Money and Happiness

[Gryffindorian]

As if economic times weren't bad enough, I've got financial issues to deal with, which I'd rather not elaborate on.

I do not have, by any means, an extravagant lifestyle. I don't drive a luxury car. I don't buy expensive items, clothes, or jewelry. Heck, the only accessory I wear is my wristwatch. My full-time job working in accounting for a public agency pays me a decent salary with good benefits.

However, lately I've found that my bank account has shrunk significantly. Until recently I've always felt financially secure because after the bills are paid, I still have quite a bit of "disposable" income left. That doesn't seem to be the case these days. I'm finding that I don't really go out all that much anymore. I don't shop at Target as much as I used to. I haven't been to Borders lately, one of my favorite places, to get any interesting books or magazines. Whoever said, "Money can't buy happiness" was just plain wrong, at least in my case. I tend to be happier, more secure when I feel I don't have to worry or think about money.

Aren't you happy when you have a lot or even enough money? What do you usually do for fun when you're on a tight budget? At least I can think of one. I have some movie gift cards given to me by friends and family last Christmas that I will use to see Watchmen or some other movie. Rather than discuss what I should do in terms of having more income or cutting back on discretionary spending, I would like to know how others deal with a limited budget.

 

[Miss Chicken]

I am on a disability pension which means I probably have one of the lowest incomes on this board. I am quite happy despite this.

Things that help me out

1) I do not own a car - therefore I am free of the substancial expenses connected with a car.

2) As a pensioner I can buy a day bus ticket for $2.90 which means I can affors to travel around within the city

3) I buy from op shops (thiift shops). I recently bought two pair of shoes and two pairs of shoes for $20. These should be all the shoes I need for the next 3 or so years. I also occasionally go to garage sales and school and church fairs.

4) I put all my silver coins into a big jar and cash them in every 6 months (in June and in December). The December cashin helps pays for Christmas dinner and Christmas presents.

5) I shop for groceries economically. I do not buy much process food - instead I make things from scratch. For example i make my own yogurt rather than buy prepared yogurt which is twice as dear. I generally only buy meat that is on special.

6) I grow some of my own vegetables. Growing vegetabkes in pots takes very little effort

7) For entertainment I rent DVDs, I have mu computer, I go to the cinema once a fortnight (on a Tuesday because it is cheaper), and go on photo shots.

8] I do not smoke or drink.

9) I use the library when I cannot afford to buy books. I also buy books from second-hand shops and school/church fairs.

10) I pay all my bills fortnightly. For example I have $25 taken out of my bank automatically to pay the phone. As a result I am slightly ahead on my phone bill.

That is only some of the things I do. If you want me to I can think of more.

 

[Alpha Romeo]

I am on a disability pension which means I probably have one of the lowest incomes on this board. I am quite happy despite this.

Things that help me out

1) I do not own a car - therefore I am free of the substancial expenses connected with a car.

2) As a pensioner I can buy a day bus ticket for $2.90 which means I can affors to travel around within the city

3) I buy from op shops (thiift shops). I recently bought two pair of shoes and two pairs of shoes for $20. These should be all the shoes I need for the next 3 or so years. I also occasionally go to garage sales and school and church fairs.

4) I put all my silver coins into a big jar and cash them in every 6 months (in June and in December). The December cashin helps pays for Christmas dinner and Christmas presents.

5) I shop for groceries economically. I do not buy much process food - instead I make things from scratch. For example i make my own yogurt rather than buy prepared yogurt which is twice as dear. I generally only buy meat that is on special.

6) I grow some of my own vegetables. Growing vegetabkes in pots takes very little effort

7) For entertainment I rent DVDs, I have mu computer, I go to the cinema once a fortnight (on a Tuesday because it is cheaper), and go on photo shots.

8] I do not smoke or drink.

9) I use the library when I cannot afford to buy books. I also buy books from second-hand shops and school/church fairs.

10) I pay all my bills fortnightly. For example I have $25 taken out of my bank automatically to pay the phone. As a result I am slightly ahead on my phone bill.

That is only some of the things I do. If you want me to I can think of more.

You post an awful lot and do an awful lot for someone on disability. Just an observation.

 

[Miss Chicken]

What are people with disabilities meant to do, in your opinion? Lay in bed all day?

My post count is about 6 posts a day, hardly a high number.

