People first, then money, then things.

Orman’s maxim compresses a personal-finance ethic into a hierarchy of values: relationships and human well-being come first, financial security second, and material possessions last. Read this way, money is framed as a tool in service of people rather than a substitute for care, time, or integrity. The line also critiques consumerism: “things” are the most expendable category, and prioritizing them can distort both budgets and lives. In practical terms, it encourages spending and saving choices that protect family stability, health, and dignity before discretionary consumption—while still acknowledging that money matters because it enables safety and options.