The Fulfillment Curve: Why More Money Won’t Make You Happier (And What Will)

It’s one of the most persistent myths in modern life: if only you had more money, you’d be happier. But is it true? The answer, according to 'Your Money or Your Life,' is both yes—and a resounding no. The Fulfillment Curve is a simple but profound idea: money increases happiness up to a certain point, then plateaus, and eventually declines.

Think about your own life. The first dollars you ever earned probably brought real joy—covering rent, food, maybe a special treat. But as income rises, the thrill fades. New gadgets gather dust, closets overflow, and the chase for bigger and better things leaves you feeling empty. The book shares stories of high earners who, despite six-figure salaries, felt more trapped than ever—stressed, time-starved, and longing for meaning.

Why does this happen? Psychologists call it 'hedonic adaptation'—we quickly get used to new comforts, and what once felt like luxury becomes the new normal. More spending brings more responsibility, more maintenance, and less time.



The solution isn’t to stop spending, but to spend consciously. The book suggests tracking your happiness alongside your expenses. What purchases truly light you up? Which ones leave you cold? Over time, you’ll spot patterns—and discover your own fulfillment curve.

One powerful example: a family who downsized their home and found more time for each other. Or the entrepreneur who cut back on work hours, earning less but gaining freedom for passion projects.

Finding your 'enough' is a radical act in a world obsessed with more. It’s about savoring what you have, letting go of what you don’t need, and investing in experiences, relationships, and growth.

Key Insights

• Money boosts happiness—up to a point.
• Beyond 'enough,' more spending brings stress, not joy.
• Track which expenses actually increase your fulfillment.
• Redefine wealth as a life rich in meaning, not things.

The Fulfillment Curve isn’t just a theory—it’s a map to a richer, more intentional life. Where are you on the curve? And what would it mean to step off the treadmill, and into your own version of 'enough'?