I read a little blurb in a magazine the other day that says you can, in fact, buy happiness, and it only costs about $5.
The trick? You have to spend it on someone else.
The blurb went on to say that studies have shown that doing something small for someone else has a big effect on the giver's happiness. Maybe it's bringing a co-worker a latte or bringing cookies to the office. Maybe you drop $5 into the cup of the homeless guy you pass every morning.
So maybe, when you're having a rough day and looking for a bit of retail therapy, pull out a $5 and go do something for someone else. Maybe you'll find that you've just improved your day and someone else's as well.
I'm hosting the Carnival of Pecuniary Delights this Thursday, so be sure to get your submissions in!