Does money make you any happier?

kissjenn

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

Money buys choice and to me choice is happiness. There is nothing worse than having to do something because you can't afford a more acceptable alternative.

Being in debt limits your options and that's what make it debilitating.

So having the ability to change careers because you've saved to take time out of work and pursue your dreams is fantastic choice. To have to keep turning up to a job you hate because you can't afford not to is misery.

What makes the miserly difference for me is, for example, being in a job you hate and not using money saved and available to do something constructive about it. Or having holidays in a tent when you've always dreamed of visiting Katmandu.

So perhaps a formula is

Money + the Courage to take life by the throat = Real Happiness.

M + C = RH

thatsyourlot

It may make you happy for a little while but once you realise that you cant pay it all back.... that money then makes you VERY UNHAPPY

Oh how I wished I had heeded good advice before I got myself in such a financial mess.

lynzpower

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

Swinstie73 wrote: »

Hi Lynzpower,

You are EXACTLY where I want to be! Hopefully by Sept 2010 I will be you, IYKWIM!

Its not that difficult, but I really was a hardcore subscriber to the spend nothing club.

thats what got me out of debt quicky, and happier quicker

Swinstie73

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

lynzpower wrote: »

Its not that difficult, but I really was a hardcore subscriber to the spend nothing club.

thats what got me out of debt quicky, and happier quicker

That is true, when trying to get out of debt, but I've read about people paying off debt but then they watch every penny and when I read the posts I feel like giving them a shake and saying 'chill out a bit and live a little'. If I was debt free and had some savings I would obviously make sure I didn't get into debt again BUT I'd bl**dy well enjoy myself

Lottebear

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

I don't think it does but there is but there is a level when the stresses of not having enough ease and being able to afford things if we are being senseable makes life easier at times.

euronorris

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

Pee wrote: »

Oh, sorry... it's really dire when it's all you have to eat and all you've had to eat for the last 24 hours... and it was 6p a can from ASDA, about 15 years ago... Could someone in your family send you a food parcel/ come and visit with one?

Ah they have sent me crisps before, and visitors always bring some, along with choc hob nobs for the OH.

But, sending food parcels works out very expensive. My mum sent one about a month after I got here. It had 3 mutlipacks of S&V crisps and 3 packs of hobnobs and cost close to £20 to send to me!!!! Not really an affordable option!

Soooo...inbetween the deliveries, I've just been trying to forget about them and focus on the good stuff I CAN get here. I'm in love with something called Snelle Jelle. It's kinda like ginger cake, I spose. And it's low fat too

I must make it a plan to have spaghetti on toast when I am in the UK next month, although it does have to be Heinz. The cheap versions are rubbish, I agree!

Same with beans, must be Heinz. Luckily the supermarkets do sell those here

TEK_2

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

Good thread this Swinstie. As you say no-one knows how long we are on this earth so you have to enjoy every day. When I first joined the DFW forum it was about trying to become DF ASAP. But it turned me into a real miserable sod at times! I admire anyone who puts there mind to it & clears their debts quickly but I had to find the right balance. Things have happened in the last 2 years like friends passing away or having serious illnesses, that OH & I count our blessings. We originally were going to wait til we were DF to get married, which originally would have been around five years, but we said to ourselves as long as we don't add anymore to our debts, we will do it this year.

moneymakestheworldgoround

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

Well I believe that money makes the world go round !

I have had some of my happiest times absolutely broke, no petrol, tinned hotdog sausages for Xmas dinner, not a penny to my name but lots of love from the family. I have had some of my happiest times with thousands in the bank.

I think its all about who you can share your misery and happiness with. My ex was suicidal when we were broke, and spent like Elton John when we had money. I was depressed regardless of money in my bank.

My current partner shares my highs and lows regarding money, and we have often spent the evening in the dark, with a candle, with no TV as we couldnt afford the license, sharing a value pot noodle. But we laugh and joke and have fun.

I am currently forsaking everything now to clear my debts within 12 months. I could loosen the purse strings and live a little but its a personal goal and I will blumming do it. I want to teach my kids the value of money, and how to find the strength to get out of situations you have created. But I cant wait to stop having to empty the loose change pot every 3rd week of the month just to buy milk and bread !

A friend of mine said he lived like a pauper for 2 weeks after payday, and lived like a king in the lead up to payday. Knowing he had the money in the bank but actively chose to eat baked beans on toast or a boiled egg made him feel in control.

Swinstie73

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

moneymakestheworldgoround wrote: »

My current partner shares my highs and lows regarding money, and we have often spent the evening in the dark, with a candle, with no TV as we couldnt afford the license, sharing a value pot noodle. But we laugh and joke and have fun.

Hi Money,

I wish I could actually tell me partner how much debt I am in - he has none! Although I do recall having a drunken conversation on Saturday night where I think I said more than I should've. He hasn't judged me but one day I would like to share a home with him, completely debt free and with no worries.

hermoine_2

Pay off debt, save, but live a little (or a lot)

Hi all, good thread OP.

I have had plenty of money and a disastrous relationship, when it ended he left me with £100k of debt as he ran up debt in my name while he saved all his tax free earnings. We lived like kings he had a fab job which kept him out of the country for 11 months of the year, I was virtually a single parent to 4 kids, he had a very young girlfriend and also lived the single life -different type though!!

I went BR - no choice - OR very sympathetic and discharged after 6 months.4


Now have limited income but comfortable, rented house, moderate car, fabulous husband. Very happy.

H