Money Magazine has an article interviewing several celebrities on their money habits. Here are a few that I liked:
- My Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – “Money doesn’t make you happy. I now have $50 million, but I was just as happy when I had $48 million.” That sounds a little more like Terminator logic than the logic I’d want from my governor. The thing is that while 2 million might not be a lot when you have 48 million (just 4%), I bet the average person would consider 2M to be a big difference in their lives. I’m not saying that money makes you happy, but I don’t think his logic makes any sense.
- Jerry Seinfeld – “Dogs have no money. Isn’t that amazing? They’re broke their entire lives. But they get through. You know why dogs have no money? No pockets.” What?!?! Why is this in Money Magazine? What are we learning here?
- James Taylor – “Time may be money, but your money won’t buy time.” – From “Sun on the Moon” James, my friend, money can buy you so much time. It can save you from having to do errands like landscaping and laundry. It can buy you better medicines which can buy longevity.
- Cheryl Tiegs – Leave it to the supermodel to come up with the best idea. It’s a little long to quote, but she’s refreshing down to earth for a supermodel. The real gem is her parenting advice though. Well worth the clickthrough, and I’m not going to spoil the surprise here.
Sadly the Governator’s quote only shows how out of touch with reality he is. Wealth has a diminishing marginal returns quality. If I have $48 and find two dollars in my jeans pocket, I’m pleased, but no big. If I am not sure how I’m going to eat today and find $2 on the sidewalk, my day has just been made.
Seinfeld’s quote makes me laugh. Ultimately, I suppose, that’s the only goal.
Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does buy security, which can lead to happiness. His quote would have been better if he said that he is no more happy than when he had $2 MM. I would say that at that point you are ‘secure’ and further money can just buy crap you don’t need.
To exclusively say that money doesn’t buy happiness is too idealistic.
Agreed JohnR. Money may not buy happiness, but lack of money can sure lead to unhappiness.