Hi everyone and welcome to the Money Girl Podcast. My name is Laura Adams.

I'm a personal finance expert and author of multiple books and audio books.

My mission is to promote financial education and literacy through writing, speaking,

podcasting, and working as a spokesperson. You can learn more about me over at

Laura d Adams.com. If you've been listening to the podcast for a while you

probably realize that I love answering money questions for this show.

But often it's difficult because the answer to many questions about personal finances

isn't black or white. There are so many variables, choices, and potential outcomes for most

situations. In many cases, the best answer is, it depends. I know that's a very unsatisfying answer.

But today you won't hear any gray or uncertain financial advice.

I'm going to give you eight financial truths that apply to everyone in every situation.

They have the power to transform your financial life if you'll let them.

So let's jump right in. Financial truth number one, money doesn't buy happiness.

You probably already knew that one, but it's interesting that researchers have confirmed it.

They've shattered the illusion that having more money makes you happier.

They say earning about $75,000 a year is the sweet spot.

That's a national average that certainly varies depending on where you live.

Happiness costs more in big expensive cities like New York and San Francisco, and I can tell you living in the

San Francisco Bay Area that I think it cost a lot more than 75,000. But earning

that average amount gives most Americans the ability to pay for comfortable housing, have reliable

transportation, eat well, take an occasional vacation, and safer the future.

If you earn 20% more than that number, well that's fantastic, but it's not

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