Can Money Buy Happiness? Here is the better question.

There is still an active debate on whether after meeting basic needs, will more money bring more happiness. But I don’t think that is the most valuable question.

I read a book recently, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, and here is the bottom line - having good relationships and nurturing them is a major key to happiness. “The stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and healthier lives.”

I think the more productive question is - How can our financial roadmap integrate something we value deeply - making and nurturing relationships? Money isn’t always a factor but it can be a big component. And it doesn’t have to be “more money”. It can simply be a thoughtful reallocation of your current resources.

Here are examples where clients have done exactly that.

The clients did all the hard work – they had ideas on what would make them measurably happier. I just helped them quantify the change and lay out how it would impact their financial goals.

Quitting or taking a lower-paying job to have more time with family.

I have worked with clients looking for a variety of changes in this category. Many are burned out and want to switch to a job that pays less but has a better work-life balance. Running the numbers can provide clarity around whether that is possible.

I have also seen people realize during the planning process that the job they have is fantastic in terms of pay and benefits. Armed with that perspective, they felt motivated to work with their current company to improve their situation in terms of paid time off and reasonable working hours.

There have been clients wanting to move to one income, even if temporarily. One of my most rewarding moments was when I was in the grocery store with my two, unruly toddlers hoping nobody would recognize me and of course, I bumped into a client. She said she had been meaning to reach out to say ‘thank you’. She said that showing her how she could stay home and leave her job a year ago had been so positive in so many aspects of her life that it was hard for her to even put it into words to send an email. She said that I truly made a difference for her and her family. This client ended up eventually doing consulting work – but when she was ready and all on her terms.

Spending on travel to visit loved ones or to have a shared experience.

What are your best memories? I can pretty much guarantee you they were experiences you had – not a thing you purchased. Experiences, such as trips to Hawaii with the family or visiting a grandchild, give you something to talk about for years. Buying gadgets doesn’t have the same effect.

One of my closest friends’ father was amazing at this. If he was anywhere in the vicinity of his daughter for work travel, he wouldn’t hesitate to rent a car or take a short flight to come and see her (once only for 2 hours!) He deeply loved his family and appreciated every moment with them. He died of brain cancer in his 60s before he was able to retire. My friend mentioned how it almost seemed he knew he was going to die young. He didn’t of course, but he is an inspiration for all of us to seize the opportunities to spend with loved ones. We always envision having more time in the future – but there are no guarantees.

Spending to reduce commuting times.

One client reduced his commuting time in half by moving closer to work. The family paid more for a house, but now he has time to take care of his physical health by working out every day and the time to coach his children’s sports teams. Like many of us, he just assumed moving closer and buying that pricier house wouldn’t work financially, but once we explored it a little deeper and ran the numbers, he realized he was wrong and had the confidence to make the change.

originally published 2/22/2015

Linda Rogers, CFP®, EA, MSBA is the owner and founder of Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR). Originally from New Jersey, Linda services clients throughout San Diego county and nationwide. She leads the design of PWR's investment portfolios which utilize broad, low-cost investments that integrate environmentally, socially, and governance (ESG) factors.

Planning Within Reach, LLC (PWR) is a fee-only and fiduciary wealth management firm offering one-time comprehensive financial planning, ongoing impact-focused investment management and tax preparation services in San Diego and nationwide. PWR is a woman-owned firm that specializes in busy professionals and impact investors. Planning Within Reach, LLC and their advisors do not receive commissions and do not hold any insurance licenses or brokerage relationships.