Let’s be real—when most of us think about what makes life better, money is usually near the top of the list. More money means less stress, right? Bills get paid, vacations become possible, and maybe you finally upgrade from that 2002 sedan with the missing hubcap.
But according to recent research, there’s something that might matter even more than money when it comes to happiness and well-being: trust.
Researchers analyzing Gallup World Poll data—spanning over 100,000 people across 116 countries—found that folks who trust others—and feel trusted themselves—report significantly higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction than those who don’t. That includes emotional well-being and physical health. In fact, trust can boost overall well-being even more than being financially well-off.
Let that sink in: feeling like you can count on the people around you—your neighbors, your coworkers, even the person making your sandwich at the deli—could make you feel more content than getting a raise or hitting the lottery.
And here’s another curveball: higher education and income only positively influence well-being when paired with trust. Without trust? Those fancy degrees and fat bank accounts didn’t move the happiness needle much.
So, what does this mean for us here in southeastern Indiana? Maybe it’s time we focus less on chasing dollars and more on building genuine connections. Say hi to someone new. Lend a helping hand without keeping score. Trust won’t show up in your paycheck, but it might be the richest investment of all.
Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?