According to a recent study conducted by Richard Layard of London School of Economics, wealth above $12,000 dollars does not necessarily increase one's happiness and contentment in life.

Between 1958 and 1987, average income in Japan increased by 500%. But the surveys did not reveal a corresponding increase in level of individual happiness in Japan.

Remember the Beatles song Can't Buy Me Love?

And here is a story I heard many years ago when I was in college:

A billionaire CEO goes to a tiny little fishing village in the middle of nowhere for his vacation.

As he is walking on the pier of this poor but beautiful village, he comes across an old guy with tattered shoes and pants, who is sitting there with a bamboo rod in his hand and humming to himself in a reverie.

How many fishes you've caught today? the CEO asked.

None, shrugged the poor fisherman.

Well, I think it's your primitive tackle. If you had a better fishing rod you could've caught a lot of fish.

So? Then what would I do? the guy asked.

Well, you could eat all you want and then send the left overs to the nearest city and you could sell them over there.

So? Then what?

Then with the money you make you could retire early, continued the CEO, very sure of his train of thought.

Then what? the poor fisherman insisted.

Then when you retire early, you could indulge in any leisurely activity you wish.

Like what?

Why, wishing of course!

And what the hell you think I'm doing here all year long? asked the poor fisherman.

Money is great up to a certain point. Just make sure it does not take over your life and dangle false goals before your eyes.