The Best Things in Life Are... Free?

Ah, Money.

Money. It's something we all need. Whether you work for it, inherited it, saved for it, married into it, won the lottery, or some combination thereof, when you start to inch toward midlife, just make sure you have a plan so there's some left over for you to live on... and enjoy.

Financial issues can be complicated, frustrating and emotionally charged, but dealing with these things now will ensure that we're not scrambling in the future. These days we're facing global economic circumstances that aren't terribly reassuring, as well as more personal financial concerns -- aging parents, college expenses for those of us who still have kids in school, and the precariousness of our own careers as we get older.

House of Cards

For decades, though, so many of us have spent time -- and usually too much money -- on acquiring more stuff than we could possibly ever need or use, often generating more debt than we could handle. Getting credit was too easy, and a lot of us took advantage.

Are You an Ant or a Grasshopper?

This was a reality for many people in the baby boomer generation, and even those of us who were more like Aesop's fabled ants -- spending the summer busily gathering up food for the winter while the grasshopper basked in the sun -- saw our personal savings drop when the financial freefall started in 2008. The grasshopper lives for today; the ant plans for tomorrow. Most of us have both the ant and the grasshopper fighting it out inside our heads. But, after 50, tomorrow is fast becoming today. So how do we stop the battle, and take charge of our finances and our lives right now?

Consider this simple idea: stop spending and start saving.

Stop Spending and Start Saving

In "The Best of Everything After 50," there are tips on how to follow through on this idea, especially on how best to save, in the chapter on money -- "Money: Strategies for Simplifying Your Finances" -- based on interviews I had with some of the worlds most respected authorities including Jane Bryant Quinn and Jason Zweig. Many people, though, have a much more difficult time keeping the wallet safely inside the pocket. Slowing down your spending is not easy, especially when living in a country where there's an overabundance of choices, and a media constantly flashes messages -- subliminal and otherwise -- trying to convince us to keep up with the Joneses.

The Best Things In Life Are Free?

A few days ago I walked past a store, and there was a t-shirt in the window with these words splashed across the front: "The Best Things In Life Are Free." When I got home, I made a list of all the things that are truly meaningful and important to me, and are absolutely free. Of course, my love for, and from, my family and friends are top of the list, but there are so many wonderful, enjoyable, meaningful "free things" that are essential to my well-being and happiness, that, short of my basics (food, clothing, shelter) I could probably put my credit cards away forever.

Here's a "The Best Things In Life Are Free" Starter List:

Love -- the love you give and the love you get.
Your Faith -- whatever it is, it is yours to follow.
Your Conscience -- During the reign of King Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More followed his conscience -- to his death -- and stood behind what he believed was right. Only you can look yourself in the mirror every night at the end of every day and tell yourself that you truly did the right thing, according to your own conscience, and you didn't let anyone persuade you otherwise.
Your Thoughts -- whether you choose to share them, or keep them to yourself.
Happiness -- In most cases, we can choose to live our lives in a state of happiness with moments of unhappiness (it's the rare person who can be happy 24/7), or we can choose to be unhappy with moments of happiness.
Laughter -- Laugh every day, because no matter what's going on in the world or in your life, you can find a little humor in just about everything.
Compassion -- Be tender of heart, and the world will be a better place.
Reading -- Go to a library and check out a book or magazine, or borrow from a friend.
Walking -- I started a walking program a few years ago, and eventually added running into the mix. You can do this anytime, anywhere. The only cost is a pair of running or walking shoes. You'll be exercising your body, and your mind.
Push-ups and Sit-ups: These are two of the most basic, and yet effective, exercises you can do (20 of each every day), and they are absolutely free.
Singing -- Even when my two teenaged daughters roll their eyes at me, I sing pretty much whenever I feel like it, which is quite often.
Central Park -- It's one of my personal "Great Wonders of the World" but there are community parks everywhere for us to enjoy.
Eating Healthy Foods -- True, it's not free, but choosing to eat healthy foods costs no more than eating unhealthy foods.
Sex -- Engaging in a loving, intimate relationship with your partner is one of the most beautiful expressions of love I can imagine.
Attitude -- My article last week was about feeling invisible -- "Feeling Invisible? HuffPost Readers Speak Out" -- but even that is a choice. Choose living your life with a good, positive attitude, and without fear.

