Friday Feature: Buying Happiness

Can money buy happiness? A 2010 study found that once people make $75,000 per year, their happiness doesn't rise incrementally with their paycheck. Apparently once we have enough money to meet our needs and have a little extra to play with, more money does not equate with more happiness.

But can the way we spend our money influence our happiness? In her article "How to Buy Happiness for Less than $25," Shelley Levitt shares purchases under $25 that more than paid for themselves.

After spending a substantial chunk of change to go to Ireland to visit my daughter last week, I'm inclined to agree that money well-spent can contribute to our happiness. What do you think? What, if anything, buys happiness for you?