Harvard's Arthur Brooks on the affordability blame game, ways to 'buy' happiness

Government & Economics - Government's primary role is to mitigate sources of unhappiness, particularly by maintaining stable price levels to preserve purchasing power [2][3] - Inflation was a top concern for voters, influencing their choices in elections [4] - Government acknowledgment and attention to economic problems like inflation is crucial to avoid public frustration [5] Money & Happiness - Accumulating material possessions does not lead to lasting happiness due to hedonic adaptation [7][8][9] - Experiences shared with loved ones, such as vacations, significantly contribute to happiness by creating lasting memories [9][10][25] - Allocating resources to buy time, such as paying for services to free up personal time, can increase happiness if the time is used purposefully [11][12] - Charitable giving to causes one is passionate about brings joy and satisfaction [13][15] - Saving money provides a sense of security and progress, contributing to overall happiness and future well-being [23][24] - Consumer debt, especially credit card debt, negatively impacts happiness, while mortgages are viewed differently as they represent progress [23][24] - Supporting causes or charities aligned with friends can strengthen relationships and bring happiness through collaboration [18][19][20]