Yes money is not everything, but it buys happiness. Whoever told you the opposite is absolutely wrong.
I'm not even sure who originally said that... covering basic needs is too important to be down-played... I suppose there's a point to where being wealthy can make one miserable if the outlook on wealth is one of selfishness :O
To the person that is too greedy to do anything for others and hoards wealth, money can be a cruel master... Luxury items and a huge bank account definately can be enslaving and not freeing... There are several stories about those giving up wealth to live in simplicity....
Sorry 4 talking 2 much.
Whoever gave up wealth to live in simplicity is a looser who didnt know how to manage his wealth. He could do a lot with it to change the life of thousands. And whoever says money is not important is another looser, who never looked for opportunities to become rich. He is just accepting his reality of being a looser :(