A lot of people look at financial websites and scoff, figuring we have nothing but dollar signs in our eyes. Is that scenario really the case? How do you feel about the thought of having more money than you need? Are you thrilled? Are you disgusted?

To me, the idea of accumulating more money than I need today means that I can do more and give more in the future. What about you? If you told someone, “My goal is to be wealthy,” do you have a reason? What would people think of your goal?

A lot of finance blogs talk about ways to cheat the system. I used to love to read a particular blog… then the author found a way to register for an online banking account multiple times with his same information. He thought he struck gold; every time he registered for a new account, he got a $50 gift card to his favorite store. Ideas like this, and it’s no wonder people scoff. At Aridni, we don’t believe in these strategies. If you want to make money, we think you should find a way that enriches people.

Todd and I grew up in a mining town. The city started off as an underground mining hayday. Then the mine owners found a way to extract minerals at less expense and more profit—strip mining. Strip mines continue to operate today, and the northern half of the town looks uglier than sin. I can barely stand to look to the north. Todd and I have seen what greed can do, how it can damage a society and stain our environment.

If you feel good about your money behaviors, then earning more money can enhance your feelings and spread a positive experience to others. Is it wrong to want to be a wealthy person? I don’t know—how are you getting that wealth?