Happy People Make More Money

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Image Not Available

From The Wall Street Journal

In a study of more than 10,000 Americans, those who experienced more positive daily emotions and felt more satisfied with their lives while growing up earned more income by age 29, according to research from University College London and London School of Economics professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and University of Warwick economics professor Andrew Oswald.

They pulled data from a 15-year period of surveys about happiness and then checked in on their pay later in life. On the 1-5 scale the researchers use, a happiness point increase by age 22 brought in an extra $2,000 a year later. People with a “profoundly unhappy” childhood made 30 percent less than average.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.