10 Things We’ve Never Regretted Spending Money On with Kids

Because we have pursued minimalism for the last 12 years, and have spent less money on possessions, we have more money left over for other things which we have found helpful as a family.

---
Recent videos:

Living in the Shadow of Death

15 Years, 15 Lessons: My Journey of Becoming Minimalist

---
Most popular videos:

3 Things to Buy to be Happier, According to Science

Top 10 Things to Declutter Right Now

---
You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

---

[clairebuckland]

Thank you, this is so true and such a good reminder of the important things in life. I am a retired nurse and when people are at the end of their lives, they talk about their happy memories with loved ones and not once, have I heard a person list all the things they own.

[sarahshaddle]

As a mother of 3 young kids, this is one of my favorite videos you’ve shared. Thank you for sharing these valuable insights!

[janethunt]

I'm 100% with you on travel. We think it has been a great use of our time and money as our son grew up.

[LittleMopeHead]

Thank you, Joshua. Your message about minimalism is very important. I used to think minimalism was only about owning less and having less clutter. I didn't realize it was also about focusing my values elsewhere where it matters. Your examples of spending moments with family and friends most resonated with me as I began to enjoy the experiences together more than giving gifts and possessions to my loved ones.

[nancyyoung]

I love this. Tried to do with my daughter when she was younger. I wished I found minimalism sooner. It took a trip to Florida for 35 days with very little belongings to get to minimalism and tiny houses. I have slowly become minimalist over last few years. I still make mistakes but not as much as before.finances could be better. I’m happy living this lifestyle

[ashleyt]

I love how straightforward your videos are. So helpful

[kotusso]

Joshua, Your parents raised you right. And you are continuing a legacy of love and giving and faith in your children who will in turn create an ongoing cycle. Take a moment to be filled with pride for the man you are, and what you have given others. We thank you.

[lovingsunshine]

I love experiences as well with our kids. Although this becomes a problem for some people who go into debt to do that experience. They swipe that credit card to go on vacation and before it gets paid off, they go on another one. While we love going on vacation to a place we’ve never been before, we also love to do inexpensive experiences like going camping, hiking, fishing and exploring different playgrounds in our area.

[everydayminimal]

Love this! And THANK YOU. Thank you for saying that Family Photos are WORTH IT. So many minimalist will remove those things to save money but never stop to think about the memories they are losing AND that they are promoting loss of jobs for single moms like me who are professional photographers… we are more of a luxury item I know but all in all I appreciate you saying that SO much and putting value on my work!! My most treasured memories as a minimalist myself are my portraits of my baby girl and family ❤❤❤

[aartitrivedi]

Thank you... can't agree with you more.
All of these are lifetime memories that will stay with you forever.
Today we spent 4 hours at the beach and it was a good time spent.

[mariavarnava]

Thank you, Joshua. I am currently reading "Things that matter", and it is a real eye-opener for me. Especially, the part about work and retirement, and attitude towards money. Thank you once again, for dedicating your time and your soul to share the wisdom.

[patriciajohnsonson]

As for building memories, my husband and I have gone on trips with our children, we took them to Germany to visit friends and family, they had horseback riding lessons, and they played the usual sports during their youth. It all seems to be for nothing. They don’t talk about any of it. Every holiday, I decorate and make sure family is together and they seem to have hated it. The only hope I have now that it made a difference is that our daughter now holds Thanksgiving at her house. But her in laws are Vietnamese and family is very important to them, so I am not sure if she gathers everyone because she has learned the value of family and remembered good time are worth the gathering, or if her husband requires them to do it. 🤷‍♀️

[lisarivers]

Josh I wish I could say the same 😔. When my TWINS were little my main priority was to feed them, being a single mom and having 1 paycheck support 3 people was rough. I used to dream of having a backyard for them to play in but that NEVER HAPPENED 😢. Now that they're all grown up the time has pasted now. We still create some memories here and there but I wish I could turn back time.

[kakylong]

Joshua, Great bideo. We became debt free a few yrs ago & I love how we were able to increase our giving at church & to help others. Making memories together has been awesome as well. Our 25th anniversary is next yr & were already talking about a trip we want to take. 😊

[dlarsen]

My parents instilled in me the value of frugality, and as a result, I have adopted minimalism as a natural byproduct of that mindset. Thanks to their financial help, I was able to pursue a degree in nursing and complete my education. I am grateful for their emphasis on owning less, as it enabled them to support me financially through college. Now, I pay it forward daily through the work I do and hope to do the same for my one children ❤

[shehnazahmad]

Thank you Joshua. We share exactly the same thoughts.

[k.d.]

Thank you! Such valuable messages in this crazy misguided, misinformed, ignorant and indifferent world. You, and your family, have reason to be proud of what you share.

[paccarcrap]

I love you & your videos! Blessings to you & yours!

[janelleetsitty]

No regrets about the money spent for my sons baseball, soccer and football equipment. The travel that was required... the quality family time was key, the lessons learned about the gained friendships, the winning and losing were character builders. That is why I am working on decluttering on the material items that maybe should've not been purchased. Lessons learned. I am trying to incorporate what I have learned into my now 20 something year olds. Thanks for your words, Joshua 🙂

[rosanne]

Love every single thing you mentioned. ❤
GREAT FAMILY PIC! 📸