How to Buy Happiness: The Science of Smarter Spending

What does science have to say about the relationship between money and happiness? How much money do we really need? Why does enough never seem to stay enough? What are the five principles of happiness-efficient spending? What ultimately matters more than money itself?

After a fairly low threshold, earning more money and accumulating material wealth no longer makes us any happier. But research shows that how we spend our money can make a real difference. In this talk, Professor Jordi Quoidbach explores the science of “happiness-efficient” spending, sharing five evidence-based principles to help you get more bang for your buck.

Talk by Jordi Quoidbach

Jordi Quoidbach is an award-winning Professor of Behavioral Decision Making at ESADE Business School and a leading expert in the scientific field of emotion.

Jordi’s research explores the bi-directional relationship between choice and happiness:

•  how people’s current happiness, and other emotions, shape their decisions, and
•  how people’s everyday decisions profoundly shape their happiness. His work has been published in top-tier scientific journals, including Science, PNAS, and Psychological Bulletin, and is frequently featured in popular media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and The New York Times. He has written several popular books on emotions and hosted the coaching TV series “J’ai décidé d’être heureux” broadcasted on the French TV channel M6. Jordi's research offers novel insights to guide individuals toward more satisfying personal and professional decisions, while also helping businesses create happier experiences for their customers.

 

Capsuna (be)

Capsuna is an indie twee slacker band from Brussels, with a 90s/berry slushie flavour. With members from the USA, Belgium, Greece and the UK, they share a love for indie bands from the 80s onward, particularly those on labels like Creation, K, Sarah, Flying Nun, Teen Beat, and Scat. Their 2024 debut album, followed by two EPs, saw them performing across the UK, Brussels, and deep Wallonia that year. The second self produced album, “Can't VS Can't”, will be released in october 2025.