Two professors combine their fascinating and cutting-edge research in behavioral science to explain how money can buy happiness—if you follow five core principles of smart spending.
Most people recognize that they need professional advice on how to earn, save, and invest their money. When it comes to spendingthat money, most people just follow their intuitions. But scientific research shows that those intuitions are often wrong.
Happy Money offers a tour of research on the science of spending, explaining how you can get more happiness for your money. Authors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton have outlined five principles—from choosing experiences over stuff to spending money on others—to guide not only individuals looking for financial security, but also companies seeking to create happier employees and provide “happier products” to their customers. Dunn and Norton show how companies from Google to Pepsi to Charmin have put these ideas into action.
Along the way, Dunn and Norton explore fascinating research that reveals that luxury cars often provide no more pleasure than economy models, that commercials can actually enhance the enjoyment of watching television, and that residents of many cities frequently miss out on inexpensive pleasures in their hometowns. By the end of this “lively and engaging book” (Dan Gilbert, author ofStumbling on Happiness), you’ll be asking yourself one simple question every time you reach for your wallet: Am I getting the biggest happiness bang for my buck?
'Cutting edge. Like stand-up comedians of science, Dunn and Norton take ordinary observations that everybody experiences and craftily distil them with a clarity that makes us laugh, and then makes us think.'
(Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational)
'Lively and engaging. Happy Money isn’t a purchase; it’s an investment—and a shrewd one at that.'
(
Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness)
'Many books have been written to tell you how to make money, save money, and invest money. Now there's a book that can tell you how to spend it. Wisely.'
(
Chip Heath, co-author of Decisive: How to Make Better Decisions in Life and Work)
'Wise and entertaining... Dunn and Norton provide practical and well-evidenced insights for all of us, from individuals, to communities, to governments.'
(
David Halpern, Behavioural Insight Team, No 10, and author of The Hidden Wealth of Nations)
'An interesting and breezily written book, full of fun anecdotes and behavioural research... Money may not be able to buy you happiness but purchasing this book might just help steer you in the right direction.'
(
Financial Times)
'Packed with tips to help wage slaves as well as lottery winners... people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.'
(
The Economist)
'A small investment in this invaluable book could be worth its weight in gold... combine[s] a witty, conversational style with a dazzling depth of research... Whether you have lots of money or are on a tight budget, this may change how you look at your life – for the better.'
(
Daily Mail)
'Dunn and Norton are enthusiastic and engaging writers... and they are careful to back up their recommendations with citations to the relevant academic literature.'
(
Times Higher Education)
'Show your money worries the door with this practical and fascinating read.'
(
Healthy magazine)
'How to spend smarter? Read this book!—a rare combination of informed science writing, rollicking good fun, and practical pointers for a more flourishing and compassionate life.'
(David G. Myers, author of The Pursuit of Happiness)
