Money - well:
Our happiest times were when we were first setting up home, starting off with mainly second hand furniture (new double bed mind). Fitted carpets were out of the question, so had Marley tiled floors downstairs, lino in the bedrooms, along with a few scattered rugs. A bit like what everyone seems to be doing these days!
We lived from week to week, watching the pennies, but we managed, without the need to borrow money from anyone.
As time went on & after having two children, I went back to work climbing the ranks earning a large salary, company car & all the benefits in kind.
Yes, we're better off than we were financially (not rich by any means) & have a happy life with our extenended family, but we will never forget how we started out & are very proud to have achieved what we have done over the years.
On the other hand, we know of people who started out the same as us, but act as though they've always had money, bragging along the way. When deep down, we know they are not a happy as they could be!
What motivates me? Taking our beautiful, happy granchildren to the woods, park or swimming - the simpler things in life!