Does money equal happiness? This is an interesting question. Many people would say yes, that having money would mean that you are happy. However managing your money so that you can meet all of your necessities and many of your wants is what would allow people the security, which may contribute to their happiness.
Those who are poor and struggle to meet their needs (food, shelter and clothing) on a regular basis would find a lot of the pressure relieved if they had enough money to meet those needs. The worry that they carry with them each day might very well affect their level of happiness. It is hard to be so focused on barely scraping by.
However people who make enough to meet their needs, and still has enough leftover to cover many other luxuries might not be happy either. Strictly speaking financially, they may have begun to overextend their spending power, and might have similar worries about being able to meet their obligations. They also may be unwilling to cut back in the necessary areas, so that they can find financial peace. In addition to this there may be other reasons that they are unhappy.
The people who are happiest (at least financially speaking) are generally those who live beneath their means. They have long term goals and plans. They have a budget and regularly set money aside. They generally do not worry much about finances, because they are sticking to a plan and achieving their goals. This can lead to confidence and peace, which can carry over into other areas of their lives.
Money does not mean happiness. Managing your money wisely can add peace to your life, so that it does not detract from your happiness. Learning to feel satisfaction in planning, and accomplishment can benefit your level of happiness far more than earning more money.
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