3 secrets about MONEY to unlock happiness

Managing your finances can be one of the biggest burdens you go through in life especially if you always feel like you are running a tight ship all the time. Money problems can affect your relationship, cause you stress, and even result in major health issues. Luckily, dealing with expenses doesn't have to be as daunting as you imagine it to be. After speaking with a number of people who admit that rarely is money one of their primary sources of trouble, I was able to attribute their happiness to the following 3 secrets:

1. You don't have to have more; you just have to have enough!

Many people believe that having more money is the solution to all their problems. That perception isn't entirely accurate. Though more money means that you can afford more; affording more doesn't necessarily mean that you will be happy. We live in an age where we are heavily influenced with what society benchmarks as happiness. Almost everywhere you look, whether it be on-line or on print or broadcast media, happiness is portrayed in the form of a luxury commodity. You are happier if you own a lavish home. You are happier if you drive a luxury car. You are happier if you wear expensive clothing.

What you need to realize is that happiness is relative and unique to each one of us. What makes you happy, doesn't necessary make someone else happy. Since happiness is relative, the cost of happiness is therefore relative and that is specifically why you don't necessary need to have more than what you currently have right now to be happy! Figure out the important things in your life...put a plan to making them happen...and stick to the plan! 

2. You don't need to have the money now; you just need to have a good payment plan!

When looking at the big stuff like buying your own house or starting your own business, many people look at the price tag and compare it to how much money they have in their savings and determine from this comparison whether they can afford paying for it, or not. 

If you need more money right now to accomplish a goal that brings you happiness, try to speak to a number of banks to see what loan facilities they can offer you. Keep in mind that not every bank offers the same facility, therefore, a good repayment plan will need have the smallest interest you can possibly find in the market, and that can be paid back over the shortest period of time that you can afford. 

3. Don't stack up loans; just follow your dream one step at a time!

When income is limited, it is best that you take baby steps towards achieving your dreams. Though taking out a loan can be a fix to a money shortage situation, you will always want to be in a situation where you can pay it back as per the payment plan you have with the bank while still keeping a little bit on the side for you to save. Try not to get over ambitious, take things easy and put a realistic timeline on when you will be achieving each one of your dreams.

Bonus secret: Don't think of the opportunity cost! 

Money in concept is a limited resource. This means that no matter how much you have in your bank account, a purchasing decision will most certainly come at the expense of having something else. When you come in terms with this, you will be more confident (and more at ease) to making the bigger decisions. Value and cherish every step you take towards your happiness, and if the opportunity cost really matters that much as well, put a plan on how you will get it next!


Image Source/Healthy Fit Tips