The Miami Herald Balancing Act column.

Publication: The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2004 The Miami Herald

Byline: Cindy Krischer Goodman

Nov. 24--TIME TOPS MONEY: Not long ago my husband would thrill our toddlers on his return home from a business trip with a Buzz Lightyear figure or Barbie doll. Somehow the toy would make them forget dad had been away.

Now that the kids are a few years older, they're less interested in what cool toy emerges from his suitcase. Their bigger concern is whether he's going to miss their basketball playoff or soccer game.

When it comes to our families, we often find ourselves in a clash between time and money. Too often, money wins, because we've become used to tossing dollars at problems, assuming it will relieve our guilt and buy the fulfillment we're seeking. Sometimes we even do it unconsciously.

Yet ask your spouse or child their take on it: Time tops money any day.

"If you are truly a...

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