Very interesting thoughts OP. I agree, most times I have heard that money isnt everything phrase its usually from those who are doing well or have done extremely well for themselves. While I agree with the phrase, having financial freedom totally impacts which side one sits on the applicability of the phrase. The fact one is rich and adopts the phrase is possible only because all the things that could be taken care of with money is no longer a worry. Whereas, for someone who isnt finanacially free, there is the issue of money as well as everyday problems like relationships, wellbeing, happiness etc.