George Kamel: 8 Ways Money Can Actually Buy Happiness
Can money buy happiness after all?
Even though people often say that money won't bring you happiness, a 2025 YouGov survey found that 63% of Americans disagreed. Ultimately, it depends on how you spend your money, as purchases that benefit your well-being, help others or enrich your relationships can give you a boost of joy.
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In a YouTube video, financial expert George Kamel reacted to eight purchases that can bring you happiness, based on a CNBC article. He also discussed how to make these purchases responsibly.
Live Music
If you're a music lover, you're likely familiar with the joy of being in a crowd with other fans and singing songs along with the band. You might also notice you come back feeling less stressed and in a better mood for several days after.
Kamel agreed that paying for live concerts can be a good use of money, as long as you don't need payment plans or other types of debt to finance the happy experience. You can look for budget-friendly options, like attending free concerts at local festivals, checking for discounts, skipping overpriced resellers and choosing cheaper seats and packages.
Novel Experiences
Not only do novel experiences make your life more interesting, but a Scientific Reports article noted that they also have a positive impact on your overall well-being and mental health.
These experiences can be as complex as taking an exotic vacation or cruise or as simple as attending an exciting community event or enjoying the scenery at a nature preserve. If you can bring others along, you may experience even more happiness. Kamel is fully on board with this spending suggestion.
"I don't know the scientific words," he said, "but it just creates some new roadways when we do new things that challenge us, that excite us, you know, a little sense of adventure and impulse in the right ways without debt."
Time Savers
Some purchases bring you happiness by giving you back time and eliminating the need to do activities you dislike. You might want someone else to take over cleaning the house, mowing the lawn or preparing your family's meals.
As a busy father, Kamel agreed with this suggestion but included a few disclaimers. First, you'll want to consider your financial situation and not pay for services that will require using credit. Kamel also advised being intentional so you don't overdo it and wreck your finances.
Just compare your options carefully. For example, if you're trying to save time on cooking, it's likely cheaper to buy prepared meal kits than use Uber Eats every day.
Generosity Toward Others
A June 2025 Harris Poll survey conducted for Vanguard Charitable found that 70% of respondents had made charitable donations within the last six months. Whether you give to charities or friends, this generosity is often more rewarding than buying something for yourself.
Kamel had a very positive reaction to this suggestion and said generosity as an important goal. But you'll want to avoid going to the extreme point where your giving leads you into debt. Knowing how to give within your budget ensures you'll have resources to give more over your lifetime.
"I think we'll be better off financially, our mental well-being, emotional well-being — everything is better when we give," Kamel said.
Relationship Boosters
Since relationships are important for your well-being, purchases that give you a chance to spend time together and bond are good for your happiness. For example, you might go see a movie with your friend or take a weekend trip to see your sibling.
Kamel was on board with this suggestion, as long as you use cash and are intentional about how you spend money on enriching your relationships. You shouldn't use the bonding time as an excuse to blow money, which will hurt your goals. You can always turn to free options, like walking in the park with your family or giving an old friend a call.
Small Joys
Often, it's the small, more frequent purchases that make you happier than a single, expensive one. For you, that might look like having lunch at your favorite bistro a few times per week.
While Kamel liked this idea for modest purchases, he encouraged considering why you make certain purchases, such as a daily $4 coffee. You might have a poor money habit that is causing you to leak money in other areas. Plus, consider the overall impact of the purchases.
"I do think these small joys add up over time," Kamel said, "and if we're not careful, we waste hundreds and hundreds of dollars that could have gone towards our actual goals that could create more meaningful joy long term."
Challenging Experiences
While you may experience some frustration along the way, challenging experiences can actually make you happier due to the satisfaction gained from them. Examples include learning complex skills, like playing an instrument or doing art or trying physically challenging sports.
Whether you're paying for a language course, art supplies or sports equipment, the cost can be worth it if you personally grow from the experience. Kamel agreed with the setiment, as long as you do everything in a healthy way that doesn't damage your relationships or finances. He used sports betting as an example of what wouldn't be wise.
Plans Made in Advance
This final suggestion relates to the idea of being happier with experiences than physical things and includes specific experiences that bring you happiness at multiple points. Not only would you get joy from a Broadway show or Caribbean cruise, but the excitement leading up to the big day and the memories you bring back also have much to offer.
Kamel discussed how he could relate to this one with a comedy show and vacations. He just recommended sticking with cash rather than credit cards and not chasing points for travel.
"The worst thing you can do is pay for it in advance with a credit card and then pay for it six months down the line with payments," said Kamel. "That was going to decrease your joy every single month."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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