by Hannah Walton aka The Cheapskate Mom

 Ten Things Money Just Can't Buy

In this day and age, we are bombarded by images of McMansions, designer clothing, gourmet meals, fancy vacations, sports utility vehicles, botox and even surgically "enchanced" bodies. The overall idea is you can't be happy until you acquire the next best thing. I have had a lot of money in my young life due to an inheritance I quickly spent – that was the unhappiest time in my life. I had no inner fulfillment and the happy feeling I got when buying some new product was fleeting.

It's taken me well over ten years of ups and downs – both of having money and having absolutely no money at all – to realize that no matter what my bank account statement says – I can be rich. I can be filthy rich without having a cent to my name – and so can you if you seek out and embrace the things that money has never, can never and will never be able to buy you. Today, I've come up with ten things you don't need money for – both for myself to reflect upon and maybe it will be of some help to you too.

1.  Physical Health
I know that some of us have health conditions that do require medical care – and medical care costs money. That being said, many of us have no health conditions and nothing preventing us from getting into shape and enjoying physical fitness. You don't need money to be physically fit : you need self-esteem and discipline. Check out this great article about ways to stay in shape, for free.

2. Fun
You can have fun anywhere. Have fun with a friend, your partner, mom, baby, cat, dog or even with a game of solitaire. Fun is free. Bring a sense of fun and childlike wonder to everything you do … even cleaning the house can be fun if you approach it like a game (remember Pippi Longstocking strapping sponges to her feet to mop the floors?!).

3.  Peace
If you have unresolved issues in your life, you're not going to be happy no matter how much money you have. Right now I am dealing with unresolved issues and I know that flying first class or being debt-free won't solve them. Peace is something that doesn't cost money but takes a lot of work. It's one of my number one goals.

4. Knowledge
My husband, a teacher, helped me come up with this one. Knowledge, especially these days with the internet, is very much free.  Even if you don't have a library card – you can go to the library and read. You can ask friends, family, neighbors, local business owners and even strangers questions. Sometimes you can even attend college classes – off the record and without getting credit – for free by simply sitting in and asking the professor's permission (this is what Steve Jobs did!).

5.  Love
The subject of so many movies – money can't buy you love. I think love is an essential part of being a human being – and we can love friends, family, neighbors and partners. Learn to love, and learn to love well – and you will always be rich with a heart full of love.

6.  Generosity
You don't need to have tons of money to give to people. Give people love, give people knowledge, give people your time and effort. Volunteer, visit an aunt in a nursing home, pick up the phone and ask your friend how their surgery went. Babysit… Real human concern goes a lot further than a bouqet of flowers or even a card. It really, really does.

7.  Friendship
Friendship is so important and real friendships aren't dependant upon social standing or the ability to keep up with friends. Give what you can, take what is offered to you – and enjoy spending time with people who share similar qualities as you (or differences … which make the world go round!).

8.  Adventure
You don't need a car, a plane or a train to have an adventure. My husband and I have adventures taking walks around our town – going down a new street or even just imagining what a familiar street used to look like a hundred years ago. The world is a very exciting place …. enjoy it. Camping, though the equipment costs money (but you can borrow it) is also very accessible and very adventure-worthy. Read my article about Staycation Fun for ideas on taking a totally free vacation – at your house!

9. Kindness
Be kind and forgiving in your approach to the world – it makes your journey through life so much easier. This is something I work on improving in my own life – instead of rushing to anger …. try to see a situation in a different, less harsh light. It's better for everyone , especially you.

10. Happiness
Money can't buy happiness. Truer words are seldom spoke. Remember