Correlational studies have shown that people who use their money to help others report higher levels of happiness. Research conducted on over 600 participants revealed that spending money on others predicts happiness, while spending on oneself did not significantly impact reported happiness levels. This connection between spending on others and increased happiness held true even when accounting for household income, indicating that the act of helping others directly contributes to one's happiness, contrary to common beliefs about personal consumption and happiness.
Money can buy you happiness - but not in the way we think. Giving money away - especially to help others - has been shown make us happier than spending on ourselves.
Social psychologist Lara Aknin explains the best ways to spend on loved ones, friends and even total strangers to get the biggest happiness bang for your buck.
And Harvard's s Josh Greene reveals how much money Happiness Lab listeners gave to charity via Giving Multiplier last year - and how many lives you saved.
To give to a charity of your choice and to some of the most effective charities around (and have your donation matched at a special rate) visit: https://givingmultiplier.org/invite/HAPPINESSLAB
The Happiness Lab will return in January 2023. See you then.
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