Photography by Lara Robby
I think I’m probably a natural-born spender who had to learn to save money. It’s not something I naturally excel at. For me, the business of saving—from squirreling away extra money to refraining from making an impulse purchase—was a learned behavior modeled by my parents.
When I was about 10 years old, my parents gave me and my siblings $20 each to spend at Union Station. This was back when Union Station was a bustling shopping and dining destination with attractions like singing fudge makers, a rugged Jeep perched on boulders in the Banana Republic, and a hands-on science store. Basically, heaven for a 10-year-old with money to burn.
I barely made it through the doors before setting my eyes on a wide-brimmed hat at the first kiosk we passed. My parents suggested delaying my purchase in case I saw something else I wanted more, so we left and walked into another store. But I had made up my mind. That hat was $20, and it was going to be mine. I bought it, wore it all day, and beamed with pride.
My brother, John, ate his $20. He chose his pleasure in fudge and popcorn and soda.
My older sister, however, couldn’t quite decide what she wanted. I had several ideas for her and even offered to spend it on myself. She ended up crying as we left at the end of the day.
And you know what? We’d probably all do the exact same thing today if given the chance! Needless to say, there really is no one-size-fits-all financial plan or right way to spend or save.
Writer Emily Lombardo, who penned our family finance feature, remembers her family using the envelope system. “Each month we’d divide our money up into envelopes (gas, groceries, etc.), and the leftover was ‘fun’ money or money to save. The habit stuck with me.”
Our summer events guide is chock-full of ways to have fun without spending a lot of money. We’ve rounded up the best happenings around town, from alfresco movies and family-friendly festivals to an exciting new water park attraction and community aquatic centers. Don’t miss the new Egyptian exhibit at the Saint Louis Art Museum for an educational outing.
With all the money you’ll be saving, we also have some ideas on how to spend it: cute clothes and the most charming handmade dolls.
Oh, and hey, sis: Can I borrow that $20 yet?
