Kids, Wealth, and Consequences: Ensuring a Responsible Financial Future for the Next Generation

Chapter 7. Success and Happiness

The u.s. declaration of Independence guarantees all Americans "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." But the pursuit of happiness is elusive business for many people, regardless of their economic status. Just what makes us happy? And under what circumstances can wealth hinder or help our children to find happiness?

Self-Survey about Success and Happiness

Please take a few moments to check your attitudes and assumptions about success and happiness before we dig in to this topic further.

Self-Survey about Success and Happiness

1 = Strongly Agree, 2 = Agree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Disagree, 5 = Strongly Disagree
BEFORE		AFTER
____	My kids should grow up with the things I never had.	____
____	While money may not buy happiness, I do tend to feel a rush when I purchase a luxury item.	____
____	When I think about the moments during the past month when I felt happy, most such moments involved material things.	____
____	My family would be happy no matter how much money we may or may not have.	____
____	I believe my children are not overly entitled.	____
____	It's hard to understand why my kids sometimes seem unhappy or depressed when they have everything they could possibly desire.	____
____	When my children make mistakes, I am there to rescue them.	____
____	My children understand that they are very fortunate to grow up in a privileged environment, and they have interacted with people in less comfortable economic and social surroundings.
____	I can help my children develop self-confidence ...