“Affluenza” Will Not Make You Happy

My grandmother had a wonderful motto and she died by it. She never wanted more than what would fit in a suitcase. She lived in a small apartment most of her adult life, and worked for other people as a live-in maid. She told me that having more stuff than would fit in a suitcase felt wasteful. She was one of the happiest people I ever met, and she died with her kids and family around her bed. Her estate was small; a big black suitcase, a hat in a hat box, and several black envelopes filled with cash under her mattress. For a happier healthier life, consider cutting back. This article offers suggestions to help you get started.