In this episode of Summed, we deliver a complete Happy Money summary—a research-backed guide to spending for greater happiness. Psychologists Elizabeth Dunn (University of British Columbia) and Michael Norton (Harvard Business School) distill five principles—Buy Experiences, Make It a Treat, Buy Time, Pay Now/Consume Later, and Invest in Others, showing how to redirect the same dollars toward more joy, less stress, and better relationships. In ~20 minutes, you’ll learn practical ways to design your budget for well-being without spending more.

About the authors

• Elizabeth Dunn, PhD — Social psychologist whose research explores how money and choices affect happiness.
• Michael Norton, PhD — Behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School focused on spending, giving, and satisfaction.

Key takeaways

• Buy Experiences: trips, classes, and shared moments outlast stuff.
• Make It a Treat: scarcity boosts appreciation—rotate indulgences.
• Buy Time: trade money for time (shorter commutes, outsourcing chores).
• Pay Now, Consume Later: prepay to enjoy the anticipation; avoid debt drag.
• Invest in Others: spending on people and causes reliably lifts happiness.
• Same budget, better life: it’s allocation, not income, that often moves the needle.

This week’s playbook

1. Swap one material purchase for an experience you’ll share with someone.
2. Set a treat cadence (e.g., weekly coffee out) and keep it special.
3. Buy an hour back: outsource one dreaded task and use the time intentionally.
4. Prepay an upcoming event; block the date and enjoy the countdown.
5. Send a surprise gift/donation—small, specific, and personal.

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(Education only; not financial advice.)

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