Why Do We Think Money Buys Happiness?

A Pennsylvania couple's $120,000 spending spree is case study on humanity

Free money might sound like a dream come true, but it won't make you as happy as appreciating what you already have. Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

What would you do if a large amount of money suddenly appeared in your bank account?

For Robert and Tiffany Williams of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, this was more than a thought exercise. In May, their bank accidentally put $120,000 in their account. While nobody knows quite why this happened, we all know what the police said they did next.