10 Things to Value More Than Money in Your Life (2024)

Moneyis a powerful tool, and learning how to use it is an essential life skill, which is why frugality is such a valuable quality. Yet, it is easy to get caught up in the noble quest of being thrifty and lose sight of what is essential in life. Let us take a step back and look, in no particular order, at things to value more than money. And because this is a money blog — and we couldn’t resist ourselves — we will also look at how these lofty goals not only make us happier but also improve our long-term financial health.

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1. Your Health

Treat your body with the respect it deserves. The ancient philosopher Virgil had it right when he said: “The greatest wealth is health.” Avoid bad habits and invest in preventive care such as regular checkups and a balanced diet.

Thefinancial benefits alone make it worth your time. The net worth of non-smokers is, on average, 50% higher than that of light smokers and around double that of heavy smokers. The cost of bad health on society as a whole is enormous. Obesity and overweight are risk factors for a wide range of chronic diseases that together accounted for more than $1.5 trillion in healthcare1.

2. Your Friends

Spending time with friends is key to our emotional wellbeing. Unfortunately, in our consumer-oriented society, friends are often treated as commodities and discarded when no longer useful.

Ask yourself, who are your real friends. Take a few minutes today to catch up with them. Besides being one of the joys of life, real friendships are an excellent form of mutual insurance. In times of crisis, whether emotional, spiritual, or financial, real friendships are invaluable2.

3. Gratitude

Appreciate the miracle of life. It’s easy to focus on the drudgery and challenges of life and forget the gift of life. The odds against us existing were astronomically large. We are all lucky to be alive.

On a more practical level, gratitude breeds contentment: a sure way to avoid compulsive spending3.

4. Your Reputation

As the wise man said, “a good name is more desirable than great riches.” It takes a lifetime to build a good name for yourself, but just moments to lose it.

As people pursue life’s “big goals”: power, money, fame, and possessions, it is easy to forget the value of reputation, which is why people fall into the trap of moral expediency and trade their good name and moral values in exchange for short term benefits.

This is short-sighted and financially dangerous. Financial markets of all sizes are based on trust. How much people will trust you will depend on your reputation. Thinkcredit scores and brand recognition. According to one study, corporate reputation accounts for one-third of stock market valuations4. It is much easier to make more money or replace material things than to rebuild a tainted reputation.

5. Your Family

Your spouse, parents, and children come first, period. If you have the blessing of a loving relationship with your family, protect it. The joy and satisfaction of loving and being loved by your family are not only priceless: it’s fragile.

People with strong family ties not only live longer and adapt better to health setbacks, but they also enjoy significant financial benefits. Married people combine expenses, share employers’ interests, and double their household’s earning potential5.

6. Your Education

Although we typically view education as an age-based activity — something the young do to become adults and start a career — it is so much more. Unlike money,educationis a goal in itself, not only a tool. As well as being fun and keeping life exciting, lifelong learning reduces cognitive decline due to old age. It also helps older adults cope with depression; and improves our sense of self-worth.

The financial benefits of formal education are well known. For instance, a recent study by theOrganization for Economic Cooperation and Development reported that the average American who has graduated from a two- or four-year college program makes 77 percent more than a counterpart with a high school education7.

7. Giving To Others

If you think money can’t buy happiness, try giving it away. Money makes people happier, up to a point. It provides us with a sense of security and allows us to have more control over how we use our time. Yet, once we have enough to cover our needs and basic wants, money doesn’t give us much of a happiness boost, except when we give it away.

In his book, “Happy Money, the Science of Smarter Spending,” Harvard Professor Michael Norton provides hard data to prove this. His book describes several experiments where Canadian college students, low-income Ugandans and Belgian pharmaceutical salespeople are given cash to either spend on themselves or give away to others.In every case, those told to give it to others were happier than those who kept it for themselves. The same principle applies to other valuable assets, such as our time and energy.

