A TIP!

Adam saved every cent for Legos, then we found Minecraft!

Legos cost me about one-half of my kidney before Minecraft came along.

The best tip I’ve ever gotten is to value every penny. It does add up! When you can touch a penny spent, it’s the best feeling. Whatever that investment becomes, once held, it’s yours. You can play with it, wear it, showcase it in your china cupboard, or click and build over and over again with the rapid tapping of your fingers.

If I ever did have a credit card back in those parenting days, not only would I be out of favor with the folks, but the value wouldn’t be there. It would be floating in the sky, compounding like a dark cloud - that’s what paying interest feels like. I remember.

Today, I am a bartender. Only a few hours every night to enjoy our space, meet new strangers, and welcome our members. I am grateful for every tip.

I save them, divvy them out in an envelop system, Mother called a budget. I am grateful for every dollar. It does add up. When the month is over, I glance over at the dollar store treasure Micki saved just for me. This past month's purchase was a “kinda matching” two-piece swimsuit. I’m thinking of visiting our community center and spending time in the pool this winter.

Just like we did years ago when Adam and I needed a break from Minecrafting. Off to the water we went! Balance. Bought and paid for all because we valued a penny!

Fridays are for Tips and Lessons learned. Dad always said, “Bye, low. Sell, high.” Our mother gave us our first tin can and taught us how to save every penny for a rainy day.

How lucky are we that they saved and gave what they did for those 70 years of marriage? Thanks to their estate gift, we are back, rebuilt, and ready to jump in with a solid business plan.

I’ll see you at Frosty’s Spirit & Social Club. If you enjoyed your experience and would like to leave a tip, thank you in advance. I will save it in my tin can from Mother and spend it wisely.