You can’t afford to be sad

November 26, 2012 — happy, harvard, investment, money, sad

It’s official. You can’t afford to be sad. Researchers at Harvard University induced sadness in groups of people and then observed their financial decision making compared with a control group.

They found that sadness increases impatience and the need for instant gratification. Sad people are willing to accept smaller returns now, even when they know that the long term benefits are greater. A sad person will accept between 35% and 79% less money when faced with the same investment decisions as someone who isn’t sad.

Don’t be sad. It costs you money. Do a small thing to make yourself happier…it’ll pay for itself in the long run.

Have a curious day.