I have bad arthritis (in my ankes, my knees, right hip, right shoulder and two of my fingers), I have good days and bad days. Enough bad days to make working difficult but enough good days to enjoy myself once in a while. For example I go on a photo shot about once a month. I am generally very sore the next day but it is worth it.

My doctor actually encourages me to walk and to type as it is far better to keep the joints working and active.

I do nearly everything in the mornings because, even on good days I am in pain by about 1 or 2 pm and I have to lay down for a couple of hours.

Looking after my little garden takes my about 15 minutes a day. On Sundays, my son helps me with anything I cannot do.

I have various ways of making life easier. I have my kitchen cupboards planned out in such a way that I rarely have to kneel.

I use the disabled buses because they do not have steps. They run regularly to my neighbourhood.

I cook meals that are simple and do not require much preparation (so that I am not standing for too long).

It is no more taxing shopping in a thrift store than shopping in a regular clothes store. Same for buying furniture, or any other item, from a thrift store.

I anly go to fairs and garage sales if they are near by. For example I went to one recently at my local school. I can home with some mixing bowls, a homemade cake, 2 books, a biscuit tin, a plush toy and I had a hamburger in bread (with onion) while I was there. I spent about $12.

 

[Gryffindorian]

I am on a disability pension which means I probably have one of the lowest incomes on this board. I am quite happy despite this.

Things that help me out

1) I do not own a car - therefore I am free of the substancial expenses connected with a car.

2) As a pensioner I can buy a day bus ticket for $2.90 which means I can affors to travel around within the city

3) I buy from op shops (thiift shops). I recently bought two pair of shoes and two pairs of shoes for $20. These should be all the shoes I need for the next 3 or so years. I also occasionally go to garage sales and school and church fairs.

4) I put all my silver coins into a big jar and cash them in every 6 months (in June and in December). The December cashin helps pays for Christmas dinner and Christmas presents.

5) I shop for groceries economically. I do not buy much process food - instead I make things from scratch. For example i make my own yogurt rather than buy prepared yogurt which is twice as dear. I generally only buy meat that is on special.

6) I grow some of my own vegetables. Growing vegetabkes in pots takes very little effort

7) For entertainment I rent DVDs, I have mu computer, I go to the cinema once a fortnight (on a Tuesday because it is cheaper), and go on photo shots.

8] I do not smoke or drink.

9) I use the library when I cannot afford to buy books. I also buy books from second-hand shops and school/church fairs.

10) I pay all my bills fortnightly. For example I have $25 taken out of my bank automatically to pay the phone. As a result I am slightly ahead on my phone bill.

That is only some of the things I do. If you want me to I can think of more.

You post an awful lot and do an awful lot for someone on disability. Just an observation.

NOT that it's any of anyone's business ... If she's able to do those things and there's no harm done, then I'm very happy for her. To say that someone does "a lot" for a person who's on disability is not very polite, IMHO.

 

[Lookingglassman]

I'm happy with more money. I always get mad at those folks who win the lottery they end up living misearble lives because of it.

If I won the lottery I woudl be happy because I dont want a 50 million dollar home or a boat or gaudy furniture. All I want is a 2002 Corvette, I would pay off my house and then buy a Playstation 3 and be happy because I dont have to work for the idiot I work for now.

 

[Holdfast]

However, lately I've found that my bank account has shrunk significantly. Until recently I've always felt financially secure because after the bills are paid, I still have quite a bit of "disposable" income left. That doesn't seem to be the case these days.

I think you need to find out why. This is unusual - if you're earning the same and doing less, your bank account shouldn't be shrinking like this. Something's not adding up here. Double-check your budget to make sure a) you're not getting defrauded from anywhere; b) you're not spending "accidentally" on stuff (recurring subscriptions you don't use, etc.)

Whoever said, "Money can't buy happiness" was just plain wrong, at least in my case. I tend to be happier, more secure when I feel I don't have to worry or think about money.

Frankly, I agree 100%. Money isn't happiness, but it's a remarkably good shield from many of life's trivial difficulties, which maps out to a reasonable analogue to happiness (or at least partial ataraxia) a lot of the time. Could I survive by downsizing my life? Sure, of course, but I wouldn't want to and would be unhappier by doing so.

The life of a humble paysan is so not for me!

The key I think is recognising which bits of your lifestyle actually serve to make you happy and working out how much money you need to maintain those and ensuring that baseline level of income is rock solid and relatively guaranteed. Then everything else on top is gravy to spend/save as you will.

