"Money isn't everything"

lainey_d_123

Has anyone ever said this who wasn't spoiled, sheltered and wealthy? It's right up there as one of the most irritating comments someone can make and riles me up every time.

The latest time was a friend of a friend saying it in response to our other friend mentioning possibly going for job change this year for more money.

I think most people with a normal IQ get that it isn't literally 'everything', but this phrase seems to come out of the mouth of people who think anyone who is motivated by money is materialistic and shallow. I have never in my entire life heard anyone who has struggled or been poor say anything like 'money isn't everything'.

I think people who grew up wanting for nothing simply can't comprehend how many basic things they take for granted are totally inaccessible to people on very low incomes. When they hear someone talking about 'money', they think in terms of disposable income - money to buy nice new shoes, or an expensive dinner, or a theatre ticket. They don't think in terms of a secure roof over their head, paying the bills or having some savings in case of an emergency.

As someone who grew up very poor and didn't start to make decent money until I was in my thirties, money represents freedom to me. It gives me options I didn't have before. If I'm having a bad time in my shared flat, I can leave and find another one without worrying about how I'm going to find money for deposit and first rent. If I get a sudden worrying stomach pain, I can go straight to the doctor without worrying about how to find the money. If I get an unexpectedly high bill, it's a minor annoyance rather than a major disaster. I see it as a security blanket and so yes, the more money the better, right up to the point where all your essentials are securely covered with savings in the bank and money to spare.

I've met people who say money doesn't matter and it's better to follow your dreams and I think without exception they have all had mammy and daddy funding them in some way and providing a safety net while they mess around doing their art or music or whatever. They scoff at people who choose careers for the money without even thinking that maybe some people really have no backup and nobody who could dig them out if it all went wrong.

What do you think?

jj880

"having money isnt everything

not having it is"

Car99

Money isnt everything but if you have money you have a better chance of having everything else.

TuringBot47

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

Has anyone ever said this who wasn't spoiled, sheltered and wealthy?

Here's another cliche, you health is your wealth.
Look at Steve Jobs... billionaire and no amount of money could save him.

But in more real world examples, if you had a steady job and didn't want a promotion/raise for the extra stress then money isn't everything.

PARlance

I know quite a few people who live by this motto, not intentionally or knowingly mind. Low paid, low stress jobs, have enough to get the 10 days in Spain and get by on very little. No extravagances. Happy as p1gs in sh1te for the most part though.

Richard Hillman

"Mo Money, Mo Problems"

Notorious BIG

The Satanist

Money is wonderful, only lazy poor people say otherwise.

Church on Tuesday

If you don't have money you're not going anywhere and you're not doing anything.

victor8600

Seems like you misunderstood the message.

Of course having money is not everything. You also want the power to protect yourself and your money. You want the good health to enjoy your money. You want people to genuinely like you and you are not sure if they like you only because of your money.

suicide_circus

well, its not everything.

a millionaire who is terminally ill is just as banjaxed as a someone who is broke who is terminally ill.

Car99

PARlance wrote: »

I know quite a few people who live by this motto, not intentionally or knowingly mind. Low paid, low stress jobs, have enough to get the 10 days in Spain and get by on very little. No extravagances. Happy as p1gs in sh1te for the most part though.

10 days in Spain for 2+2 is €3000 minimum that's a stretch for most average wage average stress jobs.

Calhoun

I think that one person's experience cannot be used to define a definitive scenario when it comes to a commonly used term.

Your experience with it being used and the people using would not be the same as mine or others. While i can see what you mean that is one part of the people that use it.

I have experience where people making the decision and using the phrase would have been related to a big promotion that would have sacrificed family life. They made the decision to not take the money knowing it would more than likely lead to them loosing their job.

Not to mention all the theory out there on motivation ect that shows that money is a part of what motivates people but not the only one.

You seem to think people are being ignorant for using the phrase but have built up a prejudiced view of those that use it and the meaning of it.

ghost of ireland past

You haven't mentioned what money can buy that you find important.

You mention that money brings security. But, in modern Ireland, poor people are also secure in many ways. Housing is provided, as is health care, and sufficient money for most things.

So, people can feel secure about their future without having a lot of money, without having savings and without having a career. I don't think that's a bad thing.


I don't have much money but I'm not interested in making more. I don't value money in and of itself and I don't especially value what it can buy me. I am relatively content with very little. Some of the best things in life are free.

