Money makes (not) happy: 'Sometimes I have to borrow ten euros from my mother'

Where one person thinks that money should roll, the other keeps repeating that you can only spend money once. And if we are honest; what remains of the saying ' money does not make you happy '? Today: 29-year-old Jasper, who travelled for two years, but is short of money back in the Netherlands.

Name: Jasper (29) Occupation: freelance photographer Living situation: temporarily with his parents Net income: 'A few hundred euros per month'

"Pretty responsible, I think. My parents worked hard, talked openly about money and taught me at a young age that you have to save for things. At 13 I already had a paper round, later I worked in the catering industry. The idea was always: you earn first, then you spend."

“There were no difficulties with purchases, but my parents didn’t live on a grand scale either. There were months in between that we even had to be a bit more frugal. Then we suddenly went to Lidl with a specific shopping list instead of Albert Heij, and the heating was turned down a degree. Not pitiful, mind you, but as a child I did feel: we were paying attention. Strangely enough, it actually gave me a kind of security, as if my parents had it under control and weren’t just throwing money away.”

“As something that can bring peace, or a lot of stress. I travelled for two years and during that period I needed very little – a scooter, hostel bed, some vegetables, fruit and rice, that was about it. I felt incredibly free and light there. But I have been back in the Netherlands for a few months now and that is quite a difference. I thought: I can manage with some freelance jobs here and there. But the rent prices, healthcare costs and groceries, it goes so fast. You are constantly confronted with everything that costs money. Travelling taught me that happiness lies in simplicity, but the Netherlands reminds me that without money you can really do very little. No home, no space to do fun things, so no peace either.”

“Yes, absolutely, quite soon after my return. My savings were gone, no orders were coming in. Now, for the first time, I really feel what financial stress is. Then you realize how vulnerable it is to have no safety net. I am now even considering saying goodbye to my freelance life and applying for jobs somewhere just to get some financial space again.”

"Well, now. I don't have any official debts, but I do live from day to day. Sometimes I have to ask my mother if she can advance me ten euros for the train. That's not something I'm proud of and it doesn't match the financial education I had. Moreover, it also feels strange to live at home again after so much independence."

"Yes, and I've learned from that now. I did have a buffer, but I thought: 'I'm following my dream, it's priceless'. I don't regret that trip for a second, but I would do it differently now."

"I left two years ago rather impulsively, without a clear plan. Everything I earned on the way – I had my camera with me and took pictures sometimes – I spent again. If I could do it again, I would set a clear boundary in advance: this is what I can spend, this is what I will stay behind. And maybe one year of traveling would have been good, instead of two – a case of progressive insight. Adventure is great, but it is nice if you can fall back on something afterwards."

“Yes, I think so. Not to live in luxury, but to be able to live independently and rebuild my life a little bit.”

"Definitely. During my trip I often shared my food with people who were less fortunate. I also sometimes gave money to beggars or locals who could really use it. I don't want to pat myself on the back, but it did give me a good feeling that I could do something for someone else."

“It doesn't make you happy in itself, but it does give you peace and freedom of choice. And that is what ultimately makes you happy.”

Due to privacy in combination with sensitive topics, the names are fictitious. The real names are known to the editors.

Curious for more answers to the question; does money make you happy? These editions did well with our readers:

Money makes (not) happy: 'What makes me happy is free'

Money makes (not) happy: 'I earn almost 6,000 euros net per month'

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