If having more money guaranteed happiness, we’d all just set our financial targets, cash the checks, and live joyfully ever after. But as Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Joel Larsgaard (How to Money) unpack in this lively roundtable, life’s richest rewards often have little to do with your net worth. They explore why some wealthy people still feel miserable, how Benjamin Franklin’s approach to living can still teach us a thing or two, and why optimism may be your secret investing edge.

From the science that says peak life satisfaction might just happen around age 70, to the underrated role of good friends in a rich life (financially and emotionally), this episode blends timeless wisdom with modern money smarts. Whether you’re chasing financial independence, already there, or just trying to make sure your journey is as fulfilling as your destination, you’ll find ideas you can put into practice right now.

And because this is the basement, expect the conversation to meander into relatable stories, some eyebrow-raising trivia, and a few debates on what balance really looks like when you factor in both spreadsheets and smiles.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why money alone won’t guarantee happiness (and what really does)
How Benjamin Franklin’s life principles still apply in today’s financial world
The connection between optimism and long-term investing success
The surprising age when happiness may peak (and what to do before you get there)
How to balance financial independence with enjoying the present
Why strong social circles are a must-have part of your wealth plan

Questions to Ponder (and maybe share your answers with the Basement Facebook Group!):

Do you think your happiness will peak at a certain age—or is it more about circumstances?
How do you balance saving for the future with enjoying your money today?
What’s one small, intentional change you’ve made that had a big impact on your happiness?

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