Havings low expectations is the best way to feel satisfied with life.

ive known plenty of ppl to say this who hadnt much and were happy with their lot

getting very upset about it would seem a strange reaction to me tbh

lainey_d_123

TuringBot47 wrote: »

Here's another cliche, you health is your wealth.
Look at Steve Jobs... billionaire and no amount of money could save him.

But in more real world examples, if you had a steady job and didn't want a promotion/raise for the extra stress then money isn't everything.

But is it better to be sick and rich or sick and poor?

I have a long term health condition and it's a hell of a lot easier to manage when I can afford to eat well, go to the doctor when I need to and take a taxi rather than 2 buses and a long walk if I'm in pain/fatigue.

lainey_d_123

ghost of ireland past wrote: »

You haven't mentioned what money can buy that you find important.

You mention that money brings security. But, in modern Ireland, poor people are also secure in many ways. Housing is provided, as is health care, and sufficient money for most things.

So, people can feel secure about their future without having a lot of money, without having savings and without having a career. I don't think that's a bad thing.


I don't have much money but I'm not interested in making more. I don't value money in and of itself and I don't especially value what it can buy me. I am relatively content with very little. Some of the best things in life are free.

Havings low expectations is the best way to feel satisfied with life.

I would hate to be at the mercy of a welfare state. It wouldn't make me feel at all secure.

lainey_d_123

Calhoun wrote: »

I think that one person's experience cannot be used to define a definitive scenario when it comes to a commonly used term.

Your experience with it being used and the people using would not be the same as mine or others. While i can see what you mean that is one part of the people that use it.

I have experience where people making the decision and using the phrase would have been related to a big promotion that would have sacrificed family life. They made the decision to not take the money knowing it would more than likely lead to them loosing their job.

Not to mention all the theory out there on motivation ect that shows that money is a part of what motivates people but not the only one.

You seem to think people are being ignorant for using the phrase but have built up a prejudiced view of those that use it and the meaning of it.

Sure, but in that case, the family was already secure, I'm sure. They could otherwise not have made that decision. That's my point.

Massive difference between not taking a promotion and giving up a possible trip to Disneyworld and not taking a promotion when it will leave your kids hungry and you can't afford school shoes for them.

As I said, this viewpoint is only valid once you've reached a certain level of financial security. It's a luxury to utter those words, IMO.

golondrinas

Money isn’t everything
It’s the only thing .��

lalababa

I've lived on 100 euro a week and sometimes less for many years. Because alot of the stuff that uses money does not interest me.. /buying ****/trends/outward displays of wealth. I have money, I could spend 1000 a week if I desired. Personally money is literally NOTHING to me. What matters to me are family/friends/generally being nice to people who are worth it.
I enjoy pastimes such as reading, walking, swimming. I find buying stuff to be unfulfilling.
That said I didn't have a car for two weeks and used the buses, I talked to alot more people alright, but the buses were sh*ye in Cork offpeak so was well glad to get the car back.

suicide_circus

the less stuff i have the better.

Calhoun

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

Sure, but in that case, the family was already secure, I'm sure. They could otherwise not have made that decision. That's my point.

Massive difference between not taking a promotion and giving up a possible trip to Disneyworld and not taking a promotion when it will leave your kids hungry and you can't afford school shoes for them.

As I said, this viewpoint is only valid once you've reached a certain level of financial security. It's a luxury to utter those words, IMO.

Its a view point used at a certain point in someone's life in the scenario you talk of if the people who utter it are secure when others are not then they are probably wrong to use it, in the scenario I described it was right scenario to use it in and was more of a warning of the pitfalls of going all in for money.

We don't have a monopoly on experiences and being poor in the past doesn't give anyone the right to say my experience is more valid than yours.

One eyed Jack

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

Has anyone ever said this who wasn't spoiled, sheltered and wealthy? It's right up there as one of the most irritating comments someone can make and riles me up every time.

...

What do you think?

I think you let other people’s opinions upset you far too much if a comment like that irritates you or riles you tbh.

The reason I say money isn’t everything is simply because I’ve seen what making money the sole focus of their lives has done to some people - it’s made them miserable. I didn’t grow up spoiled and it was my parents who were wealthy. I never saw a penny of it, and in a way I’m glad I didn’t, because I saw how miserable they were from it all. They didn’t have the freedom you speak of, because they were always fearful of losing it all, even though such fears were completely irrational as they were both employed. Even that in itself was a good thing because it meant I hardly had to spend any time in their perpetually miserable company.

