15 Comments

  1. My nieces usually have the ‘caretaker’ option for the zoo pass–for a little extra $$, they can go with ANY adult, not just the parents. So my sister can pawn them off on grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, or anyone with the time and inclination for a fun day with two adorable kids.
    Have you heard of the POGO Pass? It’s also a great deal if you have kids, and there’s usually a Google-able discount code for 60% off, so for $40 you get to go to 16 different amusement parks, sporting events, classes, laser tag, museums, zoos, etc. for a whole year! (This is in Phoenix, YMMV depending on where you live.)

  2. T @ TheTirelessWorker.com

    Hi! I’ve had a pretty ok November thus far. Spending only on the essentials so far, food, transport and etc. I also get very guilty about spending on little gifts on myself. Even after finally buying something, I still find myself thinking about the amount spent. I really need to change and start to enjoy a little! (Of course appropriately)

    • I’m so guilty of that, T. I just made a long past-due appointment to get my hair highlighted. It’s $65 that I really don’t want to spend…but my students are telling my I have a nice ombre style now. It’s time. 😉

  3. This really isn’t what I expected, but I gotta say, it sounds like you made a pretty good purchase there! I feel like a lot of people purchase memberships and then don’t do anything with them, which is wasteful. But hey, if you go often enough you can really make your money back and then some, especially if you’re frugal while you’re there.

    Mr. Picky Pincher went to the zoo recently and purchased a season pass that’s good for a year. The pass is the same cost as one day of admission, so you pay for the cost alone if you go to the zoo just one more time in the year. After that point, you’re saving money by basically getting in “free.” If you take advantage of them, memberships can be awesome!

  4. We too do the science and kids museum memberships with reciprocation. Its come in very handy during travel. I would suggest though reading the fine print, sometimes the site has to be a certain distance away from the selling location in order for it to work.

    • Excellent reminder to check the fine print. We love the Bank of America Museums on Us pass, but you definitely have to check out all the details to get the maximum benefit 🙂

    • True! Although here in Iowa, our population density is so low that it isn’t an issue- the next closest science center is several hours away. But can definitely see that being an issue in bigger cities!

  5. My partner and I bought a pass to our local museum earlier this year, and it has also been a great purchase. We will stop by for an hour or two on weekends when we’re feeling bored, and it’s a nice outing that’s already paid for.

  6. I love the idea of possibly using this as a gift idea too and the elementary science educator in me is all about the hands-on learning involved here! It is not happening in most schools with the focus on ELA and Math – so anything you can do to enrich your children in these areas is incredibly important!

  7. The best money I’ve spent this year is on a new garage-door opener. I know that’s lame, and certainly doesn’t compare to buying a family membership to the local science center, but not having to manually open the garage door every time Mrs. G and venture out is a godsend. Thank you for a very thought-provoking post, P&D. I like the cut of your jib.

    • My husband would agree with you so much, Mr G.! He had no idea why I was so insistent on looking at attached garage houses when we first started house hunting. He grew up in a home with no garage. Now, I think it’s one of his favorite spots! He’s all about garage and garage door everything!

  8. Hey Penny,
    Cool idea for a post. I’m wracking my brain trying to come up with what was the best money spent this year. I’d probably have to say my blog. I switched over from a blogspot address to self hosted in early 2016 and it’s definitely been worth every penny. The cost was really quite low compared to all the time and online relationships it has helped develop.

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