We’ve all heard the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” probably a thousand times now. In fact, Jessie J has come up with a song related to this phrase called Price Tag. It’s commonly used in the context of how family, experiences, and memories are more important than paper bills. While this is true, I believe that money does buy happiness; and not only happiness might I say, but also security.
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| Image from Simple Psychology |
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, before reaching self-actualization, you must first fulfill your other needs which are the ones right below them. This includes physiological needs and safety needs. In a generation and society where everything has a price, it is almost close to impossible to fulfill these needs without the use of money. The food you eat on a daily basis, the water you drink, the vitamins you take for your health, and even your rent and utility bills are paid for with money. For people who have just started becoming independent, the sense of fulfillment fills their entire being once they achieve this stage, resulting in them feeling accomplished and happy.
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| Scene from the 2009 film Confessions of a Shopaholic |
Another reason why I think money does buy happiness is the fact that having money allows you to buy things you want. Clothes, shoes, bags, electronics, concert tickets, photocards, and gifts. Some may say it’s “shallow” of me to think that these objects can bring me happiness and that the joy I feel from them is only “temporary” and thus, I should make wiser choices.
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| Image from The Soul of Seoul |
Personally, I love giving gifts and receiving them. I like buying people I care about gifts that will last (jewelries, clothes, etc.) The giddiness that I feel whenever I see them using my gifts is unmatched. It’s like a constant reminder that they liked what I gave them and that they’re putting it to use.
On the other hand, I like receiving gifts that also last. I’ve been told I’m a very sentimental person because I keep items that are gifted to me and either use them or put them in a box where it’s safe. I like how their gift reminds me of them and it makes me happy that they even thought of me.
Now, why am I sharing this? It’s because gifts cost money. “You can just craft them” and trust me, I would if I could. But unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with creativity. Sure, they could give me crafts and I’d appreciate them just as much as gifts that cost money. But as for me, I can’t do arts and crafts even if my life depends on it so I’d rather just buy them a gift that I think would suit their taste.
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| Image by Josh Appel from Unsplash |
Why did I choose to write about this topic? My main reason is that I want to somehow make people understand that being “materialistic” is not always a bad thing. This term has been coined as something negative when in reality, the only negative aspect of it comes out when it’s excessive. Of course, I believe that memories and experiences are important too, but I also believe that money is just as important.
Money allows you, to some extent, create memories. Eating out with friends, buying them gifts, going to concerts with them, traveling alone to different countries, and these are experiences that create valuable memories which require funds. You don’t have to break the bank in order to be happy, you can just spend a little and still consider it happiness. “Money buys happiness” does not only apply to expensive and luxurious things, but also to simple ones.
My second reason is that I personally think saying “money doesn’t buy you happiness” is out of touch. There are people out there who can’t finish their education because they don’t have enough money; I always see people reflecting their genuine happiness and tears of joy on their faces whenever they’re being told that someone would sponsor their education.
In addition, there are people out there who can’t spend their time with their families because they’re working 2-3 jobs to earn enough money. There are people out there who can’t afford to eat three meals a day because they don’t have money. Yes, we can and should also blame the economic system for this but you can’t deny the fact that if you give these people the funding to support themselves and their family, they would be the happiest and most grateful people in the world.
