Can money buy happiness? 70% of Poles think so!

Every year, on March 20th, the world celebrates the International Day of Happiness. What better time to ask the age-old question: can money really buy happiness?

According to a recent Ariadna survey, nearly 70% of Poles believe it does! However, the details get even more interesting when you break them down by age, gender, and personal wealth perception.

Young and hungry for wealth

The study reveals that young Poles (aged 18-24) are the strongest believers in the power of money to bring happiness – 82% of them, to be precise! Perhaps it’s the financial struggles of early adulthood or the dream of financial freedom that fuels this belief. Either way, the numbers don’t lie: the younger you are, the more likely you are to see money as a happiness booster.

The "Million Zloty" dream

While some Poles are content with modest financial goals, a significant 28% believe they’d need at least one million zlotys to truly feel happy. Men are particularly inclined to set this high bar (34% vs. 21% of women). Meanwhile, only 10% of Poles think that 50,000 zlotys would be enough to significantly improve their happiness.

Perception vs. Reality: Does your financial situation actually matter?

Interestingly, it’s not just about how much money someone actually has, but how they perceive their financial situation. People who see their finances as bad are more likely to believe that money brings happiness, even if their income is similar to those who feel financially secure. It’s a classic case of "the grass is greener on the other side."

Who says it’s not “All about the money?”

Not everyone is convinced that wealth equals happiness. 37% of Poles say that happiness isn’t tied to money, and this belief is more common among women, older individuals, and those with higher education. Perhaps experience, wisdom, and perspective shift priorities away from financial concerns.

Happiness doesn’t equal ‘wealth’, but…

While money can certainly ease life’s stresses, true happiness might require more than just a fat bank account. Relationships, health, and personal fulfillment all play key roles. But for now, a large chunk of Poles wouldn’t mind testing the "money buys happiness" theory – with a million zlotys in their pocket, thank you very much.