Would it make you happy if I told you that you'll be getting a raise? How about if I said you've won the lottery? If you're like most Americans, the answer is a resounding yes.
But, believe it or not, the recession has revealed a little secret about the key to happiness, according to Atlanta bankruptcy attorneys. Sure, having more money in your pocket can help you put gas in your car, groceries in your cart and bills in the mail. But, as it turns out, having more money to spend probably won't make you happier.
Not only that, but spending less can actually make you happier. Just look at the life of Tammy Strobel, a woman featured in the New York Times this week. Strobel and her husband gave up steady jobs, two cars and a two-bedroom apartment in California for freelance work, a tiny studio apartment and two bikes. She makes half as much money - but she's twice as happy.
Experts speculate that, with less money to spend, we're really slowing down and thinking about where our dollars are going. Instead of spending haphazardly, we're choosing to spend on the things that give us most satisfaction - things like experiences rather than material objects, items that we've been coveting for a long time instead of random buys, and stuff we really want versus stuff we feel we need to keep up with the Joneses. Coincidentally, these types of purchases not only lead to greater happiness, but they also tend to lead to lower debt - which also keeps us happy.
It's something to think about the next time you're tempted by that new gadget or pair of shoes. Ask yourself if the purchase in question will make you happier down the road than the satisfaction you could get from not making said purchase - and saving your money for something better. With less wasted on impulse buys, you'll have more to tackle your debt burden.
So what if you've got too much debt to pay down on your own - even by cutting spending? Consider bankruptcy. The right bankruptcy plan can provide an affordable payment plan and legal protection. Find out if bankruptcy can offer the fresh start you need when you try a free one-on-one debt analysis with an Atlanta bankruptcy attorney today.