I prefer to surround myself with people whose focus in life doesn’t solely revolve around money. I find talk of money and income and all the rest of it is just crass. I’m all for people bettering themselves and their circumstances, but doing so with the intent of earning more money to pay the bills is a fools errand. The answer to funding a lifestyle one can’t afford is easy - don’t. Then one doesn’t have to panic every time a bill comes through the door or lie awake at night worrying about putting food on the table or being miserable, bitter and resentful of what other people have that they don’t. It makes a person easier to be around, and it makes them appreciate other people more.

That’s the thing people who think more money is the solution to all their problems miss out on. That’s why I say that money isn’t everything, it comes and goes, it’s fine. It doesn’t motivate me, caring for other people is what motivates me and makes me far happier than any amount of money ever could.

Church on Tuesday

ghost of ireland past wrote: »

You haven't mentioned what money can buy that you find important.

You mention that money brings security. But, in modern Ireland, poor people are also secure in many ways. Housing is provided, as is health care, and sufficient money for most things.

So, people can feel secure about their future without having a lot of money, without having savings and without having a career. I don't think that's a bad thing.


I don't have much money but I'm not interested in making more. I don't value money in and of itself and I don't especially value what it can buy me. I am relatively content with very little. Some of the best things in life are free.

Havings low expectations is the best way to feel satisfied with life.

Being on the dole is, quite frankly, ****.

I've been stuck on it the last while, thankfully have something half decent sorted next month.

Glad it's there of course but it's only a lifeline.

Nobody on the dole, well nobody genuine, is living it up. Very little security with social welfare unless it's a lifestyle you want to remain and bleed dry I guess.

Airyfairy12

Im far from privileged and same as you, didnt really start earning until my late twenties/early 30's. Ive toasted stale bread for dinner and ate it dry because I couldnt afford butter, I once used old Mayonnaise as a pasta sauce, times were tough lol.
That said, I still think money isnt everything. Id never sacrifice my mental health - long term - for a job I truly hated, if I hated my housemates, id stick it out if I had to and I have done.
Everyone is different and has different levels of resilience, tolerance and things that make them happy. Some people live very minimalist and restrictive life styles and are very happy.

lainey_d_123

Calhoun wrote: »

Its a view point used at a certain point in someone's life in the scenario you talk of if the people who utter it are secure when others are not then they are probably wrong to use it, in the scenario I described it was right scenario to use it in and was more of a warning of the pitfalls of going all in for money.

We don't have a monopoly on experiences and being poor in the past doesn't give anyone the right to say my experience is more valid than yours.

True but what I mean is that some people use it indiscriminately without even stopping to consider the circumstances of the person they're saying it to.

If you know your friend is financially secure and they're weighing up whether to take on more stress to have some extra money, then OK. But a lot of people say it to people who are really hard up without even stopping to consider how much easier the person's life would be if they had more money.

lainey_d_123

One eyed Jack wrote: »

I think you let other people’s opinions upset you far too much if a comment like that irritates you or riles you tbh.

The reason I say money isn’t everything is simply because I’ve seen what making money the sole focus of their lives has done to some people - it’s made them miserable. I didn’t grow up spoiled and it was my parents who were wealthy. I never saw a penny of it, and in a way I’m glad I didn’t, because I saw how miserable they were from it all. They didn’t have the freedom you speak of, because they were always fearful of losing it all, even though such fears were completely irrational as they were both employed. Even that in itself was a good thing because it meant I hardly had to spend any time in their perpetually miserable company.

I prefer to surround myself with people whose focus in life doesn’t solely revolve around money. I find talk of money and income and all the rest of it is just crass. I’m all for people bettering themselves and their circumstances, but doing so with the intent of earning more money to pay the bills is a fools errand. The answer to funding a lifestyle one can’t afford is easy - don’t. Then one doesn’t have to panic every time a bill comes through the door or lie awake at night worrying about putting food on the table or being miserable, bitter and resentful of what other people have that they don’t. It makes a person easier to be around, and it makes them appreciate other people more.

That’s the thing people who think more money is the solution to all their problems miss out on. That’s why I say that money isn’t everything, it comes and goes, it’s fine. It doesn’t motivate me, caring for other people is what motivates me and makes me far happier than any amount of money ever could.

