The happiest people surround themselves with family and friends, don’t care about keeping up with the Joneses next door, lose themselves in daily activities and, most importantly, forgive easily.

The Happiness Barometer, a recent study conducted in 16 countries, found that around 40 percent of those surveyed said catching up with their loved ones after work was the happiest time of their day, while more than 20 percent said they were happiest when eating with their families. By contrast, only 5 percent said they were happiest when connecting with friends online. Families and partners were, by far, the biggest source of happiness for almost 80 percent of those surveyed, with friends coming up next at 15 percent.

The results also show that, despite the global economic downturn, overall global happiness levels are high, with more than two thirds of people saying they are satisfied with their lives.

When they do need cheering up, around 40 percent have a night out with friends and round 20 percent give or receive a hug.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Richard Stevens, a social psychologist who specializes in happiness and wellbeing, noted: “While it is important to have enough money to live, income is a fairly irrelevant contributor to happiness. Without relationships, love, family or friendship, most people will not be content and no amount of money can fill this void.”

So there you have it. If you want happiness, don’t buy a lotto ticket; go hug somebody!

Liz Koh is an Authorised Financial Adviser. The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person. A disclosure statement can be obtained free of charge by calling 0800 273 847.  For free eBooks, go to www.moneymax.co.nz and www.moneymaxcoach.com

Inform offers online ease, combined with the reassurance of expert advice – so you get all of the convenience without sacrificing any of the confidence.

Here we offer their three top tips for you to consider when choosing healthe insurance.

1. Get high limits for surgical and non-surgical hospitalization
Make sure any plan you’re considering offers 100% cover for larger hospital costs. This should include surgical and non-surgical costs (an example of a non-surgical cost is treatment like chemotherapy). Also, check that the plan covers “major diagnostic” costs like angiograms, MRI scans, etc. These can really add up, and so a plan needs to protect you well for these.

Comparing different plans can be hard – so ask if the plan you’re considering has been featured in any independent research. Most plans have, and this will give you a good look at how its cover really performs!

2. Don’t get cover for GPs/prescription costs
It’s just doesn’t add up. Look closely at the plan’s fine print and claim limits and you’ll see that the cost of a “GP cover” add-on is basically equal to the amount you can claim back! (In other words you might be paying $500 a year, but can only claim back $450 a year).

The best option is to get a good major medical health plan, and then pay for the smaller costs yourself. You could even start your own “health fund” by popping a bit of money into a dedicated bank account regularly. If you need to dip into your health fund it’s there, and if you don’t it will build and grow for you (not the insurer!).  

3. Get cover before you need it
NZ health insurers are very strict on “pre-existing” health issues (which is basically a health issue that emerged before you started your health insurance). Some pre-existing issues can be covered after a “stand-down” period or if you pay a higher premium, but most can’t. So make sure you start your health insurance well before you need it – once a health issue emerges it’s usually too late.  

This information was supplied by inform.co.nz  For more please visit their health insurance page.

You can also complete their online fact finder by following the instructions here