Lack of money means lack of choices.

Negative money (debt) means choices forced upon you.

My neighbour is financially independent. I don't know how much money he has, but he certainly doesn't have a job. I know he used to own a business as he still has some branded material around the house.

He is midway through a meteorology degree, of all things. He wants to learn how the weather works.

That's what having money brings you.