My son snowboarded out west for the first time this year. The price tag for two days worth of lessons was just under $500. Surprisingly, I did not bat an eye. No. I happily pulled out my wallet and wholeheartedly believe that money was well spent. By the second day he was riding the chair lift up the mountain and sliding down with an instructor by his side.
I considered my reaction to such a big expense a fluke. I weigh every financial decision, both big and small, so surely I would go back to my penny pinching ways.
But imagine my surprise this past weekend when I happily handed over $200 for custom insoles and a new pair of running shoes. I didn’t compare the prices of shoes in the store or ask myself if I really needed new insoles. Nope. I walked in knowing what I wanted and handed over my credit card without any hesitation.
It doesn’t end there. Today I walked into a gym near my home and paid seventy dollars for a one and a half month membership. I also paid $6 to the most expensive parking meter I have ever seen.
Why the change of heart? We have a very large financial cushion in the bank and shrinking mortgages.
While I don’t want to become frivolous with my money I do want to spend it on the things that matter to me. Like getting in better shape and providing enriching experiences to my son.
Plus with two kids constantly undertow I simply don’t want to waste time pinching every penny. I have enough things to think about during the day and I don’t want money to be one of them.
It’s really a great feeling isn’t it!