4 of 31

Write now Article Tools

I can't help but wonder how high the rating bar would go if Drew Carey were to ask what percentage of Americans consider themselves a money junky on "The Power of Ten". Probably not as high as it would if those same Americans were asked how many considered themselves to have a money junky in their circle of life. Most people don't want to admit that, when you get right down to it, money is the only thing that matters.

I truly don't consider myself a money junky. Actually, I fall more into Jeff Foxworthy's definition of a Redneck. I am a redneck woman-there's no might-be to it. I live in a trailer and there's duct tape on the seat of my car. I buy most of my clothing and household furnishings at garage sales. No, I'm definitely not a money junky.

I do have money junkies in my circle of life, however. I have a sister-in-law who'd rather work eighty-five hours a week in a management position than stay home with her two sons. Her goal is a half million dollar home, even though the boys will both be gone before her dream becomes a reality.

I have a cousin who thinks it's a disgrace to live in anything less than an upper-class neighborhood or to drive a car that isn't a new Caddy or Lincoln-and let's not forget Carrie on "The King of Queens" who loved expensive name-brand clothes and the idea of moving to Manhattan, where everyone who was anybody lived. She wanted that-and fine clothes-more than she wanted a baby or two. While Carrie's character is fictional, the American women she represents are not.

How many women (and men) have said, "The next time I marry, it will be for money!" Oh, sure, they laugh when they say it-but there's always a shred of truth to all teasing. It's easier to land a good catch if you're loaded. How many celebs stay in miserable relationships because they don't want to let go of the money or pay a lot of alimony?

Deep down inside most is the desire to have a house like Oprah's, a wardrobe like Paris Hilton's, a brand new Lamborghini in our drive-way and a rock the size of the Hope Diamond. Even though I'm a Redneck and proud of it, I wouldn't turn down the key to a mansion or Paris Hilton's hand-me-downs-if I could fit into them, that is.

Let's admit it, we all have a little money junky in us. And that's okay, harmless really-until money becomes the only thing that really matters in life. When the love of money and fine things becomes more important to us than the people in our lives and their emotional needs, we're headed for disaster.

Learn more about this author, Sheila-Ann Bender.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Money junkies: When money is the only thing that matters?
We want to hear your view. Write now!