We discussed happy money on The BIGG Success Show. Here’s a summary of that discussion…

We disagree with conventional wisdom that money can’t buy happiness. We believe that money can buy happiness and happiness can buy money.

Recently, we were inspired by a book by “the Zen Millioinaire,” Ken Honda, entitled Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace With Your Money*.

It’s a fresh way of looking at money. Whether or not your money is happy depends on the emotion underlying a transaction. Positive emotions attract money. Negative emotions repel it.

So what causes these negative emotions to take seed? It’s learned behavior. We developed our money mindset by watching and listening to and feeling what our parents were facing.

We carried these attitudes into adulthood. Unless you break the pattern, you are likely to make the same money mistakes. You inherit the fears your parents felt. Going broke. Not having enough money. Working just to pay the bills.

Fortunately, you can break the chains. It starts by recognizing whether your money is happy or unhappy. Ken says there are six questions to ask to determine that:

1) Do you love your job?

Is every day pure drudgery? Or do you enjoy your job?

Does your job suck the life out of you? Or do you feel fulfilled at work?

If you answered “No” to the first question in each paragraph above, your money is unhappy. If you answered “Yes” to the second question in each paragraph, your money is happy.

2) Are you true to yourself?

BIGG success is peace of mind which flows from three sources:

– finding and fulfilling your calling

– striving daily to reach your full potential

– staying true to your vision and values

When you look at the way you make and spend your money, is it in harmony with your vision and values? If so, your money will be happy. If not, it won’t.

3) Do you spend consciously?

Spontaneity can be exciting and fun. It can also get you into financial trouble.

Money is a mirror. Do your outflows reflect your financial priorities? When they do, your money is happy. Otherwise, it isn’t.

4) Do you ever feel like you’re wasting money?

People with happy money stick to their plan. It doesn’t matter if the neighbor got a new car. Happy money people replace their car when it’s time – according to their schedule, not social pressure.

Making money decisions which are right for you makes your money happy. Trying to buy status makes it unhappy.

5) Do you enjoy your money?

Contrary to popular opinion, research shows that money decisions can positively impact happiness. For example, spending money to get more time makes your money happier. Ditto for experiences. Buying more things probably doesn’t make your money happier – unless you use those things for more experiences!

6) Do you gladly share your money?

Our mission here at BIGG Success is to help good people have more money to do more good. It doesn’t take money to do more good. Simple acts of kindness cost little to nothing. But sometimes, a little bit of money makes a BIGG difference.