Money. How such a short word can determine so much in life and also control us. As of 2018, statistics revealed that the total sum of all the bank notes circulating the UK’s market is £68.9 billion. This is the total sum combining together notes of £5, £10, £20 and £50. As of 2017, there were a whopping 134 billionaires living in the UK and almost one million millionaires living within the UK. Of course, the wealth divide still occurs as there are 14 million people in Britain living in poverty - which is the equivalent of one in five. But, the real question still lies - does money make you a happier person?
Having money means you are able to buy not only just the basic needs in life, but also the wants too; you have a roof over your head, able to buy food and water, afford basic sanitation and clothing, and pay off bills. But on top of that, you can buy the latest gadget you have been lusting over, splash the cash on the top of the range car and also afford that 5 star holiday to the Maldives. To some, this is just second nature. But, the harsh reality, is that some people are living, struggling to afford the basic necessities. They cannot afford their own house, they’re scrimping and scraping to put a meal on the table and they haven’t got the adequate funds to pay for this months bills. This is reality. It’s out there, happening. Some people are so oblivious to this happening because they’re too busy living in their own bubble. However, having this money, does it necessarily mean they’re living a happier life?
By no means am I stereotyping here, but those who tend to be wealthy portray this on social media. And, if they’ve worked hard for their money, they’re rightly so - I would do the same. There’s one question though - does a glamorous social media page mean a happy life? You could have the best of the best when it comes to gadgets, big name labels for fashion and all the rest, but does it mean they’re happy with their life? Having money doesn’t solve everything. Some people are lonely, and all they spend their time doing is splashing the cash, because they have nothing else worth doing. And it’s sad.
Here in Scotland, we are privileged enough that our prescriptions and university fees are funded for us. But, it’s a different story for the rest of the UK. Young students living in England or wales aren’t so fortunate and need to pay for their university education - fees costing as much as £9,000. Students from the poorest families unfortunately cannot afford this money, so sometimes education is out the picture. They could be a straight A’s student, but because of the money, aren’t able to pursue their education and expand on their knowledge. On the other side, a person may be ill and require a few prescriptions to improve their health, but with the average price of a prescription currently sitting at £8.80 per item, costs will add up. And sometimes, it can be a hefty price which some cannot afford.
I’m not wealthy, and I’m not discriminating those who are, but I know what I’d rather - happiness. Of course, money would help with a lot of things in people’s circumstances - not needing to worry about bills, being able to buy a fridge full of food and replacing clothing items if they’re outgrown or worn out. Those without money would appreciate it. But, in this day and age, it seems that the rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The UK Government have a long battle ahead of them on the road to ending wealth inequality.