I know exactly how much I need to have in the pot to be able to retire with the lifestyle I want and life off the income generated from that pot. It's not an unfeasibly large sum in the grand scheme of things so it gives me a nice game to play earning it, which makes work acceptable. Before the recession hit, I was actually not far off at all, but have taken a pretty major hit to the equity side of my holdings, so things are delayed a bit as a result.

Mind you, even when I retire officially, I'll still earn money from other "work", running my own little businesses. I don't count that as work because it's working for myself, not for someone else. Seeing my own businesses grow is something else that makes me happy.

I'm rambling now, but the point is happy isn't the same thing to everyone. Money's a necessary but not sufficient requirement ("first, live well") for most people though, I think.

 

[Emher]

Well I've been on a very tight income for the last three years and have had to borrow big sums of money from my parents to get by. Granted things might be looking up now, but I know I'll be sleeping a whole lot better when I have a somewhat steady income.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

As if economic times weren't bad enough, I've got financial issues to deal with, which I'd rather not elaborate on.

I do not have, by any means, an extravagant lifestyle. I don't drive a luxury car. I don't buy expensive items, clothes, or jewelry. Heck, the only accessory I wear is my wristwatch. My full-time job working in accounting for a public agency pays me a decent salary with good benefits.

However, lately I've found that my bank account has shrunk significantly. Until recently I've always felt financially secure because after the bills are paid, I still have quite a bit of "disposable" income left. That doesn't seem to be the case these days. I'm finding that I don't really go out all that much anymore. I don't shop at Target as much as I used to. I haven't been to Borders lately, one of my favorite places, to get any interesting books or magazines. Whoever said, "Money can't buy happiness" was just plain wrong, at least in my case. I tend to be happier, more secure when I feel I don't have to worry or think about money.

Aren't you happy when you have a lot or even enough money? What do you usually do for fun when you're on a tight budget? At least I can think of one. I have some movie gift cards given to me by friends and family last Christmas that I will use to see Watchmen or some other movie. Rather than discuss what I should do in terms of having more income or cutting back on discretionary spending, I would like to know how others deal with a limited budget.

We cry, or date rich people.
Limited budget = not eating or drinking out. It's time to be the host with the most. 'Bring a dish' dinner parties where everyone turns up with their 'homemade' masterpiece. Followed with a game of cards or drag out an old board game you haven't seen for ages (we were agog by a game called Contraband which is 50 years old and the instructions fall apart but even my teen and his friends were fascinated).
Money can ease life, but not buy happiness. Happiness is with true friends, and when you are on 'budget street' you know who they are. And I bet there's more of them in your situation than you know
As for shopping, charity shops or Ebay. Books and mags - we got the first 6 Sandmans for £5 each on Ebay and my black winter wool coat was 99p. There is a special thrill that eventually comes from buying as cheap as you can

 

[scottydog]

I'm sorry you are facing tough times. I hope things improve for you soon. It's great to hear some great suggestions from other posters. For me, the most important thing for me to do during difficult times is to focus on the things I do have instead of the things I don't, and to practice gratitude even for the smallest of things. There are so many people in the world who are far worse off than me.

 

[Gryffindorian]

Thanks, everyone. I'm going to try to get my taxes done this weekend. I know I always get refunds from the Federal and the state, so I can't wait to get started.

 

[msbae]

Money is just a tool. However, not having the tool you need can be awfully frustrating...

 

[Pegaritaville]

I know it's an old saying, but money does'nt buy happiness.

Case in point: Me.
On Wednesday, I was whining about how much my portfolio dropped. Yesterday, my brother died. Guess which one bums me out more? On the other hand, because my brother had money, he was able to go out in the style he wanted.


Anyway, I've aways been a firm believer in the theory that you can make your own fun. I love going to state parks- I'm luckly that I have a lot of options on that end, but I've never gone anywhere that hasn't had state or county parks somewhere nearby. And if you just look around, there's usually a lot of free things going on in your area. It may not be things that you're used to doing, but with the economy going down the tank, it's a great time to explore what else is out there. Chances are, your area has a lot more to offer than you realize.

