Happy Money is different from other personal finance books. It talks about how to spend money instead of how to earn it.
Even a small amount of money can bring happiness. It depends on where and how you spend it.
Take a look again at the 5 Principles from the book Happy Money:
- Buy Experiences
- Make It a Treat
- Buy Time
- Pay Now, Consume Later
- Invest in Others
You may have accumulate plenty of material things and yet you don’t feel as happy as you expect yourself to be. Little changes in your spending might help bring that smile back.
Act Now
Apply what you have learned from the book Happy Money with these suggestions:
- Is this “Happy Money”? Before purchasing, ask yourself if your purchase will bring you more happiness. If not, then you reconsider your decision.
- Combine any of the five principles. The more principles used, the more happiness.
- Buy last year’s model. An older model is cheaper. While the difference in features may differ, the older model can provide similar amount of happiness as a newer model.
- Limit the supply and access to your favorite things. Make it a treat by cutting down on your frequent purchases. Save the money you should have spent instead. Saving money can also boost happiness.
- Review your big purchases. Look at your budget again. Typically, housing and transportation ranks on top although they don’t really increase our overall happiness. Consider reallocating your budget without sacrificing much happiness.
- Buy more free time. Hire someone else to clean the house. Take used clothes to the laundry shop. Order food to be delivered for a special dinner.
- Donate to a local charity. See the impact of your money by donating it to a charity institution that is smaller and closer to where you live.
Happy Money Book Summary
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
