In Mary Holm’s “Rich Enough? A Laid-back Guide for Every Kiwi (affiliate link),” Holm starts off by questioning why people want to get rich. More specifically, she directs the question to the reader: Why would you like more money? The answer may seem like it’s a no-brainer. People want more money, so they can live better and be happier. If that’s true of you, then Holm’s points out that “having more [money] doesn’t necessarily make us happier.” There’s a point, past which more money may even lead to less happiness.

While more money may not lead to more happiness, the opposite seems to be true. More happiness leads to more money. In fact, Nick Powdthavee, author of “The Happiness Equation (affiliate link),” found that happy people were more productive, more creative, healthier, and more likely to become financially successful.

Holm quotes Albert Schweitzer to bolster her point: “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you’re doing, you will be more successful.” Holm doesn’t deny that grumpy people may do well financially, but the money won’t change their disposition. At the end of the day, they will still be grumpy.

Mary Holm is described as “New Zealand’s most trusted money expert.” She has worked as a financial journalist in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

So, why do you want more money? Is it to acquire more things, more prestige, more power, or is it for another reason? Leave a comment to let us know.