8. Life Experiences

Invest in life experiences over stuff. Adventures don’t have to be expensive or even cost you money to be memorable. Taking astaycation, learning a new language, running a marathon, or going with your partner for dancing lessons, may seem frivolous when compared to the more practical and urgent things competing for your time. Yet, the rush of experiencing something amazing and new is what life is all about.

9. Your Faith

Your spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be, are a big part of what makes you an individual. Spend time searching the answers to life’s big questions.

Although there are few subjects as controversial as people’s spiritual beliefs, the benefits they bring are not. There is overwhelming evidence8,9 that people who regularly engage in search of spiritual growth and follow their faith’s guidelines — particularly those that promote healthy lifestyles — live longer, less stressful, and happier lives.

10. Your Community

Be part of something greater than yourself. Invest in the future of your community.

Social connection is one of the best paths to happiness. According to a recent study, if you want to be happier, you should focus on your social relationships10. Having close ties to the community we live in by investing our resources gives us a sense of purpose. Donate your most precious asset: your time and mentor young ones in your community.

Even if you don’t have children, your success and happiness are directly linked to the community you live in. The economy, crime, even Social Security and Medicare benefits are issues we all care about that depend on what kind of adults our children become.

References:

  1. America’s Obesity Crisis: The Health and Economic Costs of Excess Weight – Milken Institute
  2. Why friendships are vital to your wellbeing – Open University
  3. More than just gratitude, A confirmatory factor analysis of the unique aspects of appreciation – Rutgers State University
  4. What price reputation? Corporate Reputation Value Drivers: A Global Report by AMO
  5. Waite L. J., & Gallager, M (2000). The case for marriage: Why married people are happier, healthier, and better off financially. New York: Doubleday.
  6. Happy money: the science of smarter spending – Simon & Schuster
  7. The Condition of Education – NCES
  8. Spirituality and stress relief: Make the connection – Mayo Clinic
  9. Does Spirituality Make You Happy? – Time
  10. Successfully Striving for Happiness: Socially Engaged Pursuits Predict Increases in Life Satisfaction – University of Leipzig

Andrew Latham

Andrew is the Content Director for SuperMoney, a Certified Financial Planner®, and a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. He loves to geek out on financial data and translate it into actionable insights everyone can understand. His work is often cited by major publications and institutions, such as Forbes, U.S. News, Fox Business, SFGate, Realtor, Deloitte, and Business Insider.

10 Things to Value More Than Money in Your Life (2024)

FAQs

10 Things to Value More Than Money in Your Life? ›

American Entrepreneur and acclaimed motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn once said: “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” This is a concept that I feel many people would agree with.

What should we value more than money? ›

American Entrepreneur and acclaimed motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn once said: “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” This is a concept that I feel many people would agree with.

What is more important than money in life? ›

In fact, time is much more valuable than money because you can use your time to make money, but you can't use the money to purchase more time. The reality is, you can lose all your money and get it back again, but you'll never be able to get back your time. There are no chances for you to create more time.

What are the 5 things you value most in life? ›

The five main values that guide our lives and create a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling life are 1) Integrity, 2) Respect, 3) Gratitude, 4) Kindness, and 5) Resilience. Integrity is having a moral compass that allows us to act with honesty and follow our beliefs in the face of any situation.

What things never lose value? ›

You can't depreciate assets that don't lose their value over time – or that you're not currently making use of to produce income. These include: Land. Collectibles like art, coins, or memorabilia.

What are the 7 types of values? ›

The seven core values include honesty, boldness, freedom, trust, team spirit, modesty, and responsibility.

What four things are better than money? ›

10 Things Better Than Money
  • Life. It's easy to forget that the mere fact of conscious existence--that you are alive--is itself a miracle. ...
  • Health. ...
  • Purpose. ...
  • Friendship. ...
  • Family. ...
  • Self-reliance. ...
  • Community. ...
  • Gratitude.
Jan 14, 2013

What is important other than money? ›

Give is the most important thing – not money – just yourself in time and attention to those who're important to you and those who are important to you.

