I know taht google likes to see 2% keyword density for each page and anything above is considered spam. What if I have non-keywords in excess of 2% does it matter?
It is not clear what you meant by "non-keywords". The best way to optimize is to use different combinations of keywords. Example: create wealth , wealth creation, make money
You should have quality content in which you require all keywords those you are going to target. but make sure it does not repeat again and again, you should use keywords in the combination with the different different words. as every search engines are free text, so they are going to read all your page content and as per they will be giving you results. repetation of same keywords in the content will called keyword stuffing, it won't be helpful any more.
Basically what I am saying is that I know you should not go over the 2% mark for keyword density if optimising for goog1e but what if you have words that you use that you do not identify as keywords by adding them to the keyword tag but them adding them to your content above the 2% mark could that still get you a penalty?
Forget the 2% and forget exact keyword density, its not important. What is important is good text written for the visitor. If you do that the important keywords will be included automaticly, but write your sentences so that your important keyword is written in the first sentence and maybe also in the last paragraph. After all keep it natural