There are free concerts, lectures, tastings (wine and food), and so many other wonderful ways to enjoy life . . . at no cost, and in my ongoing effort to "spend less and save more," I'm always on the lookout for great ideas.

What is your "The Best Things in Life Are Free?" list?

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Staying connected is a powerful tool: "Friend" me on Facebook, and "tweet" me on Twitter (@BGrufferman). For more information about "The Best of Everything After 50," and to read my blog, please visit my website: www.bestofeverythingafter50.com.

 

 

 

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Comments

[Charmaine Schulman]

03:45 PM on 02/08/2011

I find that many of my pleasures are free. I love to people watch, (I call it theatre of the street) when weather permits, I take a snack and go to the park. The people walking by provide a real show for me. Once a week I can take a brown bag lunch to my local library (they provide the beverage) and listen to a wonderful book review. I also really enjoy volunteering with the Literacy Council. Once a week I meet with a person from another country until they can read and speak English. Then the Council provides me with another new person. Now, doing that for someone is "free and a very big thrill". I could go on and on, but I will just say that there is a mountain of free pleasures out there, if we look for them. www.calldrcharli.com

[elopez]

05:25 PM on 02/07/2011

I've always liked: The best things in life aren't things.

:)

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

11:23 AM on 02/08/2011

You are so right, Elopez!
All of the "things" I listed are, in fact, experiences, and that's true of the majority of those "things" that are people posted here in their comments. Maybe we should re-title it: "The Best Things in Life Are . . Not Things!"

Thanks for reading and commenting!

[Lakesideboy]

02:40 PM on 02/07/2011

Perhaps, but they're sure a lot more fun when you have money! Isn't it always those that are well off who usually make these claims?.........

[pia lou]

11:04 AM on 02/07/2011

simplify your life - define what it is you are trying to be as in what does it take? certainly not money. there are many billionaires who lie awake at night fearing loss as many of us have/do. being more aligned with your own value system (begin by finding out what it is you value)

be present to what is not what shoulda been.....stop looking over your shoulder to the past.......use the past as a guide as to what needs to be realigned (you service your car, why not service you?)

get clear and go for it - if you have to pretend to be someone you find strong and admire.......think about what would this person do? successful people see failure as a mistake and adjust..many of us get knocked down by the merest error.

ask questions and find the answer on the inside! and if the answer is not there - make one up that feel joyous and "right"

and most of all:

stop caring what other people think about YOU!

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

11:08 AM on 02/07/2011

Dear Pia,
Wonderful ideas! And, for sure: stop caring what people think about YOU, and just BE YOU!
Thanks for reading and commenting,
Barbara

[garystartswithg]

12:22 AM on 02/07/2011

There are so many things to do for free where do you begin? I live in Atlanta, we have a park which I have located myself 4 blocks from that is free. It is home to numerous arts festivals, a free summer movie series, a green market, the list is long. Once a year they have a concert to benefit the park and all i have to do is open my windows.
I walk to the grocery store -- its free exercise. Buy a backpack -- they are wonderful things for walkers.
The local museum has a free day for city residents once a month. Find out whats going on in your community. Can I also suggest volunteering at your local museums, zoos, or botanical gardens? Its free admission and you get to meet and work with really amazing people. It satisfies so many points on the list I don't know where to begin. I had the opportunity to be walking through the park on a quiet day and ran into a family that was volunteering -- mom dad and the kids were out picking up fallen twigs, and the kids were having fun doing it. Thats some serious quality time.
I am 50 in a year and people think I am 1/2 my age -- I usually attribute it to staying active mentally and physically -- and that is free. If you ever need an ego boost getting hit on by 20 somethings will do it.