 

[Jetfire]

Money would make me very happy...Why? Because I have worked since I was 16...I will be 31 soon, grew up poor...hand to mouth, charity...I got an outfit from my Pastor and his wife so I could go to church with a little bit of selfrespect, gone with out a car...didn't drive til I was 21...everything I own, which isn't much was paid with by my work and saving and sacrifice...I got my current laptop for 350$ at Wal-Mart. I can't complain too much though, I live in a place without hot water, many other problems...but others have it worse and I agree and my heart goes out to them. I have been unemployed, gone with out lights, food and more to name a few...I grew up poor, I am considered poor now and yet everyone around me is livin' it up...in these uncertain times. I wish we lived in a world where money didn't matter, everyone has food, clothing, shelter...and the simple things that bring them joy...but what I am really saying is I need money, enough to buy a house(paid for), a truck(paid for), enough money saved so I don't have to go into a job I hate and I can do what I really enjoy...music, art...etc. I don't want to be rich, no one should be rich...we all should be able to live a life without burden. I will get bashed and trashred by all the people who usually do that to me, if I am not on ignore...the truth is...this life is bullsh*t. Greed has created our current global situation. I am sick of rich people, people in government and anyone who feels they are entitiled to luxury and power...coz you are not.


JF

 

[WillsBabe]

(we were agog by a game called Contraband which is 50 years old and the instructions fall apart but even my teen and his friends were fascinated).

Oh, wowI I've played this! What a blast from the past. If I'm right, it's a game about smuggling things through Customs at the airport? There are cards with jewellery, cameras and money on them? That's pretty much all I remember. It must been getting on for 35 years since I last saw the game - I think it belonged to my grandparents.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

(we were agog by a game called Contraband which is 50 years old and the instructions fall apart but even my teen and his friends were fascinated).

Oh, wowI I've played this! What a blast from the past. If I'm right, it's a game about smuggling things through Customs at the airport? There are cards with jewellery, cameras and money on them? That's pretty much all I remember. It must been getting on for 35 years since I last saw the game - I think it belonged to my grandparents.

YES YES YES!!! It's fabulous! The best bit is about sussing out peoples 'smuggling faces' And not going 'Woo hoo' when you get the 'diplomatic bag' when you can't get 'searched'. Such a simple but great game!
Bring back the simple things in life - Oh I'm already here

 

[Gryffindorian]

I know it's an old saying, but money does'nt buy happiness.

Case in point: Me.
On Wednesday, I was whining about how much my portfolio dropped. Yesterday, my brother died. Guess which one bums me out more? On the other hand, because my brother had money, he was able to go out in the style he wanted.


Anyway, I've aways been a firm believer in the theory that you can make your own fun. I love going to state parks- I'm luckly that I have a lot of options on that end, but I've never gone anywhere that hasn't had state or county parks somewhere nearby. And if you just look around, there's usually a lot of free things going on in your area. It may not be things that you're used to doing, but with the economy going down the tank, it's a great time to explore what else is out there. Chances are, your area has a lot more to offer than you realize.

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. The loss of a loved one is obviously the saddest thing anyone can experience.

Thank you for your suggestion about parks. Many years ago, before I even joined a gym, I used to just go out and walk at a nearby park. It didn't cost me anything, and I enjoyed the fresh air and the scenery. I should start doing that again more often when the weather gets better.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

With the amount of back and joint pain I suffer from I wish I was on disability benefit. I can crack my elbows and my back in 5 places just stretching and my chest locks regularly causing me excruciating pain and I have to try and stretch and crack it to unlock it again.
Perhaps I should go to the benefits office and see if I can get something.

But getting back on topic. I never really let money matters worry me until I know for certain there aint no money to pay for something but generally the more money I have the happier I am.

 

[Garrovick]

That is only some of the things I do. If you want me to I can think of more.

Pretty much the same with me, only I'm retired on limited income. And I do "hobby" (as the IRS determined) work on the side

 

[Miss Chicken]

That is only some of the things I do. If you want me to I can think of more.

Pretty much the same with me, only I'm retired on limited income. And I do "hobby" (as the IRS determined) work on the side

I am currently looking for work. I think I could manage two or three mornings a week but I would need an understanding boss. Luckily I am getting help from the government. They have assigned me a case worker trained with finding work for people with disabilities.

Perhaps I should go to the benefits office and see if I can get something

It took me years of retraining and then working after I became arthritic before I was granted the disability pension. I didn't just get it. I had to prove that my disability affected my ability to work. I have now been assessed at being capable of working between 0-7 hours a week in certain sorts of occupations.