If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, Try This!

Last Friday was Black Friday, and as I contemplated whether to buy anything or not, I stumbled upon an article (link below) written a few years ago titled “If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, Then You Probably Aren’t Spending It Right.”

The title caught my attention, and the content was quite enlightening. I decided to share some key insights from the article while offering a biblical perspective.

Here are three standout points about spending money wisely:

1. Invest in Experiences, Not Things
   Even Jesus emphasized the value of relationships over material possessions: “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). Spending money on experiences—like quality time with loved ones, community-building activities, or learning something new—can create memories and joy that last much longer than material items.
2. Use Money to Benefit Others
   Giving brings joy. As the Bible teaches, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Studies consistently show that spending on others—whether through gifts or acts of charity—enhances happiness. Giving fosters a sense of connection and purpose that material purchases often lack.
3. Buy Small Pleasures Instead of Big Luxuries
   Frequent, small treats bring more sustained happiness than occasional, large splurges. This avoids the trap of adaptation, where the excitement of a big purchase quickly fades. For example, instead of saving all your money to buy the latest iPhone (which will lose its “latest” title within a year), you could indulge in simpler joys. Imagine buying jollof rice, asking your vendor for three pieces of meat instead of one, or enjoying bread and akara—it’s the same dopamine surge, but with less strain on your wallet.

So, if you ever feel like money isn’t bringing you happiness, consider these evidence-based suggestions. Spend intentionally—on experiences, on others, and on simple joys.

Above all, remember this: Money is a tool, not an end in itself. When used wisely, it can enhance your life, but it should never define it.

Have an amazing weekend ahead!

To check out the research:

Elizabeth W. Dunn, Daniel T. Gilbert, Timothy D. Wilson, If money doesn’t make you happy, then you probably aren’t spending it right , Journal of Consumer Psychology, Volume 21, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 115-125, ISSN 1057-7408, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2011.02.002