Here's How Much Money It Takes to Be Happy in Michigan

They say money can't buy happiness.

Is that really true?

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What Makes Us Happy

Joyfuldays.com came up with a list of the Top 10 things that make us happy. Our families and relationships came in at the top of the list, followed by meaningful work and positive thinking.

Other things that factor into our happiness include gratitude, forgiveness, giving to others, religion, personal freedom, good health, and watching television, according to this study.

Money isn't on their list at all.

However, let's be real - when you're broke, it's difficult to focus on any of those platitudes.

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Happiness by the Numbers

We're not saying it's not possible to be happy and broke at the same time. We're just saying that we've never actually met any of those people.

Money supports happiness.

So, at what level does your annual salary need to be in order to be happy in Michigan? Here's the magic number: $96,285. That's the minimum salary that GoBankingRates.com says a single person living in Michigan needs to be happy. That's 15th lowest in the nation.

But maybe that's too much to ask.

RELATED: How Much Money Is Considered 'Rich' in Michigan?

If happiness seems out of range, would you settle for emotional well-being? The website says that can be had in Michigan for "as little as $54,996" per year.

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What States Take the Least Money to Be Happy?

While the cost of living in Michigan is more than 8% lower than the national average, there are more than a dozen states where the monetary threshold to unlock happiness is even lower.

States Where It's Cheaper to Be Happy Than Michigan

A new study says a single person in Michigan needs a salary of $96,285 to be happy. Here are the 14 states where happiness can be achieved for less.

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]