We all have heard the saying "the best things in life are free." When I was in high school, I couldn't have agreed with you more, but now that I'm entering my Junior year in college, my perspective on money has changed greatly.

Money is a tool.

Money is a gift.

It can be used to create amazing learning opportunities and memorable experiences for your family, and also bless the lives of others when you are generous with it. It can be used to learn new skills, develop talents, or become educated. To hoard money, and not use it as a tool to seek opportunities and experiences, is a disservice to mankind.

Don't get me wrong: I am totally aware that there are people who need EVERY single cent to pay for bills and take care of priorities. I'm talking about the people who have the means to provide for their comforts, but has an obsession with cutting corners and costs simply because they feel like they should.

Yes, it is awesome to do free stuff.

Yes, it is fantastic to have family game night at home or family outings at the park.

But, it's also awesome to do that crazy expensive trip and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with those you love! It's also great to take dance lessons and develop a hard-earned talent. It's well-worth the time to experience the physical challenges and triumphs that come with it.

These things aren't free.

For example... just last week I went to New York City for a conference called ASTEP (Artist Striving To End Poverty) In that week I made friends, I got to see a Broadway show, take endless workshops, collaborate with amazing artist, realize my true potential, I was challenged mentally, and we laughed and laughed for hours and hours about how much real New Yorkers might hate us because we filled up a whole subway car with our ridiculous, loud conversations.

Just now, I'm looking back on the trip and yes the trip was expensive, but that's not what's going to be discussed when people ask me what I did this summer. What will be discussed is the memories, emotions, and shared bond with strangers that made them apart of my family.

Experiences are what tie people together.

The best things in life aren't free.

The best things in life are moments.

Sometimes, making moments isn't free. Creating time and opportunities for moments take sacrifice. Sometimes you must give up your time for work or even recreation. To make moments you must step away from the billion of distractions that fill your day. They're the moments you share with others and form a bond of shared memories.