MONEY and SUCCESS ...

 We frequently think of SUCCESS in terms of having a lot of MONEY, don't we? 

This past year, my wife and I have been leading a group of people in our community through a money management program. 

(Side note: We also have managed to hang wall paper together without getting into a heated argument, but that's another story!) 

Through the course, we've been challenged to re-examine areas of our own financial priorities, spending options and how we make financial decisions. 

In preparing for the program, I came across a report entitled, “Financial harmony: A key component of successful marriage relationship”, by Washburn and Christensen. In it, the authors include the following citation:  

The economic status of the couple does not seem to make a difference in most relationships. Having a lot of money is not a guarantee that finances will NOT be an issue, nor does living in poverty. However, the discussion and managing of the money will make the difference in the relationships (Goldsmith 2006).

Isn't that so much like what we see around us? It reminded me of the quip, 

"Rich or poor, it's nice to have money!" 

In my opinion, the amount of money coming in is not as important as the amount of money that remains after paying all of the bills. Cash flow is critical to keeping the 'wolves' away from the door.  As has been said before, 

“When your OUTFLOW exceeds your INFLOW your UPKEEP becomes your DOWNFALL."

HOWEVER - What is MOST IMPORTANT ... is NOT how much you HAVE ...
... but what you've BECOME, in getting what you have.

What are your comments on the relationship between MONEY and SUCCESS?