Glad to be back at it today after a good mental break yesterday. You know something? Fish will do that for you.
You: You went fishing?
Sort of. I went to look at fish. Also saw some penguins, sharks, and giant sea turtles. I visited the New England Aquarium with my wife and two daughters. Total cost outside of gas in a high mileage car: $0.
You: How did you do that?
Simple, my tickets were free because we’re become a family that is fiscally responsible, not cheap. We buy local memberships.
You: Okay, but free parking in Boston?
That’s easy too. Just make sure you’re saving money while you’re spending it. Sure it takes a little effort, but if you’re willing to drive around the block a few times and walk a quarter-mile, you shouldn’t have to pay parking in Boston on a Sunday morning.
Later on yesterday afternoon, we went to a playground that my eldest called “HUGE!”
You: And that cost – ?
Nothing, of course. It’s a playground.
You: So did you spend any money in Boston?
Sure, we had a great lunch at an authentic local eatery – the kind of food we haven’t yet been able to find where we live in New Hampshire.
You: You realize that you could have brought food with you and ate it at the playground.
I know that.
You: So why didn’t you?
Because the point of the day was NOT to spend NO money. The point, financially speaking, is to spend only on the things I value. I do not value parking. I do not value paying more for admission tickets than I have to. I do not value overpriced museum hamburgers. But a good meal I can’t get at home? Totally worth it.
Living Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck has always been and always will be about balance.
Tags: balance in life, spend on things you enjoy, unnecessary spending
Sounds like a fun and relaxing Sunday for your family!
I agree with you. You won’t find me paying for silly things I can get for free such as parking, a newspaper, or water…
But I will spend money on food…we like to eat!
@Grant: Thanks for the comment. Isn’t it funny? One of the things I do enjoy spending money on IS a newspaper. I get two to my house everyday. Of course, you won’t find me buying one at a newsstand. . .
Nice post!
Memberships are a great way to save money, they pay for themselves after only a few visits … and the more time kids spend in a cultural institution like the Aquarium, the more comfortable they become and the more fun and learning takes place!