Invest in experiences, not more stuff

For the past couple of years, but primarily in the past 8-10 months or so, we have been consciously trying to cut down on the amount of stuff that we bring into this house. I think we are doing okay. We are trying to invest in experiences with the kids and not more toys, clutter, etc that we don't need.

For example, before Christmas we took them to a play in Kamloops. It was an experience we invested in and one that they will remember. We invested in ski passes for each of us last season, again experiences they will remember. Our recent trip to Vancouver was all about the experience: whether it was a quirky museum, to a free Buddhist temple, to eating ethnic food, neither of the kids will forget it.

Money is a tool - a very powerful one. With each dollar we spend, and we try to do it more intentionally, it is investing in our family and the kind of culture we are trying to create.