Ep.188 – Paul Fenner – Money Can Buy Happiness: Up to a Point 

Podcast
Written By Paul Fenner

Morgan Housel has inspired a great deal of my thoughts on the intricacies between money and happiness.

Today, I wanted to share a personal story about the interconnectedness of money and happiness, along with five key points that challenge the conventional wisdom around wealth and satisfaction.

From understanding that money provides freedom rather than fulfillment to the notion that true wealth is peace of mind, I invite you to reflect on your own financial journey and its impact on your happiness.

Connect with Paul 

Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. 

Follow Paul on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. 

And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE

Featured
Rethinking the Relationship Between Money and Happiness
Rethinking the Relationship Between Money and Happiness

Money can buy options—but not happiness.
In our work with families in transition, we see a recurring theme: the real value of money lies not in accumulation, but in alignment. When your financial decisions reflect your deepest values and life goals, that’s when peace of mind becomes possible. In this post, we explore why money alone can’t solve emotional struggles, how to avoid the trap of comparison, and what it really means to achieve “funded contentment.”

Staying the Course - How Long-Term Investing Builds Wealth Through Market Cycles
Staying the Course - How Long-Term Investing Builds Wealth Through Market Cycles

When markets get rocky, it’s tempting to make quick decisions based on fear. But history shows that patient investors—those who understand and commit to their holding period—are consistently rewarded over time. Learn how aligning your investments with your time horizon and financial goals helps you weather market storms and build long-term wealth.

Embracing Mindful Transitions: How Acceptance Commitment Therapy Helps Parents Navigate Retirement with Purpose 
Embracing Mindful Transitions: How Acceptance Commitment Therapy Helps Parents Navigate Retirement with Purpose 

Retirement is more than a financial milestone—it’s an emotional journey. Learn how Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help parents embrace this life transition with mindfulness, values-driven actions, and confidence in their financial future.

1 Big Idea to Think About

  • While money can provide freedom and options, true happiness and peace of mind come from aligning your spending with your core values and purpose, rather than material wealth alone. This alignment requires ongoing reflection and discussion with those important in your life.

1 Way You Can Apply This

  • To cultivate a healthier relationship with money and happiness, try focusing on "funded contentment" by aligning your spending with your values and objectives. For example, dedicate time to identify what truly matters to you, and spend resources accordingly, which not only fosters peace of mind but also enhances long-term happiness without the need for constant financial comparison with others.

1 Question to Ask

  • Am I aligning my spending and financial decisions with my personal values and what truly matters to me for achieving peace of mind?

Key Moments From the Show 

  • 00:00:01 Introduction to money and happiness as a thought experiment.

  • 00:01:08 Managing calmness during financial crises and family challenges.

  • 00:03:30 Discussion on constraints and alignment between purpose and finances.

  • 00:04:43 Five main points on money and happiness begin.

  • 00:04:43 Point 1: Money provides freedom, not fulfillment; it offers options.

  • 00:05:59 Point 4: Comparison undermines contentment and the importance of running your own race.

  • 00:07:10 Point 5: True wealth is peace of mind and funded contentment.

  • 00:07:49 Closing remarks on the journey to financial peace through conversations and alignment.

Resources Featured in This Episode: 

How to Make the Most of Your Money 

Optimize Your Spending to Increase Your Happiness 

Every Dollar is a Choice: Parenting & Building Families with Conscious Spending 

Paul Fenner
Previous

Ep. 189 – Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Building Bridges in Relationships: The Impact of ‘Yes And’ on Understanding

Next

Ep. 187 – Paul Fenner – Your Holding Period Matters Most