It’s certainly hard to measure happiness, of course.

That said, buying happiness all comes down to how you spend your money.

Experiences also have the perk of shaping who you are.

Only 34% of respondents said that material goods brought them happiness.

Experiences make that easy, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before.

How could you not be in the moment if you’re experiencing something brand new?

The human happiness system is fundamentally attuned to change and houses are very stable.

But you don’t have to do it alone!

In fact, it might even be better for you to buy experiences with others.

Think of something of you’ve always wanted to do and get some friends or family involved.

That’s perfectly normal, but there’s a strong case for spending money on others to create happiness.

Sometimes seeing someone else’s smile can do more for you than making yourself smile.

Some were told to buy things for themselves and others were told to buy things for others.

Of course, this was in a first world country and performed with a sample of fairly wealthy undergrads.

Spending money on others doesn’t have to mean buying them trinkets and trivets, either.

Think of a way to invest in others as if they were a stock or bond.

Instead of money, you know that you’re going to get a great return rate on happiness.

Know a painter that’s short on cash?

Buy them some canvases and feel the joy when you see them become beautiful paintings.

Have a niece or nephew that’s learning to read?

Buy them a collection of books and try not to smile when they read them out loud to you.

First of all, spend your money where you spend your time.

It might seem obvious, but spending money on things that you actuallyusewill make you much happier.

Yet people often fail to consider “the comfort principle.”

Be careful about trying to trick yourself into doing things, too.

Just like with buying experiences, experiential items offer you excitement and joy over extended periods of time.

If you’re going to splurge on things, it’s best to only splurge on inexpensive things.

Same goes for inexpensive things, but you spend a heck of a lot less them.

So go ahead, splurge a little and feel that happiness surge.

Lastly, ensure you don’t overdo it.

Trying to buy too many things will take away the excitement of buying something.

For example, our own Adam Pash found that he was much happier afterhiring a house cleaner.

It freed up his time and he didn’t have to argue about cleanliness with his wife.

Imagine what you could do with the amount time you spend cleaning now.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be a house cleaner.

It can be anything that frees up time.

When you have more time to do the things you want to do, you’ll be much happier.

Experiences, time, and material goods can only go so far.

Inner peace, love, and overall contentedness can’t be bought with any amount of money.

Spendingmoremoney on the things you used to spend less on won’t make you any happier.

Is money the key to happiness?

No, so don’t ever believe it is.

One more thing: happiness is not a place you reach and rest at.

Instead, imagine it like a garden, as it takes constant upkeep and care.

As soon as you stop watering and pulling weeds, it can go away.

Photos and illustrations by Tina Mailhot-Roberge,Sean MacEntee,honey-bee,martinak15,Tax Credits,B Rosen.