The other side gets wrong the difference between money not guaranteeing happiness and money not buying any. I get why the rich-but-miserable story feels convincing, but a few sad wealthy people don't erase the pattern: income reliably predicts security, health, and autonomy, and those predict happiness. Money buys the freedom to leave a bad job, afford treatment, and sleep without debt panic. Studies show life satisfaction rises with income, even if each extra dollar helps a little less. It's not everything, but it's real leverage.