We’ve all heard the saying: “Money can’t buy happiness.”
But at the same time, life without enough money can be incredibly stressful. Worrying about bills, food, rent, or debt can take a huge toll on your well-being.
So what’s the truth? Can money make us happy, or not?
So… does money bring happiness?
The short answer: yes, up to a point.
Research shows that having enough money to meet your basic needs, like paying for housing, food, heating, and a bit of breathing room, does make a big difference to happiness.
Once those basics are covered, though, the extra money makes less of a difference than you might think.
A famous study found:
People’s happiness increases as income rises, but only up to a certain point. After that, the happiness levels off.
Why? Because the things that matter most aren’t always things you can buy.
What does bring real fulfilment?
Here’s what research (and real life) tell us about the things that create true happiness:
1. Connection
Spending time with loved ones, having someone to talk to, and feeling part of a community has a bigger impact than income alone.
Even simple moments, like sharing a cuppa or a chat, boost wellbeing more than scrolling through sales or buying new stuff.
2. Security
Money can bring a sense of safety, especially if it means:
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You don’t have to worry about bills this month
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You’ve got food in the fridge
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You can handle an unexpected cost
That peace of mind matters. It doesn’t mean being rich, it means feeling stable.
3. Purpose
Feeling like you matter, whether that’s through work, caring for others, volunteering, or just getting through tough times, adds meaning to life.
Money helps when it supports that purpose (e.g., paying for childcare, transport, or training), but it’s not the purpose itself.
4. Experiences, not stuff
People tend to get more lasting joy from experiences than from things.
A small trip, a memory made, or a meaningful moment with others can bring more fulfilment than the latest tech or clothes.
Why chasing more can feel empty
It’s easy to think more money will solve everything, especially when you’re struggling. And yes, more financial breathing room can help reduce stress.
But constantly chasing “more” (more stuff, more status, more likes) can leave you feeling just as empty, and even more drained.
Social media often adds to this, making it seem like everyone else has more, does more, or is “winning” with money. But what you see online rarely shows the full picture. To learn more about why we compare ourselves to people on social media, read our other blog.
So, what should we aim for instead?
Instead of aiming for “more money” as the goal, try asking:
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What makes me feel calm?
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What makes me feel proud?
- What gives me joy, even if it’s small?
Then think about how money can support those things.
Budgeting is about building the kind of life that makes you feel okay, whatever that looks like.
How IE Hub can help
At IE Hub, we want people to feel secure, informed, and in control.
Our tool helps you:
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Build a realistic budget at your own pace
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Find support like benefits or payment plans
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Share your financial details with companies, safely and without pressure
We believe money is a tool… not the goal. The real goal is peace of mind.
Final thought
Money can make life easier, especially when there’s not enough of it. But happiness and fulfilment don’t come from money alone.
They come from feeling safe, seen, and supported. From knowing you’re not alone. And from finding meaning in your own way, even when times are hard.
You’re already more valuable than any number in your bank account.
