Can money really buy happiness?

BuzzFeed News readers and staff shared the things they bought during the pandemic that brought them some joy during the pandemic. buzzfeednews.com/article/juliar…
A blue sequin blazer

“I keep the blazer out in my home to serve as a symbol of the things I look forward to doing soon: going to a restaurant, seeing friends and family, etc.” —Dan Wolfe in Philadelphia
A Dance Dance Revolution mat

“I bought a DDR mat because I used to be addicted to it in middle school and figured I could return to a simpler time, get a workout, and play a game all at once.” —Maggie Schultz, BuzzFeed News staff
Donations to charity

“I donated to some charities because I felt helpless. It brought a very temporary sense of meaning to my life.” —Nikita Dawe in Toronto, Ontario buzzfeednews.com/article/juliar…
“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you a portable personal bathtub. It’s up to you to assemble it, fill it with water of life, and make those happy memories.” —Lindsay McKenna in Austin buzzfeednews.com/article/juliar…
It’s Money Week at BuzzFeed News and we’re taking a look at how the pandemic changed the ways we earn, owe, spend, and save money. Read more stories here: buzzfeednews.com/collection/mon…

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More from @BuzzFeedNews

25 May
Millions of people suddenly, if temporarily, found themselves relieved of federal student loan payments due to pandemic-related forbearance. For many, it’s been their first taste of financial comfort since borrowing money to fund their education. buzzfeednews.com/article/piapet…
For some it has meant an increase in their quality of life and for others, it has meant getting closer to paying off other debts, saving for down payments, and starting families. buzzfeednews.com/article/piapet…
Forbearance is set to end in September, and though it could be extended, borrowers are anxious about — and trying to plan — what happens next. buzzfeednews.com/article/piapet…
Read 4 tweets
24 May
As the rich got richer and the poor got poorer during the pandemic, while thousands of businesses shuttered and millions of workers were laid off, some (non-billionaire) companies managed to beat the odds buzzfeednews.com/article/davidm…
While most industries flagged, sectors like food and wine, pet supplies, and outdoor goods proved lucrative during lockdown.

“As horrible as the pandemic was, it just threw gas on the fire for the outdoor industry. It’s just been an amazing ride right now.”
While they’re proud of their hard work — and grateful to have survived the year — some businesses now find themselves almost feeling guilty for their success.

“Some people did better, some people did worse. It doesn't feel earned for me.” buzzfeednews.com/article/davidm…
Read 4 tweets
24 May
The plan: Stage a fake kidnapping to help a North Korean defector escape.

But when the mission failed, Christopher Ahn found himself wanted by international authorities.

This is the story of how a desire to help may land a man in prison 🧵
buzzfeednews.com/article/bradle…
In 2019, Ahn joined a Cheollima Civil Defense mission to help a North Korean diplomat in Madrid defect. To protect the diplomat's family, Cheollima, an activist group, would pretend to kidnap him at the embassy.

Ahn had worked with Cheollima before, but this was a step up.
Things went to plan, until a woman who believed the siege was real jumped out of the embassy and alerted police.

Once the phones started ringing, the diplomat was spooked. He called off his defection and asked Cheollima to leave.
Read 7 tweets
19 May
Whether people are excited to get dressed up again or hugely over it, last year’s extended pause allowed people the opportunity to rethink their approach to fashion.

buzzfeednews.com/article/estell…
Sweats have become staples in many wardrobes. In 2020, sales of sweatpants increased by 17% nationally, as employment fell and some jobs became remote.
Denise Wight from Longmont, Colorado, said she developed something of a sweatpant habit. “I believe I owned two pairs prior to the pandemic,” she said. “I now have 10.”
Read 6 tweets
18 May
🧵 Two prominent reporters at the far-right TV station OAN are running a dark money organization that they say is helping fund a farcical “audit” that Trump supporters believe will overturn Arizona’s 2020 election results.

buzzfeednews.com/article/sarahm…
Christina Bobb, OAN’s correspondent covering the process, is CEO and president of Voices and Votes, a group she says she founded to help complete the Arizona "audit."

OAN White House correspondent Chanel Rion is listed as the CMO, and Rion’s fiance is listed as the group’s COO.
Bobb is still helping scare up money on OAN airwaves while she and the far-right network enjoy unique access and exclusive livestreaming rights to the "audit" process being run by private contractors.
Read 5 tweets
18 May
With demand for COVID-19 vaccines declining, officials are finding creative ways to motivate people who have yet to be vaccinated to do so. In Paterson, New Jersey, a “vaccine van” is bringing doses to residents on the street.

buzzfeednews.com/article/juliar…
Since the first week of May, the mobile vaccine clinic van has parked in areas with high foot traffic, vaccinating dozens of residents nearly every day. The van offers the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine so there’s no need to come back for a second shot. Image
As @juliareinstein spoke to Paterson Mayor André Sayegh, a resident approached to say hello and within minutes, got his vaccine. He was hesitant at first, but after seeing his brother safely receive his and the convenience of getting one on the spot, he was sold.
Read 9 tweets

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