Does money and happiness really go hand in hand? There actually have been a number of studies that aimed to determine if money does indeed bring happiness, and research supports both sides of the argument. Some results show that as income increases, responsibility increases and money problems never actually go away. In fact, they may even become worse. Other studies claim that money allows people to eat and live healthier, which reduces stress and increases happiness. Then there is research that claims that money does not bring happiness, but it is actually happiness that allows you to be more successful and increase your income.

Regardless of what the research shows, whether or not money brings you happiness is what you make of the situation and how you handle your money. What is happiness after all?

Some people couldn’t be happier living with their spouse in a cabin in a small town with one used car, their old furniture and a small fishing boat. Others need a garage full of cars and a private jet to feel that same level of satisfaction in life.

Whether or not money brings you happiness completely depends on your attitude towards money. How it makes you feel, how you manage it, and how you treat others with money determines what money can do for you. Consider these questions:

1. What does it feel like when you can’t afford something?

2. How do you feel when you can treat yourself or others to something special?

3. Do you worry about money and your future?

4. What do you think of people who are rich?

5. Do these feelings differ towards people who flaunt their money?

6. Why do you feel being wealthy would make you happy?

Whether or not money brings you happiness has everything to do with your attitude towards money. If you dislike people who are rich because they have things in life that you can’t have, turn those thoughts around. If you don’t like people who have wealth, will you be able to live with yourself when you become wealthy? Instead of being jealous or hateful towards rich people, be happy for them, admire them, and imagine what it will be like when you become wealthy.

For those who allow money to bring them happiness, it can be a wonderful thing. It not only allows you to enjoy the things you love to do most, but money allows you to express yourself and get more out of life. It can allow you to:

• Say “I love you” with romantic nights out on the town or thoughtful gifts.
• Have the freedom to spend time with your family.
• Travel the world and experience unimaginable adventures.
• Have the opportunity to become educated and develop new skills and talents.
• Have the chance to spend your time doing what you love most.
• Give back to those in need.
• Have the ability to choose your own course in life.

Money can bring happiness, but it is easy to allow it to bring you guilt, stress and dissatisfaction. Money can drive people further into debt, make them mean spirited, and unable to realize a sense of achievement in life.

It is important to realize that money in of itself will not bring you happiness, but it can be a tool to help you achieve the things that you value most in life. When you identify what it is that you truly value and align money with those thoughts and ideas, you can realize ultimate happiness.

Don’t get money confused with being the answer to your problems or it will just create more problems and turn you into a person you dislike. Instead, think about the things that mean the most to you. If money were no object, what would you do? How would you spend your time and with whom? What would be most important to you? Find out what brings you the most happiness and let that drive your desire to achieve financial freedom.

Millionaire Money Habits: Becoming a millionaire may not necessarily mean having a million dollars in the bank. Decide for yourself what happiness means to you.

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