The secret to financial contentment is.....


lower expectations? Seriously. Recently there was a study that showed people were more content / happy during the great depression. Why? Because they expected less. This morning on CBC, the financial commentator was explaining the theory.
happiness = reality divided by expectations meaning the closer our reality is to our expectations, the happier we'll be.

I find this fascinating and for me very true.
Here is an article that explains some of it if you want to read more ...
Low Expectations Trump Wealth

Do you agree or disagree with this one? It sure make me think!

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I try to lead a simple life, I know I am a lot happier and better off financially than some of my friends who are preoccupied with material goods.

Thanks for the link, I will definitely read it.

I dont let money determine how happy or unhappy I am. People need to be happy and content with themselves and their lives and everything else will fall into place. Little peices of paper shouldn't influence this.

I think I am a much happier person now that I live a bit more simple life. I'm not striving to get a lot of materialistic items, but instead save for what we really want. Not sure if this answers your questions but I think there might be something to it.

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Thanks for posting the link to this, Kathryn. I've read similar research before and even read Richard Layard's book, Happiness: Lessons in a New Science. It was really interesting.
Amazon.com: Happiness: Lessons from a New Science: Books: Richard Layard

I do think there is something to it. I like the fact that researchers are focusing on the fact that more money doesn't bring about happiness. As nations get more wealthy, absolute wealth goes up but comparative wealth often times goes down. That's why it is so important for us as citizens not to compare what we have with others (although it is human nature).

I would definitely say that those who learn to be content with what they have and don't compare their situation to others ARE happier. However, I don't think there is anything wrong with striving for more, either, whether it's more successful relationships, more career satisfaction, or whatever it is that you dream about. Be happy with what you have FIRST, then strive for more.

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I totally agree that those who are more content with what they have are happier. I really like the way Kim said it, "Be happy with what you have FIRST, then strive for more."

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~Happiness is a large family~

I definately agree with Kim. If you're not happy where you are then you're not really living, merely existing for the future. And somehow that future doesn't happen or doesn't make you happy.

i agree we have less material things now but as a family and as a whole we are much happier than we ever were.

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don't get me wrong money is important, but I think that is not the most important thing. Family and friends are, if we put others before money I think we'll all be happier.