9 things more important than money

Money. I write about it a lot, don’t I?

Yet there are many things in life that are far more important than how much money you have or the size of your investment portfolio.

Sure money is important in those areas of life where money is important, but it’s not at all important in those areas where it is not important.

Too often in our capitalistic society, we place too much emphasis on financial achievement and too little on the softer side of life

But don’t get me wrong…

Money actually does buy happiness

Top-selling author Thomas Corley, who conducted a five-year study of the daily habits of the rich and the poor says that the message that money can’t buy happiness is not true.

Corley found that money problems have a ripple effect on your life.

They can result in an overall sense of unhappiness, and they can create marital stress, making both spouses unhappy in the marriage.

That stress can cause health issues and, even worse, it can negatively impact the lives of your children.

Being rich creates an overall sense of happiness, improves your marital relationships, eliminates stress associated with money problems — which improves your overall health — and enables parents to give their kids a superior education, which lays the foundation for success in life.

I think most parents would agree that when their kids are doing well in life, it makes them happy, and when they are struggling in life, it makes them unhappy.

Having said that, here are 9 things more important than money:

1. Family... If you've got a good relationship with your family, you're experiencing one of the deepest sources of happiness on the planet. Tell them you love them.

2. Friends... Appreciate your friends. Take time to invest in your friendships, both old and new. Schedule a catch up or coffee, pick up the phone, or write an e-mail?

3. Health... You get one body, take care of it and treat it with respect it deserves.

4. Time... How valuable is time? Time property invested is worth a fortune; time wasted can be devastation. Time invested can perform miracles-so invest yours.

5. Purpose... There is nothing more conducive to long-term happiness than knowing that your actions are making the world a better place.

6. Your reputation... It takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but only moments to lose it.

7. Gratitude... Rather than focusing on what you don't have or what's out of reach, be thankful for the wonderful things already in your life.

8. Having fun... Some people get so caught up in the money game that wealth becomes an addiction and they forget to have fun... Big mistake.

9. Love... Enough said!

About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.