I think that the people who say this either never had money or always had money.
To an extent, I agree. The things in life that matter most - your family and friends - should be the base of your happiness. But to say that money can't contribute or be a detriment to your happiness is complete hogwash. Ask anyone who went through the process of becoming debt free and how it feels to have that weight lifted off their shoulders. Or how about someone like me, who grew up in a house falling apart around them, who knows what it is like to go without electricity for a week (b/c you couldn't afford it), or knows how embarrassing it is to have your grass grow a foot high because buying food was more important than fixing the lawn mower. I was still rather happy growing up, don't get me wrong. However, I was too anxious about how we were going to afford food, electricity, clothing and running water. Money can absolutely buy a certain amount of happiness.
Which brings me back to the name of my blog. I am known for pulling random thoughts out of my head that are completely unrelated to whatever topic is at hand. I just woke up this morning realizing that I am a perfectly good example of the American dream. First, let me elaborate on the "American Dream". To me, this means that anyone, no matter their race, culture, or religion has the possibility to better themselves financially. None of us are stuck being poor or stuck being rich. There is not a line drawn in the sand that I was unable to cross. We live in a land where with enough hard work and maybe even a little suffering, we all have the potential for achievement.
I don't live today worried about if I am going to be able to afford the necessities of life. I knew from an early age that I never wanted to live that way again. We live in a country where it was completely possible for me to not just dream, but make it a reality that I will be able to provide more for my kids than my parent's where able to afford for me. There is such a sense of satisfaction in that....a weight that I (hopefully) will never have to burden. Knowing that my financial security is sound absolutely makes me happy!