be some madness to the methodology methin...seems to be some madness to the methodology methinks<BR/><BR/>Tho i'd sock some away and spend some on some horsey tack... <BR/><BR/>happy trails<BR/>gpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-80189050406254604922009-02-19T13:20:00.000-05:002009-02-19T13:20:00.000-05:00Wow this post couldn't have come at a more perfect...Wow this post couldn't have come at a more perfect time! I have a sister in law who is CONSTANTLY trying to 'one-up' me by telling me about all the crap she buys. 10 new shirts for herself, some clothes for her baby, 'designer jeans', decorations, furniture, fancy food, tv's, you name it. And that's all in the past 3 days! Seriously. She's bought all of those things the in the last 3 days and told me all about it. I know she is unhappy in her marriage and it's so frustrating to me that she feels like as long as she is spending money, and a lot of it, AND trying so hard to rub it in my face, then she will seem happy. I do think that spending money on experiences- cruises, vacations, trips to the zoo, etc.- make me a LOT happier than having the latest plasma TV or BMW, or touch Ipod. But that's just my opinion.Malloryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17440803867819783749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-40486477925826549802009-02-19T09:45:00.000-05:002009-02-19T09:45:00.000-05:00Why even do studies like this? Flawed methodology?...Why even do studies like this? Flawed methodology?! The whole thing is bogus.<BR/> WE know what makes us happy. WE don't need "no stinkin studies" to tell us!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00320382626389104651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-21498350354403121092009-02-19T03:57:00.000-05:002009-02-19T03:57:00.000-05:00LOVE this post!Um, hubsy and I tend to spend money...LOVE this post!<BR/><BR/>Um, hubsy and I tend to spend money on travel which is what we LOVELOVELOVE. <BR/><BR/>I do love me a nice handbag, but its mostly only goes as far as window shopping for me (it always comes down to, well, I could go to italy for that much money...and who can resist italy?)<BR/><BR/>Have a great day!<BR/>~rupalRupalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17285486911041238851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-64812515523796282622009-02-18T23:06:00.000-05:002009-02-18T23:06:00.000-05:00I agree with the basic idea from all the comments ...I agree with the basic idea from all the comments here - and they're better articulated than I could have done so I'll leave it at that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-3370533563422961532009-02-18T22:55:00.000-05:002009-02-18T22:55:00.000-05:00I've been thinking about this post all day! Love t...I've been thinking about this post all day! Love the comments as usual. I started highlighting all the things I agreed in other comments but stopped - there were way too many.<BR/><BR/>Having enough money to survive certainly affects happiness. <BR/><BR/>Beyond that, I see it simply: If I never compare myself to any one else I usually fell that I have enough. My angst for "more" experiences or things typically (but not always) comes from the comparison. If I have a decent pair of running shoes and a couple of pairs of sweats I can reap all of the benefits of a good run. A solid run in the sunshine, preferably in the mountains, brings me a lot of happiness (well, it used to. I'll get back there in a couple of months, lol). But once I notice Suzy down the block and her fancy new shoes and cute new capris and new iPod, I can choose whether or not to give that simple joy away to the comparison (waaaa. I want a new iPod!) or keep it to myself and <I>enjoy</I> what I have. I think people compare too much. <BR/><BR/>That said, I've been in circumstances where I couldn't afford the shoes (or gym pass last year) and not having that "base" to be able to do something I love-well, it was just crappy. (so does that count as Things or an Experience?)<BR/><BR/>Anyway, loved the post, definitely got me thinking. <BR/><BR/>(One more thing- I'm an emergency preparedness freak and so if I had a couple of extra thousand dollars I'd be inclined to buy 72-hour kits for my family, some more wheat, flashlights, a super fancy first aid kit. YES OK. I'm a nerd. I know.<BR/>Talk about "boring" happiness but all of those things are "things" and they really do bring me a degree of peace and security which decreases my stress (hence adding to my happiness).katieohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08339475353059389950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-41007802763999755902009-02-18T20:59:00.000-05:002009-02-18T20:59:00.000-05:00We consistently pursue "stuff" in the hopes that i...We consistently pursue "stuff" in the hopes that it will make us happy. In the process, we lose sight of the fact that it is our time that makes us happy. Treasure your time with friends and family. It's far too fleeting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-66706090528524535852009-02-18T20:09:00.000-05:002009-02-18T20:09:00.000-05:00I would think that it depends on ones method of re...I would think that it depends on ones method of receiving the money. Has the individual had real life experiences and challenges that have molded their foundation? Was the individual born with a silver spoon and can only see what is in their circle? I can think of two examples of VERY wealthy individuals that have symptoms of being pretty miserable. On the other hand I can think of some examples of individuals that seem to be fairly happy. In a nutshell, I think circumstances and the individual ultimately decide if money CAN buy happiness. <BR/><BR/>Diana makes a solid point "I don't believe that money buys happiness, but money gives you