Money can buy happiness, though it is not how most people think of it.

Buying things for yourself doesn't make you happy, it just gives you possessions. These are things to play with, to show off, and boast about. They occupy your mind - pass the boredom. They are statements of worth. However, they don't provide happiness.

Ironicly, the way to buy happiness, is to buy things for other people. How much happier are you after buying a present for someone and seeing them happy to receive it rather than going out and buying something that you want?