Most of us fantasize about luxury cars, designer clothes and having the best things wherever and whenever we want it. For those who grew up with little, you work your life away making ends meet or striving to be financially successful. Some of us solely choose our majors based on competitive starting salaries and convenience. Don't get me wrong, I love to have nice things and spend money on what I please, but I have learned over the course of this past year that embracing life regardless of your means is honestly where the money is!

Being a senior in college, I constantly stress over bills, groceries, gas or even landing a successful job right out of school. I don't go a day without thinking about the money in my account or when I will get paid. I have always lived life barely scraping by--money dictating my life and altering my emotions.

This isn't a healthy way to live. Living life based off the money in your wallet results to weakness and insecurities. Yes, money is needed to survive in this world but make sure it doesn't buy your happiness.

"When you approach money in the context of how it will help you sustain your life over the long term, you quickly realize that the purpose of money isn’t to buy everything you want, but rather is to help you live a life that provides you the opportunities you want to experience while also enabling you to enjoy your life at all times, instead of just in the moment," says Taylor from ImagineYourReality.

Do you use money to satisfy temporary needs or produce long-term happiness?

Some of the best moments of my life were memories created with little to no money invested. You have to embrace the finer things...friends, family, culture and the outdoors.

Many have said that the richest people in the world are some of the most depressed and empty individuals you will ever meet. Just appreciate what has been given to you in this world--the resources, the relationships, the freedom. A responsible financial lifestyle will allow you to embrace your surroundings. By changing your mindset about finances, there are no limitations to satisfaction.

Let money have a means to an end and do not get caught up in the societal ways and the greed. It may be fun for now, but what will come of it once it's over?

Invest your money in a lifetime of good people, food and experiences.