Money As A Tool, Not The Goal: A New Perspective

📸 In my hometown - in France - for my 37th birthday!

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: MONEY 💰

When I was younger, before I started working and even for a few years into my career, I wanted to make BIG money. I had no idea how, but it wasn’t really the money I wanted—it was what money could get me. I dreamed of the Ferrari, the big house, the luxury vacations, the latest fancy tech… basically, being able to afford anything I wanted. Why? Because it seemed cool, and let’s be honest, it would’ve made me look cool too 😎.

That’s the honest answer.

But, like I said, I had no clue how to get that money. I didn’t come from a financially wealthy family. No one in my circle was making big money. I just assumed I could get there by being a good student, landing a decent job, and eventually climbing the corporate ladder to a high-paying role.

Does that sound familiar? I doubt I’m the only one who thought this way.

Then life happened. My wife and I were expecting a baby, but things didn’t turn out the way we hoped. Loss. Grief. Reality check. Soon after, we moved to Miami, and as I’ve shared in a previous post, that move led to healing, growth, and profound change.

During that phase, I questioned so many things, including why I wanted money and, more importantly, why I wanted the possessions that money could buy. If I’m being honest, it was for external validation. Going through those life-changing experiences helped me realize what was truly important and how I wanted to live moving forward.

I became less attached to material possessions and money. I realized I didn’t need those things to be happy, and they weren’t what really mattered in life.

Don’t get me wrong—I still want money. I’d rather have more than less. But I’m no longer obsessed with it because I know it won’t solve life’s deeper problems. It won’t significantly boost my happiness either.

Now, I see money as:

• 🏡 a tool to make life more comfortable

• ⏳ a tool to buy me time to focus on things that truly matter

• 🦅 a tool to gain more freedom

• 🌍 a tool to create unforgettable experiences and memories

My “why” has completely shifted. I still want to experience driving a Ferrari on a track, but I no longer need to own one to show off.

I also have a much better understanding of how to make money. My original “plan” (if you could even call it that) would’ve never gotten me to the wealth I dreamed of.

In today’s capitalist world, to earn big, you need to be in charge of your own destiny. You have to rise higher in the pyramid. And if you don’t want to wait until you’re 60 to get there, you’re better off focusing on building your own pyramid. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I’m learning, trying, and optimistic that I’ll get there. It’s up to me.

At the same time, I don’t want to delay living. I refuse to sacrifice my best years—when I’m still healthy and able to do things—just to “make it” someday. Too many people sacrifice their lives from ages 25 to 60, hoping they can enjoy life later. But nothing is guaranteed. I’ve seen people’s expectations crushed after 60, leaving them unable to experience what they dreamed about.

I can’t tell you how many times people nearing the end of their lives have told me, “You’re right. Enjoy it now. I wish I had done the same at your age.”

I’m sure you’ve heard something similar. But are you actually listening? Are you doing something about it? Or do you think, “That won’t happen to me; I’ll be fine”? If that’s the case, I urge you to sit down, be honest with yourself, and ask whether the 70-year-old you will be happy with the life you’re living now.

Yes, money is necessary for all of us. Some want a little, others want a lot. There’s no right or wrong answer. But the real question is: why do you want the money? How much of your life are you sacrificing to get it? And are those sacrifices truly worth it?

You can call me a fool, an idealist, or naive. That’s fine. Call me whatever you want. I’m at peace with the decisions I’ve made 🙏