I can definitely see that point of view at a certain amount of wealth however I see its primary function as security and stability. It really does buy peace of mind when you know that no one is going to take your shelter away, your car isn't going to break down in the middle of the night, you can keep the heat on, and you'll be able to stay afloat in an emergency.

Other than these reasons (which should be considered basic, but I am aware they are not), I don't think I'll ever need money more than that.

To me, money is what you use to buy food, shelter, transportation, pay bills. If you can afford more than that, you are golden (in my book).

If you have that, and you still have savings, what's the difference between you and a billionaire ? All the rich people I know (I don't know many) are deeply unhappy. So, I know for a fact it doesn't buy happiness directly.

I live frugally, well below my means (except that I take vacations sometimes), and have a huge safety net; also, I never discuss my finances and I don't like to form opinions about someone based solely on (or heavily influenced by) their money. I cannot see the joy of having things as a status symbol, it just doesn't make sense to me.

People that buy things primarily to show to others that they can afford them, just screams self-worth issues to me. I guess it depends on the way you value yourself.