Christmas Reminder: Life is Not About Money

By Gary Silverman, CFP®

This is a holiday that brings us together and separates us at the same time. After all, while it is truly a time of year for family, some in the family may believe this is the celebration of God sending his Son, Jesus, to save them from their sins. Others will tell you that the Christmas story is a bunch of hooey, and those who believe in such things are at best naïve. Then there are those just looking forward to a bargain with after-Christmas sales.

Regardless of your beliefs, this is a special time of year. And even with all the commercialism, there is a warmth that seems to permeate this season. For me, I’d like to remind you that life is not about money.

It seems to be a popular belief that the rich have it made. They are enjoying life to its fullest, flitting to and fro in their jets or on their jet skis. Meanwhile, the poor huddled masses are cold, miserable, and feeling spent.

Some have the opposite idea. The rich are the miserable ones, and the poor have a homespun goodness about them with a purity that transcends their economic condition.

Hogwash.

I know many people who have so much money they will never have to worry about coming up short on their bills. I also know people who have so little money they can’t imagine not worrying where the next meal will come from. In both groups, there are the miserly and the miserable. And in both groups, there are the generous and content.

It’s not that money doesn’t make a difference. It certainly can. But it is not the only aspect that determines one’s perspective on life.

I am not insinuating you shouldn’t try to better your economic condition. But making more money should not be the top priority. God, family, health, friends, neighbors…aren’t they supposed to be priceless? Yet it is so easy for us (me included) to trade the priceless for a few more digits on the bank statement.

So instead, find a quiet moment this week and ask yourself if the way you seek, save, and use your money fits the priorities in your life. Is it controlling you or is it just a tool? And is that tool being used in a way that aligns with your priorities?

And while you’re at it, since it is Christmas, might I suggest asking if something is missing in your life. For me, it was that I needed a savior. And I found him in Jesus, the Christ.

Merry Christmas!