People often say that money can't buy happiness. However, most people are striving to create a happy life. So, can money actually help achieve this goal? This requires us to deeply explore the impact of money on happiness and the true meaning of happiness.

The definition of happiness is not uniform; it varies from person to person. Licensed mental health therapist Billy Roberts told Health magazine: "Although a person's happiness usually depends on their safety and well-being - which often depends on their salary - it also depends on their values."

People are driven by different values. Some pursue power, while others value a sense of security or self-care more. Roberts explained: "People driven by power may have very different financial needs from those driven by a sense of security." These factors can influence a person's sense of happiness or their perception of happiness, and change the amount of money they truly need to feel emotionally satisfied. "Ultimately, the salary should be able to support a value-oriented lifestyle," Roberts said. "So, the number itself is not the key. What matters is whether this number allows a person to move forward according to their own 'value concept'."

An article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in 2021 delved into the intricate connection between money and happiness. Data shows that the higher a person's income, the stronger their sense of happiness. This means that an increase in income gives us more ability to purchase things or experiences that can bring happiness. Through a survey of more than 33,000 employed American adults and more than 1.7 million sample reports, the article found a direct correlation between an increase in income, a better daily feeling, and a higher overall life satisfaction.

On the contrary, low-income groups may bear more stress. Dr. Margaret Sarah, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology practicing in Connecticut, told Health magazine that poverty can exacerbate the feelings of misfortune and stress. That is, people with lower incomes may be more likely to experience unhappiness or other negative emotions. Illness is also an important factor affecting happiness. Dr. Sarah pointed out: "For those who are poor and have no access to medical care, the pain caused by illness may be more severe." In addition, not getting assistance in handling difficult tasks such as taking care of children or cleaning the house, which people with more comfortable living conditions usually don't need to worry about, is also a dilemma faced by low-income people.

However, Dr. Sarah also mentioned that some high-income earners may not have the time to enjoy the small pleasures in life due to high work pressure and long working hours. A survey conducted by LinkedIn in 2018 found that American employees with higher incomes bear significantly higher stress levels, and high-income earners with an income of more than $200,000 have a stress level of up to 68%. Although high incomes can bring enjoyable experiences such as wonderful vacations and dining in high-end restaurants, Dr. Sarah emphasized that stress is a key factor affecting an individual's overall sense of happiness.

The connection between money and happiness is not just based on feelings or subjective perceptions; there is a solid scientific basis behind it. Dr. Renetta Weaver, a doctor of metaphysics and a practicing clinical social worker, told Health magazine: "From a neuroscience perspective, the scarcity of money and resources sends a signal to our brains that our survival is threatened."

In fact, according to an article published in the journal Science in 2013, poverty can affect an individual's cognitive function, change their thinking mode, and reduce verbal memory and processing speed.

If money is not the only determinant of happiness, then how can people be satisfied with what they have regardless of their income level? Weaver said: "If we don't equate money and material things with our own values, we can find happiness in things that money can't buy, such as good times and experiences spent with ourselves and others."

Milana Perepiochina, an international best-selling author of two books on happiness, added that people often confuse pleasure and happiness, which means that the correlation between salary and emotional health may not be accurate. "For example, if you eat a piece of cake, you will feel pleasure," Perepiochina told Health magazine. "Once you finish eating, the pleasure disappears. Similarly, when you spend money, you will feel pleasure. A few hours later, this pleasure also disappears."

Perepiochina pointed out that even people with very poor living conditions, such as those living in a simple plastic tent with all their belongings in one bag, can still show a happy and bright smile. Why can people who have almost nothing be so happy? The reason is that they are grateful for everything they have: their lives, their families, and their communities.