One of the most unfortunate driving forces in American society today is the thinking that having money will bring happiness. It has been proven, time and time again, that this is not the case. Studies have shown that those in higher income brackets are not only less happy then their poorer counterparts but are also more likely to have symptoms of depression and thoughts of suicide.The happiness of the average American consumer has never hit the peak of the 1950s, despite huge increases in cost of living and spending (adjusted for inflation). Why then are we so obsessed with money? How much do you really need to survive and live happily? The answer is not nearly as much as you might think.

In order for you to not only survive but thrive on a low income you have to redefine what your lifestyle is and what you want it to be for you to achieve happiness. Focus on the things that make you happy that don't require you to spend money. Spend time with your kids, go for a hike, learn to fish, read books from your local library, etc etc etc. The list goes on and on. When you learn to appreciate all of what life has to offer without tacking on a price tag, you learn to be happy and thankful with what you have.

To succeed with a low income, you will need to shed societal pressures for you to bring in more money. Never let anyone equate who you are with how much money you make. That's not what defines a person, and it certainly shouldn't define you. If the topic comes up as it will, inevitably, focus on your outside endeavors that aren't associated with making money. Share your insights on a particular topic you've researches or place that you've traveled to. Show others to appreciate you for you, not the symbol on your car or the logo embroidered on your sweater.

Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Francis Shump.
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