What are the three most important things in life? ›

Family Quotes, Dignity Quotes, Sacrifice Quotes, The Three most important things in life, the first one is your Dignity, the second is your heart, and the third is your family.

What makes us valuable? ›

By definition, as individuals, we are not replicable. Each of us is intricately unique from our DNA to our life experiences; from our value systems and ideals to the perspective from which we view the world. The fact that we are unique and not replicable is the very definition of valuable.

What are the 6 life values? ›

These values were identified by a nonpartisan, secular group of youth development experts in 1992 as core ethical values that transcend cultural, religious, and socioeconomic differences. The Six Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

What are the 4 life values? ›

Compare your scores in each of the four Life Values (inner, social, physical, and financial).

What are the 5 always important values? ›

Five Core Values
  • INTEGRITY. Know and do what is right. Learn more.
  • RESPECT. Treating others the way you want to be treated. Learn more.
  • RESPONSIBILITY. Embrace opportunities to contribute. Learn more.
  • SPORTSMANSHIP. Bring your best to all competition. Learn more.
  • SERVANT LEADERSHIP. Serve the common good. Learn more.

What are 20 things that are not worth it? ›

  • 20 Things In Life That Are Just Not Worth It. ...
  • What Are 20 Things That Are Not Worth It? ...
  • Collaborating or working with friends merely because they are friends. ...
  • Having sex with someone because you felt pressured. ...
  • Pursuing 'spirituality' for purpose. ...
  • Challenging people's politics online. ...
  • Ranting on social media.
Dec 12, 2019

What things always increase in value? ›

Gold, Silver and Gemstones. Not only are these common jewelry elements beautiful and functional (if worn), but they are also physical assets that appreciate in value over time. Further, many award premiums values to these luxury items that appreciate in value because they have remained popular for thousands of years.

What is the most valuable thing in life that Cannot be bought with money? ›

Real Happiness

No matter how hard you try, no amount of things can buy your way to happiness because happiness is a state of being. It's a choice and something you can't purchase at any amount. This is also why happiness is extremely fragile.

What are the 12 types of value? ›

According to Josh Kaufman, there are twelve standard forms of values in business:
  • Product. Product is anything you can buy off the bar, which needs to be personalized and customized to your clients. ...
  • Service. ...
  • Shared Resource. ...
  • Subscription. ...
  • Resale. ...
  • Lease. ...
  • Agency. ...
  • Audience aggregation.
Nov 9, 2020

What are the 9 core values give them? ›

Participants are introduced to The Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Courtesy, Sportsmanship, Judgment, Perseverance, and Confidence throughout the 5 levels of our program.

What are the 12 classification of values? ›

Values can be classified as follows by their qualities; (1) individual values and social values, (2) natural values and artificial values, (3) physical values and mental values, (4) instrumental values and intrinsic values, (5) temporary values and permanent values, (6) exclusive values and universal values, (7) lower ...

What make you happier than money? ›

But a new study has shown that exercise may actually be more important to happiness than wealth. In a large survey of 1.2 million Americans, researchers from Yale and Oxford universities have shown that people who exercise are markedly happier than people who don't — even if they have less income.

What can you be rich in other than money? ›

8 Things That Make You Feel Rich That Have Nothing To Do With...
  • Having friends who never fail to support you. ...
  • Having a family who loves you and knows how to show it. ...
  • Having wisdom. ...
  • Seeing the world. ...
  • Falling in love. ...
  • Pursuing your passions. ...
  • Cherishing memories that make you smile -- and those that make you cry.
Apr 8, 2015

What are 4 money rules? ›

It works because it's built around Four Rules designed to change your financial future.
  • Rule One. Give Every Dollar a Job.
  • Rule Two. Embrace Your True Expenses.
  • Rule Three. Roll With the Punches.
  • Rule Four. Age Your Money.

What is better than money in the Bible? ›

But God's treasure is “abiding.” It lasts. It goes beyond death. It's better than money because God owns all the money and he is our Father. “All things are yours, and you are Christ's and Christ is God's” (1 Corinthians 3:22-23).

