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Money may not buy you happiness, but it can make you less sad.

Discover how higher income is associated with less sadness, revealing the complex relationship between wealth, happiness, and emotions.

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Photo: flickr/Tax Credits

We've previously discussed how having money can make you feel less pain. So it probably makes you happy too, right? Well, not so fast. This study used census data to test whether higher income is associated with happiness or sadness. Interestingly, they found that although people with money are not happier on a daily basis, they are less sad. Sound paradoxical? According to the authors, "happiness and sadness are distinct emotional states, rather than diametric opposites" -- that is, just because you're not sad doesn't automatically mean you're happy. So what do you do if you have money and you want to feel happy? One suggestion supported by data is to spend your money on experiences, not purchases. You're welcome, 1%ers.

Higher Income Is Associated With Less Daily Sadness but not More Daily Happiness "Although extensive previous research has explored the relationship between income and happiness, no ...

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