How often do you think, "If I just had a little more money, I would be so much happier?" If you're like most folks, you do it quite frequently.
But there's a new theory floating around these days, say Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. Money can help you pay the bills and it can help you put more in your shopping cart. But apparently, the old adage is true - money can't buy happiness
Forget keeping up with the Joneses. Today, it's all about living with less. On Monday, the New York Times featured a woman who downsized from a high-stress job, two bedroom apartment and two cars to doing freelance work from home, living in a 400-square-foot studio and riding a bicycle. She makes almost 50 percent less income, yet, with fewer expenses to maintain, she's managed to pay off $30,000 in debt. Even more importantly? She's happier.
With less money to spare, most of us are forced to slow down and think about what we buy. And we're finding out that by spending selectively, we can not only save money but also get more bang for our buck in terms of happiness.
According to experts, we get most satisfaction when paying for experiences rather than objects (for instance, a family vacation that can turn into long-lasting memories), for something we've coveted for a long time before buying, and when buying something we truly want as opposed to something that will help us keep up with the Joneses. It just so happens that spending on the things that make us happiest can also keep debt down - another thing to be cheerful about.
So next time you're tempted to make an impulse buy at the mall, ask yourself if it will increase your happiness in the long run. If not, you might get more satisfaction by just saying no - and knowing you're saving money in the process. When you spend less on material things, you'll have more money to help pay off your debts. Worried your debts are too big to handle alone? Bankruptcy can help. Find out if bankruptcy can help you finally achieve financial freedom when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney today.
