Money doesn’t make you happy… unless you use it like that!

Money doesn’t buy happiness or love, but many continue to chase a raise or a spectacular purchase. Yet another lever appears: not to accumulate goods, but to use your money to free up time.

A study of more than 6,000 people in several countries shows that those who spend on time-saving services report being more satisfied with their lives overall. The idea is simple: sometimes it’s better to buy time than things.

This lever refers to the notion of quality time. Money does not create happiness or love, but it can help create moments that are truly available for yourself and others. In other words, wealth is not only measured by what you have, but also by the time you manage to live fully. A central question then remains: how to spend money to save time and transform this time into real quality of life?

Buying time with your money: what the studies say

In this research, Ashley Whillans’ team gave $40 to 60 people in Vancouver for a weekend. Those who paid for a time-free service felt happier and less rushed than those who purchased an item. In case of stress, it is therefore better to spend your money on time, rather than clothes!

Quality time and money: nourishing happiness and love

For therapist Gabrielle Adrian, cited by Psychologies, quality time is not reduced to being side by side on a sofa. These are moments when everyone is fully present, engaged, attentive to the other, whether cooking together, walking while talking or sharing a project. Money doesn’t create love, but it can pay for childcare, housekeeping, or a shorter commute, freeing up an evening for the relationship.

This quality time matters just as much solo. Treating yourself to a sports session, a spa treatment or a few hours of uninterrupted reading nourishes self-esteem and eases the mental burden. By investing in therapy, a creative workshop or simply a morning without chores, we give space to our deep needs. This personal well-being then strengthens emotional availability towards others and the strength of bonds.

Spend your money to save time every day

Reorganizing your spending often involves shaking up certain well-established habits. Many have internalized the idea that you have to save every euro and “earn” your rest, which sometimes makes it difficult to pay to delegate daily tasks.

However, research on the subject highlights that we frequently sacrifice our free time for small financial savings. In this logic, devoting part of your budget to services that alleviate chores can change the balance of daily life. On condition, then, that you really preserve the time thus freed up and include it in your diary as a living space in its own right, more aligned with your personal needs.