the freedom to find it! "Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-52887716613247038652009-02-18T19:12:00.000-05:002009-02-18T19:12:00.000-05:00I'm going to ponder this one a bit. Sometimes, wh...I'm going to ponder this one a bit. Sometimes, when I really need a thing, buying it makes me feel very content; other times, I prefer experiences. I have to be choosy about objects, though, since we live in a really small house. <BR/><BR/>One source of bargain happiness for me: the library! Our library system has an online catalog, and I can request that an item be sent to the branch of my choice for only 75 cents. Love it!Pubsgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05636089392777186992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-16096428060904218732009-02-18T19:04:00.000-05:002009-02-18T19:04:00.000-05:00One definitely needs at least enough money to meet...One definitely needs at least enough money to meet basic expenses, otherwise those sublime experiences don't do much for one's overall happiness quotient.<BR/><BR/>Where I think a lot of Americans go wrong is in overestimating what their basic needs really are. If commuting by bus takes 3x as long each way as commuting by car, then buying a car will likely increase one's happiness by freeing up more personal time. That car can just as easily be a used Camry as a new BMW, though. The temporary thrill of the more expensive car will fade and the monthly payment may actually decrease happiness by adding more stress and decreasing surplus money which could've been spent instead on a fun vacation.<BR/><BR/>So it's all interconnected, things vs experiences. For me, if my simple needs are met, I'm all about experience over stuff.Ann (bunnygirl)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04938134750150653386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-89172714769664469392009-02-18T17:23:00.000-05:002009-02-18T17:23:00.000-05:00I have a saying that I tell people...anybody that ...I have a saying that I tell people...<BR/><BR/>anybody that says money can't buy happiness never had anyBrandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14763557213228428915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-13079909631011782412009-02-18T16:39:00.000-05:002009-02-18T16:39:00.000-05:00Like lots of people having enough money to survive...Like lots of people having enough money to survive in the manner I've been accustomed to makes me happy. I'm lucky cos both of us have public sector jobs that are unlikely to go anywhere in the near future despite the economy. <BR/><BR/>However this Christmas I found myself feeling slightly ungrateful for physical objects that I was gifted. This feeling also made me feel guilty. Some gifts were lovely but I didn't love them or need them and they are now just clutter. They weren't making me happy so I've started sending them to charity. (Maybe it's my age but I feel I've grown out of the quantitiy over quality childhood obsession now.)<BR/><BR/>Also our hobby is geocaching which once you've bought the kit just needs the internet and petrol to get us to the starting point and then the rest is free. We get stunning walks, views and we usually learn something new we didn't know before. Unless I'm being chased by cows and dogs this makes me exceedingly happy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-9463752756101118242009-02-18T16:33:00.000-05:002009-02-18T16:33:00.000-05:00I agree, money cannot buy happiness, but it feels ...I agree, money cannot buy happiness, but it feels a lot better to sit and cry in your Jaguar rather than a broken down Honda!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-24312546659220834622009-02-18T14:48:00.000-05:002009-02-18T14:48:00.000-05:00When I don't have to worry very much about paying ...When I don't have to worry very much about paying the bills, I am a LOT happier than when I do. But there are definitely diminishing returns to money... it buys only so much, and then you have to figure out what happy really IS for you.<BR/><BR/>But it sure does buy time, and that's the ultimate scarce resource. I have to say that the single "purchase" that has increased my happiness most lately is someone spending 3 hours a week doing basic cleaning in my house. I don't spend all my time being miserable because (1) the house is not clean, and (2) I am too busy to fix it. Money unbelievably well-spent, even though it makes me feel guilty and slightly incompetent.Ninahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00823984113222996177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-29615246379430777102009-02-18T14:17:00.000-05:002009-02-18T14:17:00.000-05:00Nodding along with your entire post.Not that I don...Nodding along with your entire post.<BR/><BR/>Not that I don't enjoy adventure, but a baseline of security is what makes me happy: living in a safe area, having secure relationships, and financially having things like savings. Then I can go out and get the "highs" of snorkeling trips and the like, but not without that foundation.tfhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10735303292996192352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-36681086316739493512009-02-18T14:08:00.000-05:002009-02-18T14:08:00.000-05:00Hmmmm...darn you, you made me actually think! My ...Hmmmm...darn you, you made me actually think! My happiest moments I believe have to do with experience, though some of those really didn't cost a lot of money. <BR/>I really think this can't be quantified - it's not a one size fits all type of thing.