The Secret to a Rich Life: (Hint, it’s not what you think)

As we’ve now turned the calendar page to another year, most of us have taken some time to reflect on the past and anticipate what lies ahead in 2020.  During those reflections, 

we tend to find perspective in what’s most important in our lives, like what brings us the most happiness and joy. There’s always been a strong assumption that wealth brings 

happiness, but if you really examine money’s impact on happiness, it isn’t as great as you think.  

The truth is that no matter what financial path our lives have taken, the definition of what it means to be “rich”, when it really comes down to it, is all relative.  Too many people think 

leading a rich life is about how many material possessions they own. There’s nothing wrong with having a material enriched life, but it is certainly not what defines a person.  It’s 

what they do with their money, no matter the amount, that gives a person's true fulfillment.

Using your money to help others - donating to charity or buying a gift for someone else - produces more strong, positive feelings than personal spending which tends to only last for 
the moment.   Besides, material goods depreciate but helping others leaves a long-lasting impact on both their lives and your own.

In my own observations, I’ve found that true richness lies in the relationships we have with others and sharing those life experiences with them.  Simply put: buy fewer things and 

have more experiences. Take a vacation with your family. Your memories of the time you spend with those you love tend to become fonder over the years.  You don’t have to be 

monetarily rich to buy an experience. There are many small pleasures to be had in lieu of a handful of large ones. Taking a daily walk with your partner to enjoy nature, going for 

ice cream with your kids or spending time volunteering at the local animal shelter can sometimes be more fulfilling than an extravagant event.  

Frequent doses of small experiences rather than infrequent doses of bigger things can make you happier more often.  The important thing is that you make them a priority and that 

they happen regularly. The goal is to bring you together with those you love and they don’t have to cost a lot of money or take a ton of planning.

I hope I have done my part in somewhat debunking the old adage that money can buy happiness.  While it certainly can help you achieve your goals and provide for your future, 

it doesn’t guarantee fulfillment.  One of the best ways to boost happiness is to acknowledge all of the good things in your life. This, and treating other people with generosity will 

make you rich in happiness.