Life is really about creating meaning. And meaning does not come from what you get, it comes from what you give. Ultimately, what you get will never make you happy long term. But who you become and what you contribute will.

In the end, money isn’t what we’re after . . . is it? What we’re really after are the feelings, the emotions, we think money can create: that feeling of empowerment, of freedom, of security, of helping those we love and those in need, of having a choice, and of feeling alive.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.… Your playing small does not serve the world.… As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” — MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

I said it before, but it’s worth repeating: most of today’s 401(k) plans allow you to simply “check a box,” and your contributions will receive the Roth tax treatment. This decision means you pay tax today, but you never pay tax again!

Arianna Huffington cites studies in her brilliant book Thrive that show how the act of giving actually improves your physical and mental health. One example I love in particular is the 2013 study from Britain’s University of Exeter Medical School that reveals how volunteering is associated with lower rates of depression, higher reports of well-being, and a 22% reduction in death rates! She also writes, “Volunteering at least once a week yields improvements to well-being tantamount to your salary increasing from $20,000 to $75,000!