9 Things Money Can’t Buy and Why We Should Focus on Them

Whatever your financial status, there are going to be things money can’t buy for you.

But that’s okay because even without money there are a million ways to love your life.

Sure, money is necessary for us to survive, it’s a fact of life.

Without it, we would walk around with empty stomachs, donning barely enough clothing, constantly wishing we had a roof over our heads.

There’s nothing wrong with having plenty of it either (lucky you), as long as it’s used for good. 

Your wealth might get you your dream car, a mansion, or tickets anywhere.

But that euphoria is bound to die, eventually.

You don’t have to be affluent to live a life you’ll love.

Focus on things money can’t buy instead, because those are the things that end up mattering in the end.

Keep reading to find out what you should focus on instead of money in order to feel like the richest person in the world.

And tell us your favorite thing that money can’t buy in the comment section!

#1. Time

The past, future, and present.

Money cannot buy you more or lose time.

While you still can, let your loved ones or special others know you love them.

Apologize before you lose the chance.

Stop postponing quality time with your kids by giving them the “Not now, I’m busy” excuse.  

It is up to you to decide what to spend your time on.

We all know time travel and machines rarely ever end well.

“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” – William Shakespeare

#2. Love

Love comes in many forms, and the last thing we humans need to do is pay people to make us feel adored and important.

Being a parent or a good partner should be done expecting nothing.

Love them because you want to, not because there’s money in it for you.

Money may come in handy for some of your dates, though.

Look at the couples who only marry for money.

How happy do their relationships end up being?

Aspire to have a marriage more beautiful than your wedding.

“For richer or for poorer,” remember?

A lasting and successful marriage is one of the most beautiful things money can’t buy.

“Money can’t buy the butterflies I still get when I lock eyes with my husband across a crowded room.” – Leigh Irvine

#3. Peace

Values, especially peace, can never be bought.

Countless world leaders have spent billions on military and armed forces to “achieve” a certain level of peace, yet our world seems to be on the brink of a third world war.

Funds might help you build that vacation home at the beach or in the quiet countryside, but they won’t guarantee your inner peace.

It can only be felt once you’ve come to terms with how everything in your life is going.

Stop thinking about how to earn money, save it, or spend it, and just let things be.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Finally, relax.

“I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.”  ― Henry Fielding

#4. Experiences

The look of accomplishment on our children’s faces when they finally master the song they’ve been practicing for so long on an instrument.

A baby’s first steps and first words.

A long, tight hug when you need it.

Tears of joy during a reunion.

Anything nature-made: snow, flowers blooming in the spring, and crunchy autumn leaves.  

Time spent with Mother Nature comes at no cost.

Money can’t buy the warmth of the sun or a loving embrace.

“Every memory makes me who I am right now, in this moment. Good or bad, all experiences shape you.” ― L.H. Cosway

#5. Health

What’s there to do with a million dollars under your name if your body isn’t conditioned for adventures?

Sleepless nights and overtime hours to make extra income are not worth the consequences, which often require hospital visits and confinement.

No amount of Botox will bring back your youthful glow and earlier years.

The most it’ll do is preserve your outer appearance.

It might make you look divine now, but even the most expensive facelifts are ephemeral—and bound to get saggy.

“Money cannot buy health, but I’d settle for a diamond-studded wheelchair.” ― Dorothy Parker

#6. Friendship

Some people are only friends with you because of your net worth.

But those who are true friends are the ones who have been there when you barely made a name for yourself.

Money can make your friendship more adventurous and exciting event.

How sure are you that the people you consider your friends now will still be there when you go back to being just an average Joe, though?

True friends value your worth no matter your net worth.

#7. Knowledge

Money is what gets you through college and helps you shape your career.

It doesn’t matter if you go to the most prestigious college or are enrolled in one of the more popular majors.

Buying your way through education can only take you so far.

Money can also equip you with the latest technological innovations, books, and the best teachers.

But it cannot buy talent and wisdom.

Your financial background only exists to nurture your already existent intellect.

It’s a process that no one else but you can control.

Knowledge is one thing money can’t buy.

#8. Manners and Respect

You can hire a life coach, or an assistant, or even surround yourself with the “nicest” people, but intentions of changing yourself for the better must genuinely come from the inside.

An abundance of affluent people forget about manners once they’ve established their name in an industry. 

Then there are those who are getting by with the bare necessities yet have good manners and respect everyone.

Your wealth may categorize you as an all-around VIP, but it doesn’t automatically mean you have class.

Manners are one of the important things money can’t buy.

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” ― Albert Einstein

#9. Humor

A sense of humor is priceless.

When it comes to dating, this aspect is usually the deal breaker.

Why are you even in a relationship if you can’t laugh with (and at) your partner?

Being able to laugh at yourself is one way to get through your most embarrassing and stressful moments.

“You’ve got to have a sense of humor to keep your sanity.” – Lance Bass

Money matters: but there are plenty of things money can’t buy

Keep managing your finances well and use them to secure your lifestyle.

Money is vital, but it’s not everything.

Not that we’re asking you to give up everything you own to live life with the barest necessities.

Live life comfortably, not obnoxiously.

These are free—and can bring you happiness and joy.

Joy originates from the Greek word “chara” which means “to be exceedingly glad”—an attitude of the heart.  

Happiness is only temporary and relies on external factors.

Money is merely an instrument, a means to an end.

Instead of yearning for more riches, let’s seek joy instead.

There are just some things money can’t buy.

Let us know what you value that money can’t buy in the comment section below!