049 -- Money Buys Happiness with Lloyd Ross

In this episode, Lloyd Ross—2x bestselling author, wealth educator, and host of the Money Grows on Trees podcast—joins Coach Woody to challenge one of society’s most controversial ideas: money can’t buy happiness. Through personal stories and practical frameworks, Lloyd makes a compelling case for why money can create freedom, fulfillment, and joy—if used intentionally.

Lloyd and Coach Woody also explore: Why "money can't buy happiness" is a limiting belief keeping people stuck

✅ How gratitude is the foundation of both happiness and wealth creation

✅ The crucial mindset shift from scarcity to abundance

✅ What financially fit people get wrong about long-term success

✅ How to break free from comparison, judgment, and external validation

✅ Lloyd’s 90-day strategy to escape financial crisis

✅ Why becoming time rich is the new wealth

This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to rewire your money beliefs, escape the hustle hamster wheel, and build a meaningful life—on purpose.

🔔 Don’t forget to follow the show for more insights on personal growth, fulfillment, and financial wellness.

✨ Stay connected:

LinkedIn: Coach Lucas Woody

YouTube: @TheNextBetter

Website: https://nextbetter.com

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00:00 – Introduction: Why "Money Buys Happiness" is so triggering

01:15 – Money as a tool for freedom, choice, and joy

03:00 – Scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset

05:50 – Gratitude as a foundation for wealth

07:45 – Fear of judgment and why people stay stuck

10:30 – External validation, fast cars, and authenticity

12:00 – Lessons from Buffett & Munger on wealth and joy

14:00 – The "tap dance to work" test for fulfillment

16:20 – Bhutan, death reflection, and living fully

18:00 – Why comparison is a losing game

20:00 – The difference between financial peace and financial freedom

22:20 – Money without meaning = burnout

25:00 – Advice for those with no emergency fund

28:00 – Lloyd’s 90-day strategy to escape financial crisis

31:00 – Crisis → Peace → Freedom: The 3 stages of wealth

33:30 – Financial fit? Here’s how to protect your success

36:00 – How to build long-term wealth: Buy assets, not just lifestyle

39:00 – Pay yourself first—why 10% makes all the difference

42:30 – Red Queen Hypothesis: Keep evolving or fall behind

45:00 – The hidden danger of comfort and complacency

48:00 – Why curiosity is your biggest wealth advantage

50:00 – How Lloyd builds a life he doesn’t need to escape

52:30 – Become Time Rich: Lloyd’s new book & time-first philosophy

56:00 – The 4 Time-Rich Laws: Purpose, Elimination, Leverage, Priority

59:00 – Why time is more valuable than money

1:02:00 – Where to find Lloyd + Parting wisdom