at the lowest level money can give you safety, from starvation, from homelessness. The removal of that fear from a slight increase of income would be liberating

at the lowest level money can give you safety, from starvation, from homelessness. The removal of that fear from a slight increase of income would be liberating for someone in that kind of situation. A level above that would give freedom, that's what "F-you money" is all about. Having that means no longer putting up with bad situations like an employer asking you to do something illegal, it means being able to prioritize family, and it would allow for time to pursue new skills and hobbies that could open new opportunities. Step past that and now more money would give you the ability to do things with people. Want to take a trip with friends, now it's possible. Thoughtful gifts, done. The ability to attend a conference that allows you to make connections in your industry, there it is. This could also be the difference between community college or a famous university. All of these things, lack of fear, increase of freedom, increase of opportunity are all things that would make people happier. I think the saying that it doesn't bring happiness always was one of the cultural lies we tell.