You're exactly the type of person I mean.

You say 'funding a lifestyle' as if the only way someone would be struggling if because they're buying cars on finance and going on 3 holidays a year.

There are a lot of people who are working their arses off and just barely managing to survive. They can't cut down on expenses because they're already at the bare minimum. The only option is to seek more money.

I don't think money is the solution to ALL problems, but I'm struggling to think of how it doesn't at least help most of them.

In recent months I have found myself seriously struggling. I have not an awful lot to last me about two weeks. Due to circumstance I am a fair bit less off every month. Part of the circumstance was supposed to be a good thing, me entering in to self employment. Well. If only I could say to some marketing person "here is a pile of money go find me business". I am completely rubbish at websites and despise Facebook and well basically rubbish at this.

It really depends on your idea of 'everything'. For me I already have everything. Yes having health insurance would be great, a few weekends away, maybe a nicer car, new clothes, makeup. It would all be great. I'm not sure if it would, with the exception of the health insurance, add to my wellbeing.

As with most things it may come down to perspective. All things considered I am extremely wealthy.

lainey_d_123

Deleted User wrote: »

In recent months I have found myself seriously struggling. I have not an awful lot to last me about two weeks. Due to circumstance I am a fair bit less off every month. Part of the circumstance was supposed to be a good thing, me entering in to self employment. Well. If only I could say to some marketing person "here is a pile of money go find me business". I am completely rubbish at websites and despise Facebook and well basically rubbish at this.

It really depends on your idea of 'everything'. For me I already have everything. Yes having health insurance would be great, a few weekends away, maybe a nicer car, new clothes, makeup. It would all be great. I'm not sure if it would, with the exception of the health insurance, add to my wellbeing.

As with most things it may come down to perspective. All things considered I am extremely wealthy.

So, as I said, 'nice' extras.

Are you worried about losing the roof over your head, being unable to pay the gas bill, etc.?

You say you'd like a nicer car, so sounds like you already have one.

As I said, there is a point at which all your needs are covered and then everything after that is a luxury, but that point is a lot harder to reach than a lot of people seem to realise. In Ireland, anyway.

lainey_d_123

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

So, as I said, 'nice' extras.

Are you worried about losing the roof over your head, being unable to pay the gas bill, etc.?

You say you'd like a nicer car, so sounds like you already have one.

As I said, there is a point at which all your needs are covered and then everything after that is a luxury, but that point is a lot harder to reach than a lot of people seem to realise. In Ireland, anyway.

I'm not worried about losing the roof over my head. I am worried about a large Bill that needs to be paid next month and two fillings and an extraction I need done.

Some of us struggle more than others. That is the way of life.

decky1

money, money that's all we hear nowadays, people have forgotten how to be happy , they WANT so much cars , houses, [more than one] in some cases, do they forget that we can't take it with us all this keeping up with the neighbours, worked for a guy who is very very rich, every day he's out on the building site up to his neck in muck trying to make more money [how much does he need] money is his God, nice to be comfortable of course but life is very short, live a simple life and enjoy it.

Asitis2019

Me me me me me me me me me me me me me me ...MEEEEEEEEEEEE

Leg End Reject

Lainey, you're making snarky comments about other people's post and making assumptions.

Very few people are born into a wealthy family, and even that doesn't guarantee a safety net.

Most of us start in low paying jobs and have to budget accordingly, including which bill to pay or whether to eat well or pay for transport to work.

But money isn't everything, it definitely helps and removes a lot of stress, but it won't make you happy in and of itself. Most of us are happy if we have a good work/life balance and are able to get through the month while budgeting for unexpected bills and annual expenses.

It was only when I got a job I realised just how much being broke affected my mood and mentality. Similarly in the last couple of years when things happened and everything got very tight it really, really threw me.
I don't care about money in that I don't care about having loads. Having some kind of security in a simple life is important.

PARlance

Car99 wrote: »

10 days in Spain for 2+2 is €3000 minimum that's a stretch for most average wage average stress jobs.

Without any forward planning, I can jump onto 2 sites and get a 2+2 holiday for 10 days, for half your "minimum".

10 nights in a resort apartment @€;985 (4 star/7.2 rating on booking.com) and flights (family first/most expensive) to and from Knock/Faro @€;615 with Ryanair. Late August/early September.

