Why Should You Spend Your Money on a Family Vacation and Other Experiences?

When was the last time you took a family vacation? I hope your answer is a positive one. But even if you did take a vacation, were you all in on the vacation, or were you still thinking about work?

As Catholics, we need to be able to unplug from work. We obviously need to pray, but we need a connection to our family and the world around us. We were not meant to live in the “grid” culture 24/7. We are called to work hard and do our best, but that is different than the 24/7 obsessive pace that some adhere to. 

A vacation allows us to slow down and really appreciate the important things in life. For me, it really drives home how fast life moves. Your kids will grow up fast, you will grow old, and your last day will be here before you know it.

Some trips are faster-paced than others. We recently took a trip to the mountains, where we rented a cabin. We had a few things we wanted to do, but overall, the agenda was pretty light. This allowed us to have a lot of low-stress time together where we would eat as a family, play cards, or just sit on the porch. 

Prudence is required when planning a trip. Everyone is in a different state in life regarding income, savings, and family situation. But a trip does not need to cost a lot. You can get a great family experience camping. If you are able to afford something else, it is likely worth the cost. Im not saying the trip should be extravagant. However, spending in line with your financial state can be appropriate. It may take planning and saving up for months before you can go, and that is ok. You should not be going into debt for this trip. Add it to your budget, and only take a trip you can truly afford! 

Generosity is the best use of money, but creating memories with your family is probably a close second. Even better use than investing, and I love investing. But you should be doing all three. Giving, investing, and spending money on experiences with your family.