Why You Should Pursue the “Unnecessary” Things in Life

This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.
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Weekend Reading

While money offers freedom and opportunity, it often fails to provide you with a true sense of purpose.

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Purpose is essential for fulfillment, as it fosters connection, optimism, and well-being, while wealth alone can leave you trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction. Here, author Jacob Schroeder explores the complex relationship between money and purpose:

📌 Purpose makes you Happier than money: Research shows that purpose, through relationships, hobbies, and giving back, contributes more to happiness than wealth

📌 Purpose can fuel wealth: A strong sense of purpose can drive behaviors that lead to financial success, like motivation and community-building

📌 Money can support purpose: While not a source of purpose, money can help you nurture meaningful activities when used wisely

📌 Giving creates purpose: Generosity strengthens social bonds and enhances well-being, often creating a virtuous cycle of happiness and financial growth

Key Takeaways: The most meaningful aspects of life—relationships, creativity, and exploration—are not commonly found in a monthly budget, but always remember that they’re incredibly vital for your fulfillment.