Money is an important part of our lives, but when we think about it, we don’t usually think about our relationship with it. Some people might even find it strange to think that they have a relationship with money, but we all do.

It’s also important to think about how we feel about money. By taking the time to look at how we use money and how we think about it.

Contrary to what we might think, how we feel about money has nothing to do with how much or how little we have.

So, how do you know if money serves you or controls you? There are a few questions to ask.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these questions and provide tips for ensuring that money is your servant rather than your master.

Table of Contents

Can money buy happiness?

The question of whether money can buy happiness is a complex one, and research on the topic has yielded mixed results. Some studies have found a positive relationship between income and happiness, while others have found little or no correlation.

One main factor influencing the relationship between money and happiness is how people use their wealth.

Some research suggests that people who spend money on experiences and activities that bring them joy and meaning are more likely to be happy than those who focus solely on accumulating material possessions.

Is Money Your Servant or Your Master?

Overall, money can buy some happiness, but it’s not the only thing that makes a difference. Other things that make people happy are good health, strong relationships, and a sense that their lives have a purpose and meaning.

So, it’s important to be financially stable, but it’s also important to pay attention to other parts of our lives that bring us happiness and satisfaction.

According to P.T Barnum, Money is a terrible master but a faithful servant. So, please think carefully about each of these questions. If you are married, send these questions to your partner and then sit down together to talk about your answers.

Do you feel like you need more money, no matter how much you have?

One question to consider when determining if money is your good servant or a bad master is whether you can never have enough.

If you’re constantly striving for more wealth and material possessions, it could be a sign that you’re letting money control your decisions and actions.

This unhealthy fixation on money can lead to a number of bad things. For example, you might worry or feel stressed about your finances even if they are fine. You might also ignore your relationships or your own health.

Additionally, an unhealthy focus on money can lead to dissatisfaction and emptiness rather than true happiness and fulfillment.

  • Would you know when you have enough money?
  • Do you feel like you need more money, no matter how much you have? 

To understand how much is enough start by Calculating your FI number  and also read your money of your life by Vicki Robin

Money is a terrible master but a faithful servant

Do you feel jealous or resentful of others who seem to have more wealth than you do?

It’s human nature to compare ourselves to others, and it’s especially easy to do so when it comes to money and things.

This type of comparison can be damaging in several ways.

it can lead to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

It can lead to unhealthy behaviors like overspending or taking on more debt in an attempt to “keep up.”

This can lead to financial stress and even ruin our relationships and well-being. So don’t keep up with the Joneses.

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”

Here are a few more questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you frequently compare your possessions or lifestyle to those of others and feel like you need to keep up or surpass them?
  • Do you feel you need the latest gadgets, clothes, or home accessories to feel successful or satisfied?
  • Do you feel like you’re constantly falling behind or lacking in comparison to others, no matter how much you have?

Remember, material possessions or riches don’t measure success and happiness instead, focus on the things that truly matter to you and be content with what you have.

Do you make decisions based solely on financial gain, even if it means sacrificing your values or relationships?

Is Money Your Servant or Your Master?

Do you make decisions based solely on if it increases your bank account? This can have serious consequences if you trade your ideals or relationships for money.

For the love of money is the root of all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” The Bible

On the other hand, aligning your actions with your values can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life. When you’re true to your principles and treat others with respect, you’re more likely to build strong, meaningful relationships and positively impact the world.

How much stuff do you have that you don’t need and don’t use?

We are all guilty of buying things we don’t need

The problem is not just about the money we spend on things but the more stuff we have, the more time and energy it takes to maintain them.

Is Money Your Servant or Your Master?

If you’re always buying things you don’t need or if your house is full of clutter and things you don’t use, it could be a sign that money is controlling you and not an excellent servant.

Here are a few more questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you buy things without thinking about whether or not you really need them?
  • Do you have a lot of things that you’ve bought but never opened or used?
  • Do you have to follow the latest trends and buy the newest gadgets, even if you don’t need them?
  • Do you find it hard to let go of things, even when they’re no longer useful?
  • Are you using stuff to find joy and fulfillment?

