From the Mouth of Babes: What My 11-Year-Old Taught Me About Money and Happiness

An honest conversation with my 11-year-old son reminded me that money isn't the only measure of a rich life. Learn how to redefine abundance, align your priorities, and create a life that feels meaningful.

What My Son Taught Me About Money

This morning, I decided to do something different.

Instead of asking myself what to write about, I asked my 11-year-old son what he thought adults struggle with most.

Without hesitation he answered:

"Money."

I laughed.

Then I asked him why.

His answer stopped me in my tracks.

He said he watches his dad and me work hard to take care of our family of five. He sees me picking up shifts at my brother's restaurant, Bernie's BlueLine BBQ, because "gotta make more to do more."

He wasn't criticizing us.

He was simply observing.

And children have an incredible way of holding up mirrors.

When More Isn't Always Better

As our conversation continued, he told me what actually makes him happiest.

Running through summer rain.

Swimming in our above-ground pool.

Ice pops.

BBQs with family and friends.

Being together.

It reminded me that while money certainly matters, it isn't the only thing that creates a rich life.

The Pressure to Keep Up

Our culture constantly tells us that happiness lives in "more."

More money.

More success.

More things.

But what if "more" isn't always the goal?

What if alignment is?

Redefining Rich

As an intuitive life coach, I don't believe money is bad.

Quite the opposite.

Money is a beautiful resource that creates freedom, opportunities, and generosity.

The question becomes:

Why do you want more?

Is it rooted in love?

Freedom?

Security?

Or comparison?

Those answers matter.

A Reminder From an 11-Year-Old

Children have a way of simplifying what adults tend to complicate.

Sometimes the richest life isn't measured by what's in your bank account.

Sometimes it's measured by who is sitting around your table.

Reflection Questions

• What does "rich" mean to you?

• Are you building a life that feels aligned or simply trying to keep up?

• What ordinary moments already make your life feel abundant?

• If you made more money tomorrow, what would it truly allow you to experience?

Maybe the goal isn't simply making more.

Maybe it's appreciating more.

And maybe... those two things can beautifully coexist.