How Much Is Money Worth to You?

Everyone views money differently. Some people earn money to feed their family, while others splurge on things to feed their ego. Some people desire lavish possessions because they make them feel good, while others opt for luxurious brands because they look good. For some, savings provide peace of mind, while others always have money on their mind. How much is money worth to you?

Money comes at a cost — and it’s not cheap. Some people buy things until they drown in debt, while others are so fixated on money that they’ll do anything, and I mean anything, to acquire more of it. That includes stepping on people’s toes to get ahead, cheating people to make an extra buck, and even selling their soul to the devil. You have to ask yourself: Is it worth it?

The reality is that making ends meet has become more challenging today than ever before. People are exerting extra effort to provide for their families, ensure their kids are well-clothed, and secure a roof over their heads. In the past, a single earner could comfortably support a family, but even with two earners now, it’s challenging to make ends meet. In fact, according to the Household Pulse Survey conducted by the U.S. Census bureau, almost 40% of American adults report struggling to make ends meet each month — an increase from 34.4% in 2022 and 26.7% in 2021. That’s exasperating — to say the least.

What’s worth highlighting is that the actual amount you earn matters less for your financial well-being than how you manage your spending. In fact, wealthy people have money problems, too. Some affluent individuals ratchet up their spending to satisfy insatiable desires, only to find themselves in over their heads, drowning in debt. One might expect them to grasp the meaning of enough. Moreover, even if someone is prosperous today, there’s no assurance that they’ll enjoy the same level of comfort tomorrow.

Money Is Not Worth What You Think

Unless you hit the jackpot and win the lottery, earning money requires sacrifice — long hours, significant risks, overwhelming stress, time away from family, and a whole lot of hard work.

So, give this some thought…

It’s stressful to work tirelessly just to make ends meet. Yet, chasing a goal solely to satisfy your ego or keep up with others can also be stressful and unnerving.

That said, it’s important to keep things in perspective.

Although money can buy things, it can’t buy everything. For example, it can’t buy good health, well-adjusted kids, a clear conscience, a long life, a worry-free day, a close-knit family, a happy home, true love, or purpose in life. In other words, some of the best things in life are free.

Some people are poor because the only thing they have is money.

While the pursuit of success is often accompanied by the promise of happiness, the reality doesn’t always pan out. In fact, the journey can come with its own set of challenges, sacrifices, and pressures that may impact your overall well-being. So, be careful what you wish for. There is no right or wrong answer to this conundrum. Ultimately, it’s your call. But it’s worth noting that money should never become the cornerstone of your life, nor should it define you as a person. In other words, being obsessed with money is a high price to pay. How much is money worth to you?

Check out Frank’s new book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose