Money can buy happiness — if you give it away

[mediaman007]

Study: Those who spent cash on others felt cheerier than those who didn't

Sot it occurred to me as I find myself at the age of 60, that I actually have money now that I can give to various causes that I support. It feels really good to send money to the Minnesota Orchestra, to Minnesota Public Radio, the Red Cross and to my favorite candidates.

But I recognize that people less well off than I am, cannot make similar contributions. This is why I support a living wage. This is why I support unions. Why should rich people be the only ones that are magnanimous? I see pictures in magazines showing benefits in the area. They depict various CEO's that attend. I guess it bothers me, because everyone should share the joy of giving to their causes. But sadly people who must scape for enough money to purchase the basics won't have this opportunity. I think that's where our system of greed enters. You are more valuable if you have capital to buy stock. People who actually produce goods and services are disposable.

Pardon the rant...I've been drinking a few Negra Modelo's. Read on:

Those incoming federal tax-rebate checks could do more than boost the economy. They might also boost your mood, with one caveat: You must spend the cash on others, not yourself.

New research reveals that when individuals dole out money for gifts for friends or charitable donations, they get a boost in happiness while those who spend on themselves get no such cheery lift.

Scientists have found evidence that income is linked with a person's satisfaction with their life and other measures of happiness, but less is known about the link between how a person spends their money and happiness.



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23729084/