This post is part of a series on 13 money resolutions for 2013.

We often feel like we need more—new phones every 18 months, spacious houses, and new cars every two years. But honestly, you don’t need all that. When you realize this, you’ll be much happier.

I have a $20 basic phone, live in a 600-square-foot house, and don’t own a car. Yet, my life is rich, happy, and simple. Why? Because I’m content with what I have. If I want more, it’s to address real needs, like fixing a leaking roof or ensuring we have water and electricity.

Once those issues were resolved, I didn’t wish for more. I’m happy with my small house, piece of land, some hens, and a vegetable garden. Even if I won a million dollars, I wouldn’t change much. Maybe I’d travel more and attend more social events, but my basic lifestyle would remain the same.

Being satisfied with what you have keeps a lot of problems at bay—jealousy, debt, stress, and clutter, to name a few. Take a moment to re-evaluate your life. If you find a long list of things you’re unhappy about, it’s time to address them.

If you have a roof over your head and food on your plate, that’s something to be grateful for. Life is yours to live, so make sure you’re living it on your terms. What makes you happy? Working long hours to afford many things, or having a part-time job so you can enjoy a simpler life? There are many possibilities in between, and only you can determine the balance that’s right for you.

Some people find happiness in the stability of a day job, while others thrive on the excitement of uncertainty. There’s no universal formula for happiness. If you’re unhappy, it’s up to you to change that. You have the ability to achieve whatever you genuinely commit to. It will take time, effort, and perseverance, and you might fail a few times, but you will get there.

Focus on goals that bring you true joy. I love cooking, so having a deep freezer and a blender makes me happy. Yet, I know people who rarely use them but bought them thinking they ‘should’ own them or because they ‘might’ use them someday. Those reasons don’t justify the cost.

Be happy with what you have, and only spend money on what truly adds value to your life.