The best experiences in my life could not be produced with money.
I consider some of my 'happiest' years my first two in college. I wanted a lot of stuff...but I had very little money, just enough for shelter and food - this is before I became a heavy drinker, in fact - I didn't drink very often. Looking back - I was really happy with all life (I just read some letters from that time when I was packing boxes away). Those two years were the 'leanest' I have ever gone through - and they were great.