Think they were implying that the security and happiness are not guaranteed by money, sometimes it's the opposite. I don't think you made a charitable interpretation of their statements.
There's a continuing destruction of social safety nets in America, and it appears ensuring you have enough money is the only way to even hope to provide your family with security. I'm not upset about the amount of wealth I have. I'm upset with the amount of wealth I need to make sure my parents are taken care of.