Influencer Livia Gueissaz is turning heads with her latest personal experiment: spending a staggering $1,000 a day for 30 days to explore the connection between wealth and happiness. She reveals her insights on whether intentional luxury spending can genuinely lead to greater fulfillment.
BY LIVIA GUEISSAZ
I wanted to put the age-old question to the test: can money buy happiness? This experience is about discovering how thoughtful spending can elevate our joy and satisfaction in life.
So I began a jaw-dropping, 30-day, $1,000-a-day shopping spree was filled with designer shopping, high-profile boutique visits, and exclusive, members-only showrooms. My daily routine was a luxury feast, from acquiring limited-edition handbags to stepping into VIP fitting rooms reserved for A-listers. Every credit card swipe came with excitement and adrenaline; it was a lifestyle that most people only dream of.
It was a rush, like living a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie.
But amidst the glitter and glam, something more profound began to unfold. As the days passed, the thrill of acquiring new, high-end items started to wane, leaving me wondering if there was more to happiness than what a shopping spree could offer. My once euphoric daily splurges turned into moments of introspection, prompting her to question the true impact of wealth on joy.
It wasn’t just about the new shoes or the latest ‘it’ bag. I began to see that beyond the sparkle, real happiness is something money alone can’t buy. Starting this journey, I wanted to explore if happiness could be bought and sustained through wealth alone. What I discovered was eye-opening. While luxurious purchases brought joy, they didn’t fill the deeper emotional gaps. Real happiness is built on connections, personal achievements, and shared experiences.
Some of the most unexpected revelations came when I shifted focus from self-indulgence to giving. One day, I used her budget to treat friends and family to unique experiences, witnessing how these moments of generosity resonated more deeply than a new handbag or exclusive spa treatment.
Seeing the joy reflected in others made me realize that money is most powerful when used to create shared happiness.
The experiment highlighted how some of the most profound moments didn’t come from extravagant purchases but from more straightforward, meaningful acts that involved others. The days spent attending intimate events, engaging in reflective solo adventures, and giving back to the community stood out in a way that even the finest designer items could not.
This journey reaffirmed that while wealth can buy comfort and unique experiences, it cannot replace the simple, profound moments that shape who we are. Money is an incredible tool, but happiness comes from deeper places than any purchase could reach.
Let’s not be naive—of course, money helps, and I love what it allows me to experience. But this experiment made me realize it’s not the ultimate source of happiness. While wealth can bring comfort, convenience, and access to the finer things, it doesn’t fill the voids that matter most.
It’s not about rejecting luxury; it’s about understanding that true joy comes from the moment money can’t buy—like meaningful connections, personal growth, and the simple, authentic experiences that stay with you long after the sparkle fades.
I’ve learned that fulfillment often comes from the experiences and memories we create rather than the possessions we accumulate. Luxury should enhance our lives, not define them. When we align our purchases with our values, we open the door to deeper satisfaction.
Livia Gueissaz is a Women’s Empowerment Influencer and Miss Europe Continental Contestant. Follow her at https://www.instagram.com/liviagueissaz/
