Meaning of money, to me

By 401(K) 2013

Money IMO is about obtaining freedom to do what you want (for some, these activities may resemble "work") and spending quality time with friends and family.  We sometimes need to buy things to do those enjoyable activities but sometimes shopping for those items  (cars, gadgets, etc.) can be time-consuming and be counter to the goal of spending time with family and friends.  When I say shopping, I mean comparing, analyzing and evaluating among other things. 

Also setting up gadgets can be time-consuming although one can argue shopping for and setting up or maintaining (waxing car, etc.) is part of the enjoyment.  We just have to ensure that we are able to give the gift of ourselves (our time) to our loved ones, perhaps in addition to any physical gifts. 

Money shouldn't be about buying for status especially when the products don't fit one's needs or vastly exceeds those needs.  I feel we need to live with a feeling of scarcity and restraint in mind because it helps us leave something for our future selves (saving for a rainy day), our less fortunate neighbors, and/or future generations.

UPDATE:  This DNTO episode talks about what happens to people when they win the lottery.  Some people feel empty, don't feel they deserve it.  There is a power imbalance with previous relationships.  Whatever the state of a person, it is exaggerated by a lottery win.  E.g. if someone is anxious, suddenly having money doesn't fix that but instead aggravates it since the person now needs to worry about all the people that may treat them differently.  The Current also discussed this situation, Sudden Wealth Syndrome.