There's an interesting theme developing here. I immediately think of Nora's article on vision boards: http://www.wisebread.com/vision-boards-dream-big-play-with-pictures-and-...

It really points up that financial goals are not just numbers. Any number is a moving target, and the cost of living you might pay for that high salary can be surprising. Along with savings and investing goals, we need ideas for what we want out of life. I wasn't lying when I said my lifestyle is not lavish, even though the income is rather large. But I am very happy with what I have, six-year-old computer and all. I'm getting paid to do the only thing I've ever really done well, I have a wonderful family, and occasionally some new toys or neat experiences to build memories. It doesn't get better than that.

Then there's  Phillip's post: http://www.wisebread.com/you-can-be-as-happy-as-a-dane

The connection for me is that the misery of poverty isn't really about the number on your bank statement. It's the anxiety of not knowing if you have enough to get through the week, or getting a lot of calls from bill collectors, or the catastrophe of a major health problem with no health insurance, or just plain unfair things happening to you because you don't have any money or any credit.

Catherine Shaffer

Wise Bread Contributor