What is better than money and knowledge? ›

Answer and Explanation: Knowledge is much more important than money because, without knowledge, we cannot decide how to utilize money wisely. Even if we have a huge amount of money without the knowledge of what to do with it, it is no use or value.

What is more important than money quotes? ›

"Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be."

What are the 3 things you need to succeed in life? ›

As stated in that quote, there are three key factors to achieve massive success in your life:
  • Preparation. You don't have to wait for everything to be perfect. Start with the first step and keep moving. ...
  • Hard Work. Success needs hard work. ...
  • Learning From Failure. Successful people do not see failures as failures.
Apr 15, 2021

What are the 3 things needed to create life? ›

Scientists say we should look for three key ingredients that make life possible: liquid water, chemistry, and energy. Also, life takes time to develop.

What is truly important in life? ›

Friendships, relationships, time, memories, and experiences are what truly matters in life. It's those people and things that can never be replaced, even if you try. Purpose is another important aspect of life because, without purpose, you'd feel empty and void of everything.

How do you become a high value person? ›

A high value-person is self-sufficient

They're independent financially, emotionally, and mentally. They have too much pride to give their power away and put their destiny in somebody else's hands. They don't mind going on their own. Rely on yourself as much as possible.

What determines a person value? ›

Everyone has values, but each person has a different value set. These differences are affected by an individual's culture, personal upbringing, life experiences, and a range of other influences. Personal values are desirable to an individual and represent what is important to someone.

What is the thing you valued most? ›

  • Gratitude. ...
  • Your Reputation. ...
  • Your Family. ...
  • Your Education. ...
  • Giving To Others. ...
  • Life Experiences. Invest in life experiences over stuff. ...
  • Your Faith. Your spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be, are a big part of what makes you an individual. ...
  • Your Community. Be part of something greater than yourself.
Oct 17, 2022

What are the 8 living values? ›

The eight values units of Book 1 are Peace I, Respect 1, Love and Caring, Tolerance, Honesty, Happiness, Responsibility, and Simplicity and Caring for our Earth and Her Oceans.

What are your 3 top values? ›

To most Americans, the most important values are having a happy relationship, an honest and respectable life, and safety and security. Understanding your own values is a fundamental part of self-awareness and getting to know yourself as a human being.

What are core values in life? ›

Core values are the fundamental beliefs you have about your life. They guide your behaviors, decisions, and actions. They bring about a sense of purpose and self-worth. They remind you what's important to you and what you want more of in your life.

What are my true values? ›

Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and, deep down, they're probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to.

What are the five 5 categories of values? ›

Value categories
  • Personal values. Personal values are those you take for yourself and which constitute a critical part of your values and are apparent in attitudes, beliefs, and actions. ...
  • Social values. ...
  • Political values. ...
  • Economic values. ...
  • Religious values.

What are personal values and beliefs? ›

What is a personal value? Values are stable long-lasting beliefs about what is important to a person. They become standards by which people order their lives and make their choices. A belief will develop into a value when the person's commitment to it grows and they see it as being important.

What are the five core moral values? ›

The universal values our group discovered through this process were: respect, responsibility, fairness, honesty, and compassion (hereinafter “Core Moral Values”).

What are 3 things you Cannot live without and why? ›

These are humans' six basic needs in the 21st century
  • Food. Food is the basic source of energy and one of the most immediate requirements for day to day survival. ...
  • Drinking Water and Sanitation. ...
  • Healthcare. ...
  • Shelter. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Access to Information.
Jul 10, 2019

What are the top 5 items you can't live without? ›

If you think of all the things you can't live without, what comes to mind? In terms of the essentials, there are a few which can't be overlooked — air, water, food, sleep, and shelter.

What is something that isn't valuable? ›

Use the adjective worthless to describe something that has no use or isn't worth any money. Your old broken-down car, a stamp collection with no value, and your no-good roommate who never cleans and won't pay his share of the rent could all be described as worthless.

