Why do most people put materialism before other things?

It's usually inaccurate to generalize about "most" people, and your question is based on an unproven presumption. 

Most people, ...where? 

One would need to speak for more than half of humanity to make this claim credibly, I don't think you (or I) can. 

Conversely, I am sure that MOST parents would put their children's welfare before any material matters. 

Because moneyyy

I agree with Z about your generalization. Most people I know do lots of things to help others. They volunteer, or donate money. Most have much nicer homes than what I grew up in.

Even I have a comfortable life. I have a nice home in a nice neighborhood. I get to do some traveling. I have a new RV. If you don't know me you might think I am materialistic. What you can't see if you don't know me, is the money I have donated to different charities. Or the time I spent last year after hurricane Matthew going around cleaning the debris from yards of senior citizens who couldn't do it themselves. I am not saying this for recognition, but just to prove you don't know what most people are like.

I use to make pretty good money back in 80s but it was me me me in better off today by volunteering and helping others no i dont make big money but i feel better

Hello Megan! This is indeed the sad reality and people are yet to realise that material thing will not follow them to their graves! However, it’s going to be tough to change the condition of present day societies, but it’s certainly not impossible! It’s all about leading by example I suppose!?

Not most but too many. In the end you may have the most toys but when you leave this world you leave as you came in, naked.

Some people gauge success by "trophies" they posses. (Type of cars, latest technology, beautiful house)

Some people gauge success by intangible things. (Close Family, community interaction and recognition)

The trophies sometimes convey "status" of importance, but mostly to like minded individuals . . . You tend to seek out THAT which establishes yourself amongst your peers in pursuit of acceptance.

Sounds odd, but people who seek out the intangible things are doing the same thing . . . The peers you consider to be friends or a community you feel you need validation in, are judging you based on a similar criteria.

Lemmings will be lemmings . . . .

Try and stand out . . . Have very few friends, and do not give a care to what they think of you.