Happy Money

January 14, 2013
Money. For most people, it’s a source of stress and fear. And yet more money doesn’t change things—research shows that once an American is earning around $75,000 a year, he does not get any happier with incremental income. What if instead of simply focusing on curtailing our spending, we changed how we spent our money, putting it toward purchases that actually make us happy? University of British Columbia psychology professor Dunn and Harvard Business School marketing professor Norton, friends from graduate school, offer a witty, lively guide to changing the philosophy behind spending so that it brings you true joy. Buy experiences rather than products, they advise; make your purchases treats rather than hobbies; buy yourself time; save rather than putting yourself in debt; and invest in others. Referencing behavioral psychology experiments and tests, the authors direct readers through the ways they can change their behavior to make the spending on even a limited budget lead to happiness. Readers cannot help but be charmed by this funny, warm guide to creating the good life from scratch. Agent: Katinka Matson, Brockman Inc.