Total €1,600, just a little over your "minimum" and there's self catering apartments for €200-€300 less available.

(Im aware Faro is in Portugal but that's were the people I know holiday and fly from).

lainey_d_123

Leg End Reject wrote: »

Lainey, you're making snarky comments about other people's post and making assumptions.

Very few people are born into a wealthy family, and even that doesn't guarantee a safety net.

Most of us start in low paying jobs and have to budget accordingly, including which bill to pay or whether to eat well or pay for transport to work.

But money isn't everything, it definitely helps and removes a lot of stress, but it won't make you happy in and of itself. Most of us are happy if we have a good work/life balance and are able to get through the month while budgeting for unexpected bills and annual expenses.

What I'm saying is that most people who say money isn't everything take for granted a certain basic level of comfort that many would struggle to attain.

I guess it's more a case of 'know your audience'. I wouldn't turn around to someone on minimum wage struggling to pay the bills and say 'money isn't everything' because tbh when you're really poor, just about everything is made easier with money. What I mean is that I don't think some people have ever been that poor to say something which is quite flippant.

eviltwin

I grew up quite poor and thought money would make me happy. Got one of those high paying celtic tiger jobs, lots of money, great lifestyle but it didn't make me happy. I ended up taking a much lower paying job which meant a smaller disposal income but I have things money can't buy, peace of mind, positivity and they are priceless. Sure I miss the regular holidays, nights out etc which now have to be budgeted for but the trade off is well worth it.

NSAman

Was brought up in a poor family. Yep beans on toast for months on end as that was all we could afford.

Mum and Dad worked hard, they literally had nothing to give us except themselves. They were simply great parents and although we couldn’t afford the fancy holidays and the cars etc. I never remember being unhappy, we made our own fun.

Money while important in life has never been the driving force in my life. It is purely a means to an end.

I have made lots of money in the past and lost it. Looking back at this stage in life, I can honestly say, I was never so damned unhappy. I had no life. I worked and worked but what was the point? Loosing it left me with nothing at all... and I mean nothing.

Currently, I work hard and have gained some of what I had previously, but there is a balance in life that you have to make. Money is a means to an end in getting “what” you want, it certainly is NOT what life is about though. Loosing it all, it made me realise that I can make a life for myself and mine, that is better without having to worry about not making their lives better without me being in their lives..if that makes sense?

Money ISNT everything.... it is purely a means to an end.

Church on Tuesday

NSAman wrote: »

Was brought up in a poor family. Yep beans on toast for months on end as that was all we could afford.

Mum and Dad worked hard, they literally had nothing to give us except themselves. They were simply great parents and although we couldn’t afford the fancy holidays and the cars etc. I never remember being unhappy, we made our own fun.

Money while important in life has never been the driving force in my life. It is purely a means to an end.

I have made lots of money in the past and lost it. Looking back at this stage in life, I can honestly say, I was never so damned unhappy. I had no life. I worked and worked but what was the point? Loosing it left me with nothing at all... and I mean nothing.

Currently, I work hard and have gained some of what I had previously, but there is a balance in life that you have to make. Money is a means to an end in getting “what” you want, it certainly is NOT what life is about though. Loosing it all, it made me realise that I can make a life for myself and mine, that is better without having to worry about not making their lives better without me being in their lives..if that makes sense?

Money ISNT everything.... it is purely a means to an end.

It's not everything but it does make life that bit easier.

You don't have to have loads of it but you need a certain amount coming in to make life relatively smooth. Let's be honest here.

Happiness is, of course, the most important thing , so finding a balance to me is the most important thing in life.

B.A._Baracus

Only fools and horses episode:

Granddad: "Money isn't everything Del boy"
Del: "Yeah... But it takes the sting out of being poor"

ghost of ireland past

The problem is inappropriate expectations.

If you're poor and you know it and you don't expect more and everyone around you is in the same boat then it's no problem.

If, however, you live in a rich society and it seems like everyone else has so much more than you then it is a problem.

Even poor people can live better today than a king from 300 years ago. We should be happy with that.

gmisk

Thought this article might be of interest
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/money-can-buy-happiness-but-only-if-you-earn-optimal-amount-37847033.html
56-66k approx a year seems to be the optimum amount to earn per year

I grew up with not a tonne of money,I remember hiding from the coal man a few times!
But my parents worked extremely hard to give us a decent life, I think they taught us to be good with money but not tight.

