“If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, Then You Probably Aren’t Spending it Right”: Part 2

In the earlier posting on this article, we looked at Dunn, Gilbert, and Wilson’s persuasive assertion that “examining the basic scientific facts about happiness” would enable people to significantly increase the happiness their money could bring them. We also looked at the authors’ first three (of eight) principles for doing so: buy experiences rather than… Continue reading “If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, Then You Probably Aren’t Spending it Right”: Part 2

Influence. You Already Have It.

Becoming Minimalist blogger Joshua Becker write of influence: “…{I]t would be wise for us to stop always asking how to acquire more and instead, start asking what to do with the influence we already have.” Becker believes that once we realize the scope of our influence, we can begin to focus on being a positive… Continue reading Influence. You Already Have It.

“If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, Then You Probably Aren’t Spending It Right”: Part 1

In a provocative titled, research-grounded, and thoroughly persuasive article in the Journal of Consumer Psychology—21 (2011) 115-125—Elizabeth W. Dunn, Daniel T. Gilbert, and Timothy D. Wilson argue that “If money doesn’t make you happy, then you probably aren’t spending it right.” In the article, they acknowledge that traditional research shows only a modest correlation between… Continue reading “If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy, Then You Probably Aren’t Spending It Right”: Part 1

When Today’s Deal Is Tomorrow’s Regret

Deal sites like Groupon or LivingSocial, which send weekly or even daily emails to subscribers, offer everything from clothing to romantic getaways for a reduced price.  However, the New York Times suggests that many users aren’t getting exactly what they bargained for.  Lured in by the reduced price, some users are disappointed a day late… Continue reading When Today’s Deal Is Tomorrow’s Regret

How Much Can You Really Save By Penny Pinching?

Penny pinching may not lead to wealth, but according to experts, it can help you identify spending habits and set financial priorities. What is it that makes you feel deprived? What makes you feel empowered? Figure it out, gain control over your spending, and you’ll be surprised at how it can change your life. Be… Continue reading How Much Can You Really Save By Penny Pinching?

Determining Self-Worth Through Your Job

Are you addicted to work? According to professionals, work addiction can result from childhood trauma or current concerns. Working late, taking on unreasonable demands, focusing on work over family or a social life, as well as isolation and broken relationships are signs for concern. Work addiction may happen due to fear of failure, a loss… Continue reading Determining Self-Worth Through Your Job

How to Battle Shopping Addiction

Self-control issues and being surrounded by a culture of materialism contribute to the problem of shopping addiction, according to Terrence Shulman, of the Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft and Spending. Are you unable to stop yourself from buying? Do you have conflicts with your spouse over purchases? Ever lie about what you’ve bought? You may… Continue reading How to Battle Shopping Addiction

How do money and trust know each other?

Financial therapist, coach, and “mommypreneur” Bari Tessler Linden believes in the power of trust, especially as it relates to your monetary journey. Consulting the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the author says, “Trust is confidence. It’s hope. The expectation that things will be okay, and right.” She suggests that trust is important in our relationship to money… Continue reading How do money and trust know each other?