Ever since the Panama Papers news story, I've been thinking a lot about money. Then I read this, in the Financial Times of all places.
A couple of weeks ago the top 'reader's question' in the Management section was essentially:
My partner and I have similar jobs at the same organisation. He just got a 20% pay rise. Should I force him to pay 20% more than I do towards rent and other expenses? What do you think?
The answer to this relationship issue is obvious to me.
Forget about the money.
Surely a relationship is priceless.
I love my job.
But if my employer didn't pay me, I wouldn't turn up to work.
I don't get paid to be a husband and a daddy, but I still turn up anyway.
Dear Financial Times reader: I assume you love your partner. Why not try being generous to them with your money?
Money has a way of appearing incredibly important.
We've been sold the idea that more money will make us happier, in spite of celebrities' ludicrous lifestyles that publicly fall apart on the pages of every newspaper.
For example, it's easy to judge wealthy people who can afford to avoid tax, but I can guarantee you two things:
- If you or I were in the same situation, we'd do exactly the same thing. Don't even pretend that you wouldn't. When the Government announces an increase in a tax-free allowance, I don't tell them to keep my money anyway. Tax avoidance is legal, and should be expected. (As opposed to tax evasion.)
- If a wealthy person is happy, it's not down to their wealth. They'll be happy because of the relationships in their life, or experiences they're having.
So...
QUESTION: How much money do I need to be happy?
ANSWER: Just a little bit more.
I implore you, don't stake your happiness on the amount you earn or your bank balance.
Instead, please look at all the evidence and realise that you'll be happier if you're more generous, regardless of how wealthy you are.
Here's the really good news...
Every Sunday we have an opportunity to get happier by giving away our money - Redeemer will use it to transform Ealing and support others around London and around the world!
There's only one question left:
