Money makes the world go round, so of course we all strive for ever more wealth. Yet very few people ever achieve financial independence. But what is it really like when you don't have millions in the bank and may have to think twice about every cent at the end of the month? Can you still be broke but happy?

Is Wealth a Sign of Happiness?

If you ask rich people, who don't have to worry about bills or a full fridge, whether they're happy, the answer is almost always yes. Sure, anyone with no money worries certainly has a few fewer problems than the ordinary worker who barely scrapes by on his paycheck.
But if you ask poor people who have to be frugal with a tight income, you often get the answer, too:"Yes, I'm happy!". So is money not an indicator of happiness after all?
No, because people who constantly strive for more wealth and have to work hard for it often don't experience it as happiness, but as a hard-earned wage.

Finding Happiness in Life's Little Things

Those who are broke but happy are the ones who can enjoy life's little things. Spending a beautiful spring day outdoors, falling in love or romping around with a beloved pet is, for most people, the very essence of happiness. These things aren't tied to large sums of money but are given by nature.

Health is the greatest happiness
Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder and super-rich millionaire, was certainly not happy when he learned of the serious illness that he ultimately died from. For everyone who is broke but happy, it's clear that health can be the greatest happiness on earth. We often simply take our health for granted. But once you fall seriously ill, you realize that happiness has nothing to do with wealth.

Broke but happy



After Wealth Comes the Fall
Numerous investors, company founders and former executives know both sides. Through hard work they made their way into the upper league of the rich, but then came the fall. Yet after a complete reversal of their circumstances, many people say: "I'm broke but happy".
These people have learned to accept the situation as it is. The rise and the deep fall show that life is a real roller coaster of ups and downs. Anyone who has understood and experienced this can accept their life the way it has turned out.

Happy With the Family
Kids are a real time sink, but you also have to provide quite a lot for your children materially. Financial worries are often seen in families. Family life is expensive. Yet if you ask parents, they agree: young families are often broke but happy. The love that children give and the time spent together can easily outshine financial independence.
You value the closeness with your loved ones and feel rich at heart.


Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder and super-rich millionaire, was certainly not happy when he learned of the serious illness that he ultimately died from. For everyone who is broke but happy, it's clear that health can be the greatest happiness on earth. We often simply take our health for granted. But once you fall seriously ill, you realize that happiness has nothing to do with wealth.

After Wealth Comes the Fall
Numerous investors, company founders and former executives know both sides. Through hard work they made their way into the upper league of the rich, but then came the fall. Yet after a complete reversal of their circumstances, many people say: "I'm broke but happy".
These people have learned to accept the situation as it is. The rise and the deep fall show that life is a real roller coaster of ups and downs. Anyone who has understood and experienced this can accept their life the way it has turned out.

Happy With the Family
Kids are a real time sink, but you also have to provide quite a lot for your children materially. Financial worries are often seen in families. Family life is expensive. Yet if you ask parents, they agree: young families are often broke but happy. The love that children give and the time spent together can easily outshine financial independence.
You value the closeness with your loved ones and feel rich at heart.