What role does money play in your life?

That is a tough as well as interesting question.

I was half joking and half serious in my answer to Hien Anh Nguyen's question "Strategy meeting at home? Should or should not?" I think that in a marriage all of the money issues should be discussed upfront and each person should remain in control of their own money. It can get out of hand, unintentionally, if everything is co-mingled. It can create difficult situations. It can be very difficult if the two people are not aligned as one could say they have a "need" and the other may see it as purely a "want".

My relationship with a person should not be about money. it should be about me as an individual. Any money I may spend with or give to that person has to be entirely my decision so I can respect my self. So in some ways it is up to the other person. If they say they need money and you say no, if they respect you they will still be your friend, regardless. If they say they won't be your friend anymore than they were not much of a friend.

The one thing i have learned in my life is that when I was younger I dreamed of a big house and fancy car, which I have had. What I realize now is that I just want very basic things - a nice house but one that is easy to maintain and is very affordable, and a car that consumes very little of my income but is dependable. This way I have more free time (i.e. less time maintaining a house) and worry less about money.

By the way, I really really need a Mercedes Benz, can I borrow some money from you? ^_^

PS - Janis Joplin had a song that made fun of "needs" called Mercedes Benz. A portion of the Lyrics is:

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,
So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz ?