patrick.net

a few words that used to ellicit personal paranoia ..that now strike fear into banks and the elites....default,stop paying, pay cash only ,,,buy nothing new, walk away,strategic poverty,get off the debt carosel, triple up housing, walk don t drive...if i found a million dollars i would dig a hole and bury it having this money puts you in the eyesight of all the scary govt guys today i stayed home and did not spend a dime a successful day for an old man

Snooz ... another money doesn't buy happiness article.

Let me tell you something, being an under-appreciated [& underpaid] STEM worker (outside of software/services), had brought more unhappiness than in being a well paid hedge fund manager, even if the latter work provides no true job satisfaction.

And finally, having a few million dollars in the bank is the greatest relief out there vs always needing to chase the next job, just to keep a roof over one's head, or even being able to take that occasional trip to Thailand or Hong Kong. BTW, try to live in a foreign country (for more than an annual vacation), without a job there or some money in your bank account.

And buying experiences, to add to one's happiness, isn't a new concept. That's like saying that learning how to play a piano is more interesting than in driving around in a Ferrari. Well of course, one is more engaging and adds an additional layer of enjoyment in learning something. But of course, having the free time and cash to purchase individualized piano lessons is a "given", which is something obviously overlooked by insipid articles like this one.

money can't buy happiness - but it can make misery a helluva lot more fun.

elliemae says

money can't buy happiness

Nope, it can buy happiness but it doesn't make someone smarter and thus, there are some prerequisite conditions in terms of having happiness with money.

Money can definitely avoid misery - it brings peace of mind not to have to worry about unexpected expenses and even regular expenses; thus it can definitely reduce stress which in a way is priceless. As far as brining happiness, it can do that to a certain extent, but I would say that it can do so sporadically since humans eventually get habituated to a "higher standard" of living and eventually start taking it for granted via law of diminishing returns.

I was the most miserable when I was a homeowner, but that was mostly due to certain neighbors.

Renting has ease of flexibility when it comes to that, but if homes ever go back to being purchased by those that wish to live in them, I'd like to eventually buy again.

complete nonsense - we hated our life in rental houses that were overpriced and landlords didn't do squad ...soooo much happier in our own house now!!
can't even compare the 2. Completely diff lifestyles.

I'm happier than a Pig in Shit.
I wouldn't go back to renting if the Landlord paid me.

Who says wealthy people only buy? To hell with buying.

CaptainShuddup says

I'm happier than a Pig in Shit.

Funny, that's how I imagine you too!

the authors are trying to brainwash you so that if you are naive enough to sell or stop hunting, they buy and walk away with the gold.

these are like the ex-girlfriends who kept telling you "love > money" but they never paid for anything.

SFace says

Everything else being equal, homeowners are much happier than non-homeowners.

Again, this depends. I owned my home in western MA. I'm 1.5 hrs from the city of Boston but again, that's not something I care about & thus, having a $0 mortgage [ it's all paid off now ], $3-$4K prop taxes, and the usual for maintenance/upkeep, makes me a very happy person.

Lots of money allows you to fully explore your true potential for unhappiness, and create a ruckus and take numerous victims down with you.

Who needs happiness when you have that?

Ceffer says

Lots of money allows you to fully explore your true potential for unhappiness, and create a ruckus and take numerous victims down with you.

Who needs happiness when you have that?

So true!

One of the weirdest moments of my life was when I was unemployed and my marriage imploded.

Sat there in a cheap motel well outside of town, not getting job offers, and cold-calling employers all day while rehearsing interview questions at night.

In what would be a nightmare scenario for many people, inner peace found me: it dawned on me that the number of things I thought I gave a shit about, but did not, was so truly large that I didn't know where to start. I realized I didn't care about losing my car, my wife, my personal possessions (including family heirlooms). The only things I wanted to keep were my cat, some clothes, and a toothbrush.

Clearest my mind has ever been. Utter serenity: I couldn't be bothered to waste energy being anxious. I remember whistling as I showered each morning.

Renters are happier than homeowners was one sentence in that article, and I don't buy that for a second. Of course, having a big beautiful, echoing home with no friends or family would be miserable.

How about this: Have a home, have money to give others, have money to pay for experiences, and have a million dollars? How about that? That is very doable with prudent living and a decent job and a modest home.

