Money can’t buy you love… but what about happiness?

Money

by Emma Dodds |
Published on

A study has found that most Brits believe that money CAN buy you happiness, contrary to popular sayings

The research, undertaken on behalf of Wealthify, surveyed 2,000 adults - and over three quarters of them think that they would be happier if they had more money.

Well - isn't that what pretty much everyone thinks?!

But most Brits rated their current happiness levels at six out of 10, and 87% of people think that more money would make everything better.

GALLERY: The top 30 life experiences that Brits wish they could tick off their bucket lists

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The top 30 life experiences that Brits wish they could tick off their bucket lists (slider)

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30 - Go glamping29 - Get a dog28 - Go sky diving27 - Learn to dance26 - Try bungee jumping

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25 - Live in another country24 - Go to a casino in Las Vegas23 - Get a tattoo22 - Write a novel21 - Quit your job

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20 - Change your career19 - Learn to fly a plane18 - Apply to be an extra in a movie or television show17 - Research your family tree16 - Eat in a Michelin starred restaurant

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15 - Get married14 - Run a marathon13 - Learn a language12 - Move house11 - Drive a rally car

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10 - Ski9 - Ride in a helicopter8 - Go on a cruise7 - Learn to play a musical instrument6 - Drive Route 66

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5 - Travel on the Orient Express4 - Swim with dolphins3 - Fly First Class2 - Visit the seven wonders of the world1 - See the Northern Lights

Interestingly, most Brits said that they would rather get instant happiness from buying something using extra money instead of paying off debts or saving for the future.

And seven in 10 admitted that they felt a surge of happiness just from the excitement over using their new purchase.

Over two thirds of people surveyed felt a stronger sense of joy when buying bigger items - so clearly, the more you spend, the happier you are!

Although people couldn't quite agree over what it is about money that makes people happy - and one in 10 said that the actual act of spending the money was the secret to the thrill.

Top 20 things Brits would spend their money on to make them happy:

  1. A holiday abroad

  2. A weekend away

  3. Day trips with the family

  4. Treats for my family like lunch out

  5. Move house

  6. New clothes

  7. Put away for money for a pension

  8. A car

  9. Dinner with partner/friends

  10. Pay off credit card debt

  11. Nicer food for the home

  12. A new kitchen

  13. Pay off more off my mortgage

  14. A laptop/computer

  15. Going out for drinks

  16. Put away money for a deposit for a house

  17. Pay off loans

  18. Decorate the living room

  19. Decorate their bedroom

  20. New shoes

WATCH: This Morning give the best advice on asking for money back from people who owe you

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