How much money makes you happy?

Do you really know?

Money can buy a lot, but can it buy happiness? This is a question that philosophers, economists, scientists and storytellers have puzzled over for some time; and if it can, then does more money make you even happier?

According to Prof Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director at the University of Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre there is a definite link between money and happiness, especially at the bottom of the pay scale. So for example someone earning £20,000 who moved to £40,000 would experience a significant boost in happiness. However, to achieve that same happiness boost, you’d have to move from £40,000 to £80,000, then again £80,000 to £160,000. In order to get the same impact, you have to double each time.

What about the ‘happiness Plateau’ theory? Do happy people earn more money? Isn't there more to happiness than income? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First broadcast: 23/03/2023

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