My stepfather always told me to make money, don't let money make me. Growing up “Struggling Class”, I didn't appreciate how easy it is to fall into the trap of chasing money.

My husband and I made a very comfortable living, but the opportunity to make more money had me chasing a nightmare of a life. Nice fancy vacations...that I worked through. Phone calls, that I had to take...during kids functions, hospital stays, family hours, movie nights, church...through my life. I told myself that I was doing it to give us a better life. But it wasn't. I was selling my free time, my life, my children's and husband's time with me for a salary.

I never got to see my daughter dance.

I will always remember that I was driving parts from a supplier to my company as my daughter danced ballet. And I never got to see her perform.

It is only because I was let go from a company that I had given precedent over my life and my family's life, that I realized what my Pop meant. I sold my priceless time for a few dollars more. Only until you are afraid you will spend your last moments with someone will you realize those extra dollars mean nothing. You can't buy back memories, time, or people. Time goes on. Life goes on...and no amount of money will ever replace that. Savor the times. Believe me, you'll never regret that...