Comparing money to happiness is a false equivalence. I would say the coloration to power as you note is close but I equate it more to energy. That energy is required to get you through live.

Most people trade time (work) for money (energy) then use the money first for basic essentials and after that many use some of the remaining money to do things they enjoy. The simple act of doing the things they enjoy, such as going to a football game most often results in happiness, thus many people associate money to happiness. This is also made very ease when let's say a famous football player with a very good salary has a miss fortune. The simple thinking is, look money does not bring happiness.

As such most humans simply see the outcomes and directly tie it to money.

I see money as energy and the more energy one has the more options are available. Life as well as the world is in a continuous state of entropy, as such it requires a minimal amount of energy to survive. Add to that we are caring creatures and we want to help our family and friends.

If you friend came home to the weekend after earning very little energy they may worry about next weeks basic needs, the lack of accomplishment or even question their ability to support themselves and family. This will directly have an effect on ones mood creating sadness while the inverse would make most feel happy. Again reinforcing the link between money and happiness.

As such I equate money directly to energy. The more energy I have the better options I can choose. Taking my sister and a close friend on a fishing trip that required a lot of energy had the outcome of happiness.

In my opinion your blog is close but the title is misleading and based on simple thinking. Consider how your writing would be if money were changed to energy.

Cheers