Money Can Buy Happiness...Almost

Do you find that your mood fluctuates with your bank balance? You aren’t the only one.

According to a recent study conducted by the center for health and well being at Princeton University, a person’s emotional well being increases along with their income. But only to a certain extent. Economist Angus Deaton is one of the researchers and says once people pass the $75,000 a year mark happiness tapers off. Deaton says at this level stuff is so in your face that it’s hard to be happy and the money begins to interfere with your enjoyment.

The study surveyed 450,000 Americans between 2008 and 2009. And while happiness may have leveled out at $75,000, the feeling of success and well-being continued to climb with the person’s income. Deaton says giving someone more money won’t affect their daily mood but they will feel that they have a better life. Deaton says as an economist he likes to think that money is good for a person and is pleased that the study proved him right. I guess money can buy you happiness, as long as you don’t make too much.