Please help me to comment on the responses below:

Response 1: Discuss if you think money can buy happiness? You can bring up personal examples if you would like to share. If you disagree with this statement explain why. [Optional: You may also wish to give an example of a company's advertisement that would prey upon the belief that money buys happiness.]

I think money can buy happiness but to a certain extent. I have certain people in my life where they've been in tough financial positions whether it's from a divorce or other reasons. Having extra money could've made a huge difference in regards to their outcome. For example, someone very close to me is going through a divorce. Throughout their marriage, her husband put her in extreme financial debt. Going through this divorce, she's struggling to afford bills that he put in her name. Having money could help her in so many ways and make her happier considering the financial responsibilities he's put on her to figure out without any assistance. On the other hand, I know two parents who don't have much resources or cash on hand but are still so happy with their life and are grateful for what they have which is a roof over their head and a happy, healthy family. Being rich absolutely doesn't not guarantee happiness. It makes you financially free but that doesn't mean you've reached your maximum happiness. "The exception is people who are financially well-off but unhappy. For instance, if you're rich and miserable, more money won't help. For everyone else, more money was associated with higher happiness to somewhat varying degrees." In other words, money can buy you great things.... a beautiful home, a luxurious car. That success provides people with short term but maybe long-term happiness. I think it's safe to say that true happiness comes from within. It may solve problems temporarily but it's yourself and your life that you need to be content with.

Can Money Buy Happiness? Scientists Say It Can. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/08/money-wealth-happiness-study/

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Response 2: What did you think of your cell phone when you bought it compared to what you think of it now? Chances are you were interested and engaged when you bought it, but now it is an everyday object. For experiences, what did you think of your greatest vacation when you were on it, and what do you think of it now? Both the experience at the time and the recollection now may bring a smile to your face.

The most recent cell phone purchase really did not move me as much. Unfortunately, my cell phone got to the point that I had to get a new one because of the usual cell phone trick ( ran oucertain apps stop working, it ran of data storage, the phone speed was slowing down, etc).

One thing I love are vacations. I get excited about planning them and love the memorable experiences after. I have been very lucky to have had good vacations and there were no financial constraints. I believe when I go on vacation, my hard earned money should afford me good times to do whatever I want to do without having to worry about not being able to do it. During the planning stages, I plan for comfort and the fun.... One of my greatest vacations was when we when my daughter and I had a mommy/daughter trip to Universal Studios (one of my favorite places) for a couple of days before embarking on a 8-day cruiuse. It was expensive, but we were determined to have a really good time. This vacation was especially special because I decided to suprise my cousin on the cruise for her birthday. I have plenty of pictures and videos as great memories as well as internal memories. Yes, the vacation experience brings smiles to my face whenever I think about it. It was an expensive materialistic enjoyment, but well deserved.

Discuss if you think money can buy happiness? You can bring up personal examples if you would like to share. If you disagree with this statement explain why. [Optional: You may also wish to give an example of a company's advertisement that would prey upon the belief that money buys happiness.]

In my opinion, money cannot buy you happiness, but it can put you in a better financial situation. However, it is relative to how you manage it. A person can be very wealthy, but may be miserable, very lonely and fall into the issue of buying people to be in their circle. Buying fake friends because they genuinely have no one else in their life. Usually, to enjoy the pleasures of life.. Money will not provide intrinsic happiness for internal satisfaction. Money can never replace the joy we derive from meaningful relationships and social connections. Building strong bonds with family and friends. It supports a sense of belonging, support, and fulfillment. The sense of income does not capture the influence of money on happiness, At the end of the day, we all need money to live, but the question is to what degree is contentment.