The Best Things in Life are Free

I mentioned previously that we spent a week at my Grandparents earlier this month. "There's gold in them thar hills..." I tell you what, Grandma's got some wisdom I've never known. Little pearls and gems or nuggets if you will that, if applied, can change lives.

Over lunch one day, she started talking about vacations they took with their kids (my mom) and the memories they had. Then, almost as if rehearsed, she said, "You know, the best things in life are free." Then she paused.

We all unsuspectingly agreed and went along with it.

Then a few moments later, as if she'd been planning this discussion for years, she broke in about a time when they took the kids on a very elaborate vacation. She didn't give details about what all they did, because that didn't matter to the story. But, she said they stopped by the river on one of the days and let the kids swim and play in the water.

She doesn't remember what elese they did, but she does remember they spent a lot of money on that vacation to 'build' memories. The only memory that lives today is the free swim in the river.

Her point. Disney land? Disney World? Sea World? Six Flags? Whatever. The best memories builders don't have to cost anything.

Why is it that we feel so compelled to spend thousands of dollars on vacations the kids will never remember because they are too young or because they aren't important to them?

Funny part is how hard we work and strive to save for these trips. Better yet, to pay off the credit debt incurred on these trips for years to come. Fading memories.

Look around and save a penny by looking for the Free memories builders. They are out there in abundance if you look.

Have fun! Your kids will love you for it.