Money

Much like stuff, money won't make you happy. But unlike stuff, you really do need it for more important things then consumer fripperies. You need food, warmth and shelter, and unless you are six, money is usually what you need to get those things.

Money matters and that is one of the reasons why buying stuff won't make you happy, because then you have the pressure to go out and get a whole new lot of money to keep you in essentials.

There's a lot of truth in the saying 'when poverty comes through the door, love goes out the window.' Happiness can go the same way. So while loads of money is unlikely to make you as happy as Larry, not enough will certainly not help.

A recent and much publicised survey found that money will make you happy, but curiously, it found that money worked for didn't have the same effect as legacy and lottery.

That would suggest that you will be happier if you are lucky, and if anyone has a five year study grant going begging, I'll prove to them the efficacy of the happy-go-lucky life.