Good Stewards

As Christians, we're told to be good stewards of the resources we are given...obviously money is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of resources.

But what does that mean?? I ask that literally...seriously - please reply you answer. :)

I've been in knots with this concept over the years and and it seems the more I delve into Scripture, I find them contradicting each other. We're told to "save" multiple times in Proverbs (21:20; 6:6-8, to name a few), but then in Matthew, Jesus tells us to "not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (6:19-20).

So I guess my question is, where's the balance? I know our society tells us to "save,save,save" but it also screams to chase after:
1. making more money
2. building bigger houses
3. driving nicer cars
4. taking elaborate vacations
5. retiring nicely
And then once we attain those things, supposedly we have the American Dream.

But what freedom to let go of those things...to literally pray, "God - where do you want us? What do you want us to be doing?" After all, He created us with a purpose in mind.
The things promised for us in Heaven far outweigh what we can achieve here on earth. I was just discussing this with someone the other day, how our mansions are currently being created by the Father Himself...how unreal to one day soon see it for the first time and know it was tailor designed by the Maker.
Doesn't that just bring JOY?!

So I guess when Jason and I have discussed the notion of "saving" through this lens, also knowing that we're not promised tomorrow, and that God has work that needs to be accomplished now, it just seems silly to us to save sometimes?
Our inheritance is already in Heaven, so saving for retirement seems odd because, well, retirement on earth seems odd...saving for our kids to go to college even seems odd because what if God has different plans for them, and that money could be better spent now?
I guess my point is, if we save, it implies we think we're going to be around for a long time...as if we know. Now I do think saving to buy a car, for instance, so you can pay in cash and owe nothing is a whole different story. But saving for these arbitrary, years down the road things is what has me puzzled. And I'm not saying I'm right by any means, either with this thinking...it just all has me thinking.
I listened to a sermon once by my old pastor from California where he talked about how to be wise with making money. He was speaking to a fairly wealthy population in Orange County, and challenged them to be shrewd in making money - to get good at it. And then give it all away. Make more to give more. He talked about how we often make more to live more lavishly, and challenged us with what it might look like if the good money-makers only lived off what they needed (which I understand is relative - sometimes I think my house is small, but in the grand scheme of it, I know it's even more than I need).
Anyway, the best question I've been able to ask myself that brings the most clarity on this subject is, "Does what I'm about to spend further the Kingdom, or does it further me?" I fail at this question constantly. But it's a good check for me.
Anyway, this post is jumbled and might not even make a lot of sense but thought I'd throw this out here. Would love your conclusions/thoughts n these issues!