Today was one of my days off, and with the kids having one more week before school starts, I took my two kids and two of their friends to the waterslides. Their friends had free passes, we brought some snacks and water, and other than gas it was shaping up to be a pretty inexpensive day. And we had a blast. They had some new waterslides the kids were excited to try, and I was right there going down them too. Then came lunch. Four poutines and a cheeseburger and fries: $70. Three years ago, I probably would have paid it and never given it another thought. But since starting my investing journey, Iāve noticed I look at spending differently. Later I saw families pulling coolers out and thoughtā¦ Why didnāt I do that? We could have packed five lunches for a fraction of the cost, brought home whatever we didnāt eat, and most importantlyā¦ We wouldnāt have sacrificed anything. Same waterslides. Same friends. Same laughs. Same day together. Iām not interested in budgeting every dollar or sacrificing experiences with my family just so I can invest more. But I am much more interested in value than I was three years ago. Could I get the same experience for less? Could I do something slightly differently next time and save another $20, $30 or $40? Because those little amounts add up, and if I can find them without giving anything up, thatās a little more money we can save and invest while still enjoying life today. For me, thatās been one of the unexpected benefits of becoming more financially literate. Has learning more about money changed how you look at the things you spend it on?
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8 Comments
Susan @sm0007 Ā· 8m
With the cost of food these days, eating out is a luxury. It brings back memories of my childhood when we could not afford to buy our meals, even fast food. So, my parents would always pack our food on outings bc they could save on the expense of feeding a family of five and spend on the experience instead. Today, I am fortunate to be able to afford to eat out anywhere at any time. However, when the bill comes I still feel a bit guilty in spending a weekās worth of grocery money on one meal. To answer your question, now that I am learning about self investing, I am more inclined to think twice about the worthiness of an expenditure. Ask yourself āDo I really need it or just want itā, āWill spending $$ make a lasting difference or cherishable memory in your or someoneās lifeā, āIs the value justifiedā. I believe in living within your means, but donāt forget to live a little and enjoy the present.
Nicolle @moneymeetslegacy Ā· 17m
Wow, my kid would LOVE that water park! And I can definitely relate to what youāre saying about looking at money differently. Itās not about being cheap, but about becoming a more intentional spender and making sure your money is going toward the things you actually value.
Canadian Investor@canadianinvestor Ā· 21m
I don't know sometimes the experience is everything. Could you do it for less absolutely but sometimes its eating the crappy food with your friends at the place that is part of the experience. Everything is a trade off and different things mean more to different people but my oldest still talks about the crappy burgers he shared with his friends years ago at one outting I took him and his friends. They sat at their own table and the laughter they had making fun of it is a memory I cherish more than the money I spent to take them. Could I have save money opening a cooler and passing around sandwiches absolutely would I have that same memory or would he it would be different. š¤·āāļø
Will W@williamwang23 Ā· 32m
Where is this?! Looks like cultus lake, but that's too far from you..
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