The things you own end up owning you, no doubt about that.

If those things you bought are now paid off, that can be a lot of freedom, except for the damn taxes.

MsBennet says

If those things you bought are now paid off, that can be a lot of freedom, except for the damn taxes.

Maybe if you truly feel inner peace by owning them, often though people have to show off those things to others to get joy out of them. And then often those pesky others either don't realize how great those things are or are aloof about those things in general, so the people owning them have to tell everybody and post all day in forums about how great their things are.. Yes, and then there are also taxes ;)

mell says

MsBennet says

If those things you bought are now paid off, that can be a lot of freedom, except for the damn taxes.

Maybe if you truly feel inner peace by owning them, often though people have to show off those things to others to get joy out of them. And then often those pesky others either don't realize how great those things are or are aloof about those things in general, so the people owning them have to tell everybody and post all day in forums about how great their things are.. Yes, and then there are also taxes ;)

I am not sure what you are talking about, but if that is a subtle dig, I don't claim it. You haven't seem my modest house. Not xac-ly a palace. But it does have a nice flat screen tv, which my husband enjoys immensely, and he is not aloof to it. He is always commenting how much he loves it.

MsBennet says

How about this: Have a home, have money to give others, have money to pay for experiences, and have a million dollars? How about that? That is very doable with prudent living and a decent job and a modest home.

Yes, the above is great, however, I don't see that feasible in these overpriced suburbs around let's say Boston, NYC, etc. And believe me, a lot of folks around there have the 'Keeping Up w/ the Jones' mentality. It doesn't make for great neighbors or acquaintances.

However, 1+ hour away, in central or western MA, all of that is doable. I own my house 1.5 hours from Boston and now, I own it straight out, as the mortgage is paid off. I have no complaints at all about life. My neighbors are great and I have a lot of fun with ppl in my neighboring communities.

MsBennet says

I am not sure what you are talking about, but if that is a subtle dig, I don't claim it. You haven't seem my modest house. Not xac-ly a palace. But it does have a nice flat screen tv, which my husband enjoys immensely, and he is not aloof to it. He is always commenting how much he loves it.

Sorry, it wasn't directed at you, just commenting in general.

I can offer an apples to apples comparison, as I rented the house I now own for a couple years before purchasing it. Or maybe I can't, because I don't think I ever stopped and guaged my static happiness, relative to living here as a renter vs a mortgage debtor.

As a renter, the only maintenance I ever happened upon, was dropping a dead oak tree out back, because it was dangerous, and the "landlord" deal was "as-is". I was welcomed to do any improvements, but they made it clear that they weren't interested in any betterment of the place. Life was fun, we always had a good time.

Since purchasing, I've
-upgraded electric from the old fuse box
-sand and refinished the floors
-new over the stove microwave
-built a sunroom on the deck
- painted everything, at least once
- installed french doors from dining room on to deck
- built a half bath and mudroom in the basement
- new trim, ceiling fans, and some light fixtures
- installed bathroom fan
- installed 3 storm doors
- built partition from kitchen to living room

Currently in the works
- complete remodel of the bathroom
- ancient heating and cooling system needs replaced (6k)

I can't say any of these maintenance and upgrades, made me happier, persay. I do enjoy landscaping and gardening, so the backyard orchard, raised bed gardens, and countless landscaping do bring me joy. At times I think, when others compliment the house and say what a great deal I got (because the place is "worth so much more"), that renting still at my 2007 rent, would be easier/better. OTOH, having the acreage allowed me to adopt my dog, and he definitely makes me happy

What a Marxist load of Horse Hockey this whole thread turned out to be.

APOCALYPSEFUCK is Shostakovich says

Need a sniper nest someplace high, protected and unobstructed.

I was no happier with reinforced footings for 88mm Howitzers on the perimeter than I now am with a simple, humble blind and a 50mm Barrett.

As Marx, whose teachings I follow in all things, says: the difference in value in exchange has little correlation to use-value.

(The Howitzer worked a lot better on police cruisers and schoolbuses at 3500 yards, though, but such targets were so far off my property that the value as fertilizer was nil.)

recently redone a bathroom from total scratch and went all out, imported tiles and vanity, super modern design (which I love) and I have to say - it makes me very happy every time I use it, even just walking by I find myself opening the door and admiring the design :) A sense of pride sets in when friends come over and complement it. Silly but true.

