Money makes the world go round, so of course we all strive for more and more wealth. Yet very few achieve financial independence. But what is it like when you do not have millions in the bank and may have to count every penny twice 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 never have to worry about bills or a full fridge whether they are happy, the answer is almost always yes. Sure, anyone without financial worries certainly has a few problems fewer than the ordinary worker who can barely make ends meet on his wages.
But if you ask poor people who have to be frugal with a tight paycheck, you also often get the answer:"Yes, I am happy!". So is money not an indicator of happiness after all?
No, because those who always strive for more wealth and have to work hard for it often do not experience this as happiness, but as hard-earned pay.

Finding happiness in the little things in life

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

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

Broke but happy



After wealth comes the fall
Numerous investors, company founders or former managers know both sides. With a lot of work they worked their way into the top league of the rich, but then came the fall. Yet after a complete reversal of their life situation, many people say: "I am 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. 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 offer your offspring quite a lot materially. Financial worries are often seen in families. Family life is expensive. But if you ask parents, they agree that 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 bond with your loved ones and feel rich at heart.


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

After wealth comes the fall
Numerous investors, company founders or former managers know both sides. With a lot of work they worked their way into the top league of the rich, but then came the fall. Yet after a complete reversal of their life situation, many people say: "I am 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. 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 offer your offspring quite a lot materially. Financial worries are often seen in families. Family life is expensive. But if you ask parents, they agree that 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 bond with your loved ones and feel rich at heart.