In my books, I've cited various studies that generally show that once folks have enough income for the very basics of their lives, having more income and wealth doesn't generally lead to higher levels of happiness.

However, the graph below shows a clear and strong relationshiop between the income level of a country's people and life expectancy. So, money can't buy you happiness but it does buy most people a longer life.

Copyright Eric Tyson, 2008 - 2012 all rights reserved.

Eric Tyson is the only best-selling personal finance author who has an extensive background as an hourly-based financial advisor and who does not accept speaking fees, endorsement deals or fees of any type from companies in the financial services industry or product or service providers recommended in his articles, books and his publications.