Does money really buy happiness? This is a question everyone has asked themselves at some point, but we’ve never really found a clear answer. Money is essential to life, because without it, you can’t do anything—you can’t eat, you can’t sleep, and you can’t think straight.

I honestly believe that with enough money, your problems may go away. Money can definitely buy all the basics and a little extra, depending on how much we need. It can buy shelter, comfort, and peace of mind by lowering stress. It can also buy health, food, opportunities, and time. In essence, money creates the conditions for happiness but does not provide deep emotional satisfaction or special relationships.

Money also lessens many minor daily stresses that take away from our joy, emotional energy, and desire to pursue and achieve happiness through other activities. So, in some ways, money can create the conditions for happiness.