<BR/>I would, however, love to see if lots of money would make me happier....Missicathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03547671118679036352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-25410380717067267922009-02-18T13:43:00.000-05:002009-02-18T13:43:00.000-05:00Great post! You really gave me a lot to think abo...Great post! You really gave me a lot to think about it. Off the top of my head I would have answered that of course I would choose experiences over things but you said it all with "I think the real debate should be about things we buy for status, versus things we buy for our own comfort or pleasure or adventure." So true!! As for money buying happiness. No, I don't think it can. But money can buy survival and you can't be happy if you aren't surviving. Once you're past survival level then the question becomes whether or not money helps you thrive. After working in an all girl's private school (read: a hundred filthy rich princesses) I'm not sure that it does.Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04339643338071382257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-41728861313675134472009-02-18T13:40:00.000-05:002009-02-18T13:40:00.000-05:00nice argument... we all know that money can buy ha...nice argument... we all know that money can buy happiness to some degree..but that happiness cannot persist for long time... <BR/><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.pleazant.com/2009/02/18/real-inner-joy-obtained-by-spirituality/" REL="nofollow"> Ways Of Obtaining Real Inner Joy</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-7257807866407228912009-02-18T13:34:00.000-05:002009-02-18T13:34:00.000-05:00first I have to say.........unless you have come t...first I have to say.........unless you have come to that point in your life that you are truly happy within......no amount of mula can get that true joy for you.<BR/><BR/><BR/>But........<BR/><BR/>I do believe that money can take a heck of a lot of stress off of you......and when you are less stressed it usually leads to more freedom and a better chance of having peace in your soul, mind and body to get to that place of happiness!<BR/><BR/>That said........I am finally happy within but a million dollars would only add to it :) and I would spread it around!new*mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05147814248509745599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-63083300152311837602009-02-18T13:13:00.000-05:002009-02-18T13:13:00.000-05:00I am in the toilet business and there are some ver...I am in the toilet business and there are some very nice, happiness-inducing toilets that cost upwards of 5k. If you have 5k to spend a toilet that knows who you are when you approach it, that is guaranteed happiness.<BR/>Sort of like a hooker. Which is my example of really lame happiness-inducing expenditures. Also chocolate could be considered lame.<BR/>Is them fightin werds? Word!<BR/>See the happiness toilet here:<BR/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR7NkeLMA08Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07369763028982948026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-25683577667891045502009-02-18T13:11:00.000-05:002009-02-18T13:11:00.000-05:00I hear you on the garlic press. I heart my George ...I hear you on the garlic press. I heart my George Foreman grill.<BR/><BR/>Me and my family have a thing where we only buy each other consumable gifts... travel-related or food for nourishment or supplies we need to use every day (shampoo etc). Or art that's pretty to look at. And books. Anyways, the point is, that we're buying things to enhance the happiness we've already got... rather than little mundane extras that just get in the way and don't contribute to a happier lifestyle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-22749302824448972792009-02-18T12:58:00.000-05:002009-02-18T12:58:00.000-05:00Clearly the people conducting the study have under...Clearly the people conducting the study have understimated the happiness of having things like WORKING TOILETS. LOL. <BR/><BR/>I agree with the idea that what purchases make you happiest have a lot to do with your income. I also think that AMOUNT of "extra" money matters. When I was just out of college and broke beyond belief, my parents gave me $200. I was ECSTATIC. What did I use it on? Paying off debt. And I was thrilled to be able to do it. <BR/><BR/>On the other hand, if I suddenly got $200 NOW? I'd probably buy a nice handbag. That I could carry every day. That would make me happy every time I looked at it. (That's sort of experiential, right?) Honestly, I can't bring myself to drop $200 on dinner. That just seems like a waste of money to me. (Mostly because I can cook just about anything I can order, for a lot less than the restaurant cost!)<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, a spare thousand? Screw the handbag, I'd probably sock it away, add to it, and then go to Europe. So WHAT would make me happy would also depend on HOW MUCH I got. Does that make sense? Paying off debt, a new handbag and a trip to Europe could all make me equally happy.<BR/><BR/>For me, I guess the big thing is that whatever makes me happy is what I can have WITHOUT hurting myself financially. How about that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-16466834011211132632009-02-18T12:55:00.000-05:002009-02-18T12:55:00.000-05:00I agree with you about their methodology and how i...I agree with you about their methodology and how it would affect their results.<BR/><BR/>I work in a situation where I am in contact with a lot of disgustingly wealthy people and it's true that they have the same problems that everyone else does (marital discord, problem children etc.) but they rarely have the financial worries that we all do. So in one sense they are happier, plus if they have a crappy day they can reward themselves with a wine tasting trip to Napa or a luxury spa treatment, so they've got that going for them too.Ianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15875001377964050508noreply@blogger.com