How important is money to you?

I'm retired, so am living on a fixed income. Fortunately, it is sufficient, and I don't want for very much. I'm not wealthy, but I have what I need and a little to spare for the occasional lunch with a friend or a trip to the mall.

Before I retired, money was more important in some ways than it is now. How much I was paid was a reflection of what the company thought I was worth, so the more, the better and it was never enough. I think we all think that: the work we do is worth much more than the cheapskate boss is paying us - so money is more of a yardstick than anything tangible. If we can pay our bills and have a few luxuries, then anything left over is never enough when we think of what we really should be getting paid.

But, I'm no longer living 9 - 5. I sleep when I want, wake when I want, eat when I want, play when I want... and as long as I have enough income to allow for that, I am content.

So, I can't complain.

Being a teacher, I am on a 'fixed income' meaning I haven't had a raise in the last three or four years and will expect no windfall salary increase etc. for my whole carreer. No bonus, just a fixed income. I must admit, which I don't really tell people, I do have a trust fund as well, which is not a huge windfall of money, but a small steady allowance which helps pay my mortage each month.. doesn't come close to the payment, but helps.

I am not complaining, I actually like the expected and structure. There is no feast or famine with my income as it is consisternt. It allows my family to plan and enjoy. My hubby is a chiropractor, so his income varies depending on insurance payments etc. We aren't rich but we are comfortable and have no credit card debt. If we want something, we save up for it and proceed with caution on many things. My hubby is a research freak, so before big purchases he reads all the consumer reports and things.... me, I just indulge in a purse now and then. Since I work with a low socio-economic district, I tend to dress in less expensive things and play down my income... don't want to be pretentious!

I think the real question to ask is are 'things' important to you vs. money. I see people get into problems when they want things.... just gotta have that purse or new cell phone etc. The love of things is what can make or break that happiness of one's view of life.

I voted can't complain, but I am actually ok and satisfied with my place...

E

I try not to get on the "but you must earn more" merry-go-round. I can't complain.

I wish I had enough for medical bills so I could get a new used car, but that's a pipe dream as is...

I like money because, without it, I can't get myself and my kids the stuff we need and want. I didn't make a boatload of money, but I'm doing okay, in spite of the fact that I lost my job in September. Like Holly, I don't have a lot to complain about because I know that it could be a helluva lot worse. :)

Money is very important to me because it means security. I want to be able to care for my family (parents, sister, brother, husband, grandma, future kids). I am up at night worrying that it isn't enough or what if something happens to me?

I make my primary income as a ballet dancer (what if I trip and cannot work?), I work evenings at a funeral home doing paperwork, and I teach ballet lessons to little ones any time I am free. I just want to be able to rest without guilt or worry.

I don't want things...I want peace of mind.

Talk about a perfect curve, the poll, after I cast my vote, was 9-27-27-27-9 with 0% for other. I guess almost everybody feels like they're underpaid, but I really am! No, really, I'm not kidding!