Fifteen Things Money Has Never Done for Me

As I've mentioned many times before, I don't get all that excited about being on the receiving end of money. Oh I used to, but I have since outgrown that tendency.

When I was growing up in a poor family and had very little of it, I imagined that money was magic – that it could buy almost anything. I just knew that one day, when I grew up and became gainfully employed, I would begin to reap of all of its benefits. I became disillusioned with it when I eventually discovered that there were certain things that money couldn't buy. I had never dreamed that money had so many limitations.

At that point, I stopped being too impressed with it. Don't get me wrong, I realize that, as a practical matter, money is something we all must have in order to buy the things we need on a daily basis. That's why I go to work everyday. And I have no desire to be poor again.

However, I still chuckle when I see people on TV game shows practically doing cartwheels and back flips over winning as little as $50. Sometimes it makes me wonder what it's doing for them that it has not been able to do for me. Anyway, below I have listed fifteen things that money has never done for me.

1) Caused someone to like me.

2) Brought me any prestige or respect.

3) Made me a big shot.

4) Made me rich or famous.

5) Made me any wiser or more intelligent.

6) Made me more mature.

7) Made me healthier.

8) Helped me have more fun.

9) Made me happier.

10) Made me a better Christian.

11) Made me better looking.

12) Allowed me to feel more relaxed.

13) Given me a guarantee of a longer life.

14) Stopped or slowed my aging process.

►Reprint Rights◄

Log in to become a member of Terry Mitchell's Fan Club!

Comments on this article:

» left by Jeff Brown ^(10,539)
Jeff Brown (166 days 15 hours ago.)

Terry,

 

Except for numbers 5, 6, 10, 13 and 14 money does all that . . . and more. Unfortunately, money gets a bad rap. Money has certainly made me happier, healthier, more popular, interesting, valuable, mobile, independent, less dependent on gov. and family for current and retirement needs, makes me more relaxed, certainly has made me better looking (money affords better health care and health maintenance--my rich buddies are all trim and tan, healthy, wealthy, and, believe it or not, wise) and so forth .

 

It's not the money but the person and what he / she does with the money that makes the man / woman. I love money, I'm going to get a lot more, and I plan to help lots of people help themselves through adding value to their lives and the lives of all they touch.

 

Here's some stats for what the lack of money does. If you pared down the current population of those retiring at 65 to 100 people, this is what it would look like: 26 dead, 51 relying on the government for more than 50% of their retirement money, 17 relying on family for the majority of the money, 6 are financially independent. And why people need to think about creating more wealth.

 

Just a few thoughts.

Respond to this comment

» left by Terry Mitchell ^(5,310)
Terry Mitchell (166 days 1 hour ago.)

Jeff, I agree with much of what you said. And I already pointed out the fact I'd rather have money and than to not have it, so I don't think we have any real disagreement here. Although I have never been rich and never will be, I can appreciate the sentiments of the person who once said, "I've been poor and I've been rich -- and I'd rather be rich."

 

However, I'm an idealist (in case you haven't already figured that out). When people or things don't live up to ALL of my expectations, I tend to become disillusioned with them. I had expected (foolishly, of course) that money was going to bring me everything on the list that I provided in the article. When it didn't, my opinion of it became greatly diminished.

Respond to this comment

» left by Jeff Brown ^(10,539)
Jeff Brown (165 days 22 hours ago.)

I understand entirely. But I'll leave with one statement made by the great motivator Zig Ziglar. "Money isn't everything but it's a close second to oxygen." Have a great weekend.
Respond to this comment

» left by Terry Mitchell ^(5,310)
Terry Mitchell (165 days 22 hours ago.)

Jeff, you have a great weekend too. Thanks for your input.

Respond to this comment

» left by Brianna Popsickle ^(1,775)
Brianna Popsickle (166 days 12 hours ago.)

I guess it depends how much money you have and what type of person you are, but I would have to agree with Jeff. I think money goes a long way in helping you have more fun, simply because you can afford to do more things. As far as money making you a better Christian, with more money at your disposal you have the opportunity to help more people, which in turn should make you happier. Health care and gym memberships require money, and that at least puts you in a position of having an opportunity at better health. As for being a 'big shot', that is a state of mind. 'Big shots' are only big in their own mind. So I'm happy your money has not made you that Terry. In the end, I agree, money can't buy you happiness, which is the point I think you were trying to make. There are a lot of unhappy rich people, but there are also alot of unhappy poor people. Which would you rather be?

Respond to this comment

» left by Terry Mitchell ^(5,310)
Terry Mitchell (166 days 1 hour ago.)

Brianna, thanks for reading and offering your comments. See my response to Jeff above.

Respond to this comment

» left by David Tanguay ^(9,620)
David Tanguay (165 days 14 hours ago.)

One of the old Beetles songs, (lyrics) "I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love" good article

Respond to this comment

» left by Terry Mitchell ^(5,310)
Terry Mitchell (165 days 10 hours ago.)

Yeah, David, it does seem that great minds think alike. :-)  Thanks for reading and commenting

Respond to this comment

» left by David Pekrul ^(3,692)
David Pekrul (149 days 9 hours ago.)

12) Allowed me to feel more relaxed.

I think money could help me in this area. I'm supposed to be retired, but now am working full-time again. I love my new job, but I would rather relax and travel, and not have to worry about making my budget each month.

Respond to this comment

» left by Terry Mitchell ^(5,310)
Terry Mitchell (149 days 2 hours ago.)

David, in that sense, you are right. Wouldn't we all like to have some relief in that area?

Respond to this comment