Happy Money
by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton
Two researchers on spending for happiness: buy experiences, make it a treat, buy time, pay now and consume later, invest in others. Each principle is supported by experiments and the book is short and clear. It is the best guide to spending well rather than earning or saving more.
Read it if…
you have some discretionary money and want it to produce more happiness.
Skip it if…
you are in debt; spending principles come later.
Three things you will actually use
- Experiences beat things.
- Buying time beats buying stuff.
- Giving produces more happiness than spending on yourself.
Do this first
Spend money this week to buy back an hour of your time, and spend that hour well.
Our verdict
Short, clear, research-based.
Compare with other Money books
Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes
Gary Belsky and Thomas Gilovich · Money
Concise and practical.
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