SPONSORED — They say money doesn’t buy happiness, but statistically speaking, that may not be entirely accurate. Several studies over the past few years, including one conducted over a five-year period by a Business Insider contributor, reaffirm the idea that people with money tend to be more content than those struggling to get by.

According to that study, 82 percent of wealthy people were found to be happy, with a whopping 98 percent of the poor reporting unhappiness.

With money playing such a significant role in quality of life, it’s no wonder attendees flocked to AARP’s Life Reimagined 2015 speaker series when financial journalist Jean Chatzky took the stage.

Chatzky’s edition of the speaker series focused on how to finance your dream. And if your dream is different from the one you’re living now (i.e. you’re looking to make a career change later in life), then here are Chatzky’s seven tips for making it a reality.

1. Build an exploration fund

According to Forbes, more than half of Americans are unhappy with their jobs. With daily happiness at stake, changing up the daily grind might be imperative, but that’s tough to do without some introspection and exploration. Setting aside money each month for an “exploration fund,” which would pay the bills while you explore your options and figure out what you really want to do, is recommended.

Think of it as a 401(k) for your “reimagination”, rather than your retirement.

2. Learn and earn

Exploring your options is great, but earning money while you explore is even better. You can get real-world experience while earning some extra cash (for your exploration fund, of course)

For example, you’ll gain some valuable insight into opening your own coffee shop if you actually work in one for a while.

3. Let your employer fund your education

These days, education is expensive. In fact, according to FinAid.org, the average cost of a master’s degree ranges from $30,000 to $120,000. Professionals of all ages should take advantage of their company’s tuition reimbursement benefits.

With an authoritative listing of courses you can take, plus information on the fastest growing careers and scholarships at any age, LearningAdvisor, an education portal designed to help folks of any age reimagine their careers, can help.

4. Be open to opportunities in your own backyard

Before you transition into an entirely new career or industry, take a look at the opportunities that exist in your current field. Finding your niche in a field where you already have a foothold can help you progress much more quickly.

5. Consider a coach

A career coach can be an invaluable asset if you’re looking to take your career in a new direction. Engage a professional coach if you’re struggling to figure out what you want, or if you’re on your way but need the accountability of a daily check-in — or a neutral sounding board. You can find a coach through International Coach Federation, located online at coachfederation.org.

6. Chart your courses

Your career path needs, well, a path. When you’re considering any career or lifestyle change, it’s important to determine the impact pursuing the change would have on various aspects of your life, including your income, time off work, benefits and your overall career trajectory.

Tap into LinkedIn to find professionals with an insight into your chosen industry or career path.

7. Practice living on less

Sheryl Crow once wisely said, “It’s not having what you want; it’s wanting what you’ve got.” Heading into a new field can mean wandering into some financially unfamiliar terrain. This means you’ll need to increase your savings and curb your spending — now. Learning to live leaner now can save you a lot of struggle when your paycheck starts to look a little worse for the wear.

Start by journaling all your expenses for a month, then look at the ones you could divert into an emergency fund: lunches out, vanilla lattes, magazines that pile up, the weekly pooper scooper, the grocery store impulse buys you don’t need. They add up.

You can start journaling your expenses now through Chatzky’s “Where Do You Stand Financially Worksheet,” located on AARP’s website.

Jean Chatzky’s presentation was the first in AARP Seattle’s four-part ‘Life Reimagined’ speaker series. Upcoming speakers include author Robert Biswas-Diener, Seattle’s favorite librarian Nancy Pearl, and travel Guru Rick Steves.

Events are free, but pre-registration is required. Register at www.aarp.org/seattle.