[Rochelle MacDonald]

12:03 AM on 02/07/2011

On my list, Google, Facebook, Free university courses online at the school's website or on iTunes U, Internet radio, friendship, Huffington Post and so much more!

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

06:26 AM on 02/07/2011

Agree with all of the above!
Thanks for posting these wonderful "free" things . . .

[PresidentRobertBooth]

08:50 PM on 02/06/2011

Sex is free
 
 
Paying for it is illegal though

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

09:20 PM on 02/06/2011

Hmmm. How did I know that someone would have write that as a comment? LOL!
Thanks for reading!

[Genders]

10:54 PM on 02/06/2011

Yup, my thought too.

[french queen13]

08:37 PM on 02/06/2011

Going for walks with my beloved is top of my list, whether it's strolling Brunswick St to poke around my favourite hat shop (and catch a glimpse of him rolling his eyes), walking along the shore from St Kilda to Port Melbourne, or just our morning walk through Fawkner Park on the way to my work. All free (well, unless I succumb to a tempting hat, lol) and every last one precious.

[Karen Hanley Taylor]

07:29 PM on 02/06/2011

Great article! Some of my favorite free and low cost adventures: Sitting in a porch swing or rocking chair, writing in a journal, spending time in the library, daydreaming, burning candles, listening to music while relaxing or doing house work, reading something inspirational with a cup of coffee in hand, drinking clear bubbly soft drink from a pretty glass, warm shower or bubble bath, giving unused/leftover craft supplies or anything else to someone who really appreciates them, drying my hair in the sun, teaching someone a new skill, and on and on...

[french queen13]

08:34 PM on 02/06/2011

I love the sound of your days, Karen! Lovely post. :)

[Karen Hanley Taylor]

09:38 PM on 02/06/2011

Thank you. I am a big fan of simple pleasures and Barbara. :)

[okpolo12]

03:43 PM on 02/06/2011

Wonderful article. I love it.
My free things in life apart from the ones you listed include:
1. Encouragement. Encourage the people around you by using words like hey, that was one heck of a good job or I love the way you treat your hubby or wife, Keep it up.
2. Wish others well. Call A friend a day or so before his/her interview and wish then success in it. Eg, I just realized that you are going for that interview tomorrow or that you are taking you exams in a few hours, I am praying for you; all the best pal!!
I think these few words will go a long way to strengthen any friend..
3.

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

06:23 AM on 02/07/2011

Thanks for these. They are all so wonderful, and will make others feel good, too . . .

[dpocklington]

01:54 PM on 02/06/2011

Off the top of my head I'd say, clouds, stars, high tide, low tide, skinny dipping, languorous romantic Sunday afternoons in bed, head massages, wild flowers, sun baths, meditation, birdsong, cuddles, conversation, sing-a-longs, yoga, running in the woods, enjoying the view, naps... But what's amazing to me is what's also available at very reasonable expense--a picnic with wine and cheese, or having the world on your iPad, with its easy access to the worlds of literature, art and music. For very little or no money life can be very rich indeed.

[Madgew]

01:54 PM on 02/06/2011

The air you breathe, the sun that warms your body and the ocean that soothes the soul.

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

06:22 AM on 02/07/2011

The moon, the stars, rainbows, warm breezes . . .

[curiousaboutlife]

01:45 PM on 02/06/2011

playing any school playground game from my childhood [1970's] with my kids---namely 4-square, handball, frisbee, jump rope.
Playing with a super ball is also fun. So is skipping while holding hands with a kid and helping them to 'fly' along.

this stuff sounds so silly to write but to actually do it is beyond enjoyable.

also giving or receiving a foot massage.

[Barbara Hannah Grufferma]

12:33 PM on 02/06/2011

Dear Everyone,
Please contribute your own "best things in life are free" lists, so we can all learn from each other! Another "free thing" I would add is 'volunteering.' Spending time, for example, at the Association to Benefit Children, here in NYC, holding babies, or reading to toddlers, fills me with happiness, and a sense of purpose. I look forward to reading your comments.
Best,
Barbara