Oh sadness

Jon Clements has published his last column with the Journal. He will be missed!

Amongst the clamor and clangor of what passes for personal financial journalism ("10 Secrets to Instant Wealth"), he consistently offered simple, sane, sober advice about how to save and grow money. More importantly, he illuminated the connection, or lack of connection, between money and happiness.

From his column, the three things that money can buy:

1. If you have money, you don't have to worry about it. This isn't guaranteed. There are lots of rich folks who agonize constantly -- and needlessly -- about their finances. Still, if you save diligently, you should reach the point where money worries are relatively rare.

2. Money can give you the freedom to pursue your passions. Ideally, you want to spend your days engaged in activities that you find absorbing and satisfying, that you feel you're good at -- and where you feel you're doing good.

3. Money can buy you time with friends and family. You don't just need a reason to get up in the morning. You also need somebody to come home to at night.