At a Glance
- Couples who spend on time-saving services report higher satisfaction.
- Harvard study shows money for time gives autonomy and well-being.
- Even small outsourcing frees time for connection.
- Why it matters: Small financial choices can strengthen relationships during stress.
A Harvard Business School study found that couples who invest in services that save them time-like takeout, a cleaner, or a dog walker-feel more satisfied in their relationships, especially when life gets hectic.
How Money Saves Time
Ashley Whillans, a behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School, explains that spending money to save time creates a sense of control that boosts well-being. Her team tracked dual-income couples in a six-week diary study and found that those who made time-saving purchases on a given day reported higher happiness and relationship satisfaction.
Ashley Whillans stated:
> “When you spend money to save time – hiring an accountant, a babysitter, a cleaner – you feel more control over your life. That sense of autonomy boosts well-being.”
- Take a time audit to see where minutes are spent.
- Identify small changes that reclaim a few moments.
- Use reclaimed time intentionally for quality connection.
Beyond the Dollar
Therapist Targol Hasankhani cautions that outsourcing chores can ease daily stress but does not replace communication. She says that if conflicts stem from deeper inequities, a cleaner won’t solve the problem.
Targol Hasankhani said:
> “If conflict around chores is rooted in something deeper – like inequity or not feeling heard – hiring a cleaner won’t solve that.”
- Address underlying issues before outsourcing.
- Use freed time to show up for each other.
Casey Mulligan Walsh shared that hiring a housecleaner once a week allowed her and her husband to enjoy coffee together instead of arguing about vacuuming.
Casey Mulligan Walsh said:
> “My favorite day of the week was coming home to a clean house.”
Melissa Jones received a deep housecleaning as a Valentine’s Day gift, turning a chore into a gesture of love.
Melissa Jones said:
> “It was truly amazing.”
Elizabeth Willard’s meal-prep service takes time out of busy families, reducing daily dinner decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Spending money on time-saving services boosts relationship satisfaction.
- Small outsourcing frees minutes that can be used for intentional connection.
- Address deeper conflicts before relying on chores to avoid missing underlying issues.
Buying back time can buy peace.