What items appreciate in value the most? ›

Appreciating Assets: 9 Ultimate Examples
  1. Real estate. They usually consist of land or buildings used for residential or commercial purposes. ...
  2. Stocks. ...
  3. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) ...
  4. Commodities. ...
  5. Art. ...
  6. Private Equity. ...
  7. Saving Accounts. ...
  8. Bonds.

What are valuable assets? ›

Your home is probably your most valuable asset; other key assets include investments, automobiles, collectibles, and jewelry. Accurately determining the value of your assets versus estimating is essential, including getting a home appraisal for your place of residence.

What are the three things money Cannot buy? ›

Things That Money Can't Buy
  • All the money in the world won't make you truly happy and fulfilled. Money is a necessity for living. ...
  • Time. Time is a fixed commodity that we cannot add anymore, regardless of how much money we have. ...
  • Health. ...
  • Genuine relationships. ...
  • Character. ...
  • Emotional well-being. ...
  • Knowledge. ...
  • True love.
Apr 7, 2022

What is the one thing money can't buy? ›

Money also cannot purchase more knowledge. You can use money to purchase books, go to school, seek a better degree, and learn from other people; however, money is never going to be able to take that knowledge and put it into your head.

What can be better than money? ›

Happiness: Being happy is perhaps the most important of all. Money cannot buy happiness, but it can certainly make life easier by providing security and comfort. Nevertheless, contentment and joy come from within and cannot be bought.

Why is value more important than money? ›

Values are not the same as goals. Goals are the tangible results we seek. They require money in other to be achieved or accomplished. Talk about those who want to make this world a better place or make a difference in their societies they need “MONEY”, money is not the end, but is definitely the means to the end………

What is best value or value for money? ›

Best value for money is defined as the most advantageous combination of cost, quality and sustainability to meet customer requirements. In this context: cost means consideration of the whole life cost. quality means meeting a specification which is fit for purpose and sufficient to meet the customer's requirements.

Which power is greater than the money? ›

The more you matter in history and the grand scheme of things, the more meaningful and purposeful your life. Money can't give you purpose -- at least not one that holds worth. The only use of money is for power, but true power lies in how you can affect and change the minds and actions of other people.

Which things can you buy without money? ›

20 Invaluable Things Money Can't Buy
  • Happiness: Money doesn't buy happiness. ...
  • Time: No matter how rich you are, you can't get back time once it's gone. ...
  • Purpose: Finding your purpose in life is not about getting more money. ...
  • Love: ...
  • Health: ...
  • True Friendship: ...
  • Manners: ...
  • Confidence:
Oct 4, 2019

What do people value most? ›

To most Americans, the most important values are having a happy relationship, an honest and respectable life, and safety and security. Understanding your own values is a fundamental part of self-awareness and getting to know yourself as a human being.

What are important things in life? ›

1. Health. Being healthy is the single, most important part of our existence – without good health, our lives can be cut short. That said, it's important not to take good health for granted and feed our bodies nutrients that they deserve by eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

What really gives money value? ›

The value of money is determined by the demand for it, just like the value of goods and services. You can measure the value of money by what people will exchange for it and by how much of it there is.

What are the three types of value for money? ›

What is value for money?
  • economy – minimising the cost of resources for an activity ('doing things at a low price')
  • efficiency – performing tasks with reasonable effort ('doing things the right way')
  • effectiveness – the extent to which objectives are met ('doing the right things').

What is an example of value and worth? ›

For example, a hand-knitted scarf your grandma made you might not be worth more than a few dollars, but it's of great value to you. So, to say that something is of high value speaks mainly to the significance of what it means to you individually, or the emotional attachment you have to it.

How do I become more valued? ›

In this Article:
  1. Get consistent.
  2. Cultivate a positive perspective.
  3. Work on your flexibility.
  4. Grow your network.
  5. Improve your communication skills.
  6. Improve your on-the-job skills.
  7. Ask for feedback and set goals.

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