Her lovers queued up in the hallway, I heard them scratching at the door, I tried to tell her About Marx and Engels, God and Angels, I don't really know what for.
But she looked good in ribbons.

CaptainShuddup says

What a Marxist load of Horse Hockey this whole thread turned out to be.

The article was a good read. It wasn't just about housing making you happier. It was about how experiences and giving may make you happier than accumulating things for yourself. I liked the point that experiences may matter because they bring you closer to other people. I like those messages.

We got a few good jokes from AF, Mell and Hydro Carbon. What more are you looking for?

SubOink says

recently redone a bathroom from total scratch and went all out, imported tiles and vanity, super modern design (which I love) and I have to say - it makes me very happy every time I use it, even just walking by I find myself opening the door and admiring the design :) A sense of pride sets in when friends come over and complement it. Silly but t

I have this feeling about improvements I made in our *apartment*. I spent about 7k two years ago this month. I installed hardwood floors, some cabinets, a ceiling fan, new office furniture, added rugs and mirrors, and painted. It really helped make the most of a small space. I feel some pride in how efficiently we use the space now and how nice it looks. Those changes make me happy in a way that I think is similar to your bathroom. There are some good design ideas in the things we did.

Some people thought I was insane to spend the money on someone else's property when that money could have gone towards a downpayment. It has been totally worth it. Spread out over 3 years it is not much. The cost of renting a nicer place would have been more like 800 a month more. I feel good about all of it.

I'd like more room 2000 square feet versus 700 feet and a garage would be nice.

SubOink says

imported tiles

All the way from Exotic China!

JodyChunder says

SubOink says

imported tiles

All the way from Exotic China!

They will even throw in some toxic drywall for free!

JodyChunder says

SubOink says

imported tiles

All the way from Exotic China!

Chinese cheap knockoff tile is more of a victorville thing :) Go for it!

I'll stick to Italy when it comes to design and tiles.

SubOink says

I'll stick to Italy when it comes to design and tiles.

Okay, fancy dan...Made in Italy by Chinese!

You have several beautiful tile makers right here in California. Personally, I think tile's a little pedestrian. My entire house is comprised of hide, bone, stone and steel. The walls of my master bath are done up in black patent leather. That kinda deal'll set you back some...

JodyChunder says

SubOink says

I'll stick to Italy when it comes to design and tiles.

Okay, fancy dan...Made in Italy by Chinese!

You have several beautiful tile makers right here in California. Personally, I think tile's a little pedestrian. My entire house is comprised of hide, bone, stone and steel. The walls of my master bath are done up in black patent leather. That kinda deal'll set you back some...

LOL. I can almost see it...

...one can easily tell the difference between the chinese crap and premium grade porcelain tile. CA does have some good tile makers but the italians just gots the style! Always did, always will.

Here are a few links for you to peruse:

http://www.agapedesign.it/bathrooms

http://www.catalano.it/it/prodotti/premium/

http://www.nstile.com/neostile-tile.html

Now, thats style! :) InMHO - But lets not argue over taste...you keep your leopard carpets. They fit the neighborhood :) (just joking around)

magman says

buy nothing new, walk away,strategic poverty,get off the debt carosel, triple up housing, walk don t drive

I like it, especially the part about buying nothing new. I hate debt, too.

Im much happier not paying someone else's mortgage.

toothfairy says

Im much happier not paying someone else's mortgage.

Would you be happier if "someone elses mortgage payment" is 1/2 what your non-refundable costs would be if you bought that same house now?

New Renter says

toothfairy says

Im much happier not paying someone else's mortgage.

Would you be happier if "someone elses mortgage payment" is 1/2 what your non-refundable costs would be if you bought that same house now?

No I wouldn't be. That's called paying for a lifestyle you can't afford.

toothfairy says

New Renter says

toothfairy says

Im much happier not paying someone else's mortgage.

Would you be happier if "someone elses mortgage payment" is 1/2 what your non-refundable costs would be if you bought that same house now?

No I wouldn't be. That's called paying for a lifestyle you can't afford.

Right. So you are not so much "happier not paying someone else's mortgage" than you are happier paying less for comparable housing.