There is a widely overrated and misplaced saying, “money can’t buy you happiness” - how I loathe those words. They are for the poor of mind, giving some comfort where money or happiness is lacking.

With money we can help to improve the quality of life for other people. Money can buy food, water, warmth, shelter and vaccines. Giving - and that includes money - brings me happiness.

It’s important for us to remember, “money” and “happiness” are not for comparison. But unfortunately for some, placing both words together speaks of morality; that somehow money holds more bad than good. The truth is, there are bad people with money, there are good people with money.

And when it comes to love or friendship, there are people that positively run from money. They avoid people with money because it’s not romantic enough, it wouldn’t give them a Hollywood ending, where romance wins over money.

And then there’s the Great British love affair with Robin Hood; take from the rich to give to the poor - the romance lives on. A lot of people in the UK love to talk of the “filthy rich” - ah yes, bankers, let’s screw them all… they couldn’t possibly be giving people, right?

If we must use both words together - money and happiness - then maybe it’s better to say, “happiness is not gained from objects alone.. happiness can be gained by investing in people”.

The truth of money and people is respect for both. Understand that for many people, it goes easier than it comes. Take it, use it wisely, be kind to others - just don’t run from it.