Recently a friend said he needed to get $XXX.XX spending money for the day.  I was struck by the thought, gosh, that would last me a week.  A few days later, a lady indicated the same amount lasts her a month.  Interestingly, we all live within ten miles of each other.  How different our lives must be!  As I grow older I am more aware of just how much money it costs me to maintain my lifestyle.  I also wonder from the "outside looking in" how others relate to money buying lifestyle.  I've known wealthy people who have been extremely happy and others who were miserable every moment of their lives.  I've also known people who did not have enough money to last until the next Social Security check arrives.  They seemed to have a quiet dignity about them, wanting to be sure they meet their financial obligations while putting great thought into stretching the last penney for one more day. I'm somewhere in-between.  I try to provide for the future but also enjoy the moment.  This balance is getting more challenging to maintain in our current economic environment, but if I have a choice - and of course I do - I choose to live with dignity and responsibility.