A common question that always gets asked is:  can money buy happiness? Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and everyone’s opinion is different.

NPHS freshman Gabriella Schurter said: “Yes, money does buy happiness. I enjoy buying things that can make me happy, so even if I’m not buying happiness I’m buying things that make me happy. Also one of my favorite things to do is buy gifts for other people, so having the money to get those gifts really makes me feel happier in return” 

Freshman Taybian Nelson agreed with her:  “Yes I do believe that money does buy happiness. I love to go out shopping and get new clothes, makeup, and shoes when they’re so expensive to get. All of these things bring me so much happiness but I obviously need money for them. 

To get money, you need a source of income.

Schurter said: “I do not work. Although my parents do and they give me money sometimes which allows me to get some of the things that I want or even need” 

Nelson, on the other hand, said: “I work during the week which is how I get my own money, and sometimes my parents will lend me if I really need it.”

Both agree, however, that money is not the only thing that can bring happiness.

Schurter said: “Spending quality time with people I love or making others happy like my friends and family makes me happy too.”

Or, as Nelson said: “Being with friends and family in general gives me happiness other than money of course. I like spending time with everyone and doing something fun.”

There will always be people who will disagree with Schurter’s and Nelson’s outlook.

In response to this, Schurter said: “I think they think more about sentimental experiences than material and I partially agree with them, but at the same time I would be a lot happier living in Hawaii so I slightly disagree with their decisions because money is buying so many things for other people and myself that bring happiness” 

Nelson said: “I feel like the people who say that money doesn’t buy happiness have plenty of money to get things that they want or like and don’t even realize it.”