Ethos
I believe that learning to manage money well is not only materially but emotionally rewarding.
Getting out of debt removes a source of stress and guilt. Having money at the end of the month brings a sense of achievement and pride. Savings are liberating, with them comes the choice of spending on an indulgence or the peace of knowing they can be drawn on in an emergency.
After all money is only a tool to help us achieve other aims. By identifying those aims and clearing away the 'noise' of advertising, peer pressure, pester power etc, we can put our money to more effective use. The previously unattainable can be attained.