Does Money Buy Happiness?

According to Sharon Begley, the conventional wisdom that money buys happiness is false but crucial to the survival of the economy because it persuades people to continue buying goods and services that they either want or need. She states that the only time when money can significantly impact one's happiness is when it brings him across the threshold between poverty and the middle class. I agree with this statement because enough money to live comfortably drastically changes how one views everything if he was previously living in poverty and struggling to make end's meet. The things that give life meaning, such as family, friendship, good health, and enjoyment, contribute far more to overall happiness than any amount of wealth. However, for many income still plays a vital role in their lives and often determines what direction they will take. Some will choose the job with a higher salary over the one they get more enjoyment out of. Money is an extremely persuasive thing, and since it is necessary to have in order to survive, many figure that their best option is to do whatever will provide them with the most of it. While wealth does enable one to live comfortably and prevents him from worrying about putting food on the table, it is also accompanied by drawbacks. Money expands one's choices, but this means more time spent over second-guessing if the product you bought was really the best choice compared to other brands. Additionally, wealth can consequently make someone more materialistic, and he will always be waiting for the next best thing to buy but never truly be content with what he already owns. Begley brings up many valid points in the article, all of which I agree with. Too much emphasis is put on wealth and income; however, people will always want frivolous things that they think will bring happiness and will buy them if they can be afforded.