I could buy a larger house where my wife's health issues could be much more easily accommodated, and we would have more space for our work and recreation.

When my parents are older, I could afford to give them ways to stay in their homes. I wish I could have done it for my grandparents.

Emergencies, like car repairs, medical bills, or college needs wouldn't be the budget busters they are now.

My wife wouldn't be worried about her job carrying four people.

We wouldn't have to worry about our own old age.

Travel would be easier. We could visit our Midwestern relatives often, instead of just once a year. We could afford to fly my parents and other elderly relatives out to visit us, first class in comfort. That's assuming I'm nowhere near the "private jet" class of rich.

We could go to a lot of places we haven't been to yet, and do it in style and ease.

Yes, more wealth would make our lives easier, more stress-free, more comfortable, and open up more options. I can't think of anyone I know that this wouldn't be true of.

The simple life can be lived by someone with lots of money if that's what makes them happy. It doesn't work the other way around.