Do you give consistently?

Giving is one of the most powerful ways to change your life and the lives of others and its been here for a long time.

When you give to charity or volunteer, you not only give yourself more money, happiness, and a sense of purpose, but you also help others do the same. It works out well for everyone.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you’re spending your money in a way that helps other people:

  • Do you habitually give back to your community, whether through financial donations or volunteer work?
  • Do you feel a sense of joy and fulfillment when you’re able to help others, or do you feel like you’re obligated to do so?
  • Do you prioritize giving back to others in your budget, or only give when you have extra money left over?
  • Do you view giving as an opportunity to make a difference, or do you see it as a burden?
Is Money Your Servant or Your Master?

Do you find it difficult to relax and enjoy your Money, or do you always need to work to earn more?

This behavior can lead to a cycle of constant striving and stress rather than true happiness and fulfillment.

On the other hand, a healthy relationship with money involves finding a balance. It’s important to work hard and try to get ahead financially, but it’s also important to take breaks and enjoy what you’ve earned. If you take it easy and enjoy your money, you’re more likely to feel happy and satisfied than if you’re always looking for more.

Here are some things to think about when you are trying to find that balance:

  • Do you frequently work long hours or take on extra projects to pursue financial success or financial freedom?
  • Do you find it hard to relax or take breaks, even when you’re financially comfortable?
  • Do you feel like you always need to be working or striving for more, even when you’re already successful?
  • Do you feel like you’re constantly falling behind or lacking in comparison to others, no matter how much you have?

By finding balance and focusing on the things that truly matter to you, you can ensure that money is a great servant rather than your master.

Do you take shortcuts to make money?

If you’re willing to compromise your values or do things that you know are wrong to make a quick buck?

You might be able to make more money if you cut corners but at what price?

  • Do you prioritize financial gain above all else, even if it means sacrificing your integrity or doing things you’re uncomfortable with?
  • Do you feel guilty or ashamed about how you’ve made money in the past?

Money is not worth sacrificing your values or integrity for. By focusing on your values and ensuring that your actions align with them, you can ensure that money is your servant rather than your master.

Do you easily fall for get-rich-quick schemes?

Many of these schemes promise easy and quick money, but they are usually too good to be true. If you fall for these scams over and over again, it could mean that you let money control you.

  • Do you frequently invest in opportunities that promise quick and easy financial returns?
  • Do you ignore warning signs or red flags when considering these opportunities?
  • Do you feel like you’re always one step away from financial success and need to find the right opportunity to make it happen?
  • Do you feel like you’re constantly chasing after the next big financial opportunity, even if it means putting other things on the back burner?

Remember that getting money the right way takes time and hard work. But if you are realistic and careful with your financial investments, even when dealing with financial planners, you can make sure that money works for you instead of controlling you.

Do you spend more than you earn?

If you find yourself consistently spending more than you earn, it could be a sign that money has become your master. When we spend more than we can afford, we may go into debt, leading to financial stress and anxiety.

  • Do you often buy things you can’t afford with credit cards or loans?
  • Do you find it hard to stick to a budget or save money?
  • Do you worry or feel stressed about your money, especially when it comes to paying bills or other financial responsibilities?
  • Do you find it hard to say no to things that cost money, even if you can’t afford them?

By being mindful of your spending habits and focusing on building a solid financial foundation, you can make sure that money is your servant rather than your master.

In Summary 

If we view money as our servants, we use it to achieve our goals and improve our lives. We save and invest wisely, using our financial resources to build a secure future and pursue our passions. We also give back to our communities, using our wealth to impact the world positively.

On the other hand,If money is our master, we may be apprehensive about our finances and always try to earn more. We may make judgments focused entirely on financial offerings.

Further Reading

Pinterest. Is Money Your Servant or Your Master?