I hate being in debt so not had any bar mortgage. But if I really want something I buy it. I make decent money now so like to treat myself especially with eating out and holidays, so I think I am somewhere in between. I have been working since I was 14 I think and 38 now.

IAMAMORON

Money can't buy you happiness but it can buy you shít that makes you happy.

I would rather be a rich moron than an unhappy poor one, moron that is.

ChikiChiki

I think that's a phrase to be aimed at those who base their own self worth and that of others primarily on what's in their bank account or what type of car they drive.

mr_fegelien

Tell that to the homeless people killing themselves cause of the housing crisis.

"Money isn't everything" my arse....

Hamsterchops

The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees
I need money
That's what I want......

Also...

Money makes the world go around, the world go around.

Leg End Reject

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

What I'm saying is that most people who say money isn't everything take for granted a certain basic level of comfort that many would struggle to attain.

I guess it's more a case of 'know your audience'. I wouldn't turn around to someone on minimum wage struggling to pay the bills and say 'money isn't everything' because tbh when you're really poor, just about everything is made easier with money. What I mean is that I don't think some people have ever been that poor to say something which is quite flippant.

It's a throw away phrase, like the previously mentioned "your health is your wealth". People with long term illnesses are unlikely to get offended by that.

You have previously mentioned that you have autism and I think you are taking this far too literally. But there's no point starting a thread if you think that only your experiences and opinions are valid.

Asitis2019

eviltwin wrote: »

I grew up quite poor and thought money would make me happy. Got one of those high paying celtic tiger jobs, lots of money, great lifestyle but it didn't make me happy. I ended up taking a much lower paying job which meant a smaller disposal income but I have things money can't buy, peace of mind, positivity and they are priceless. Sure I miss the regular holidays, nights out etc which now have to be budgeted for but the trade off is well worth it.

You touch on something here.

lainey_d_123

Leg End Reject wrote: »

It's a throw away phrase, like the previously mentioned "your health is your wealth". People with long term illnesses are unlikely to get offended by that.

You have previously mentioned that you have autism and I think you are taking this far too literally. But there's no point starting a thread if you think that only your experiences and opinions are valid.

I never said only my opinions were valid. How does that mean I can't challenge things I disagree with? I've agreed with some posters in part.

Galwayguy35

As someone else said it makes life a lot easier.

Leg End Reject

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

I never said only my opinions were valid. How does that mean I can't challenge things I disagree with? I've agreed with some posters in part.

You immediately dismiss anything that doesn't fit your narrative, to the point of being curt at times. I'll leave you to it and enjoy my Monday evening.

One eyed Jack

lainey_d_123 wrote: »

You're exactly the type of person I mean.

You say 'funding a lifestyle' as if the only way someone would be struggling if because they're buying cars on finance and going on 3 holidays a year.

There are a lot of people who are working their arses off and just barely managing to survive. They can't cut down on expenses because they're already at the bare minimum. The only option is to seek more money.

I don't think money is the solution to ALL problems, but I'm struggling to think of how it doesn't at least help most of them.

Lainey I like you, but you have an awful habit of making snap judgements about people you don't know from Adam! Taken from another thread -

One eyed Jack wrote: »

Having experienced homelessness in my late teens, even 20 years later I'm still anxious about the fact that I have a roof over my head as it's never felt like what people would call a home. I still get tense and only feel like I can relax when I'm talking to my friends nowadays who are homeless by choice. It's not as though I haven't offered them help, just that some people are genuinely more comfortable with that lifestyle. I knew I didn't want that life for myself, but if it were to happen again, nowadays I know I'd be ok having been inspired to work with homeless people and charities since and learned a fair bit in the last 20 years.

(still very proud of my "best dressed homeless person" title, it wasn't all misery and depression )

I say 'funding a lifestyle' because that's what it is, or isn't. If one is unable to fund their lifestyle, money isn't going to help them to fund their lifestyle, because it simply isn't sustainable. It was you who decided I could only be talking about people who buy cars on finance and take three holidays a year. The same principles apply no matter what a persons circumstances - money isn't everything and simply having more money only provides short term relief for an attitide which needs a longer term solution and some major adjjustment in perspective.

Perhaps then you might not be so quick to judge other people just because they don't share your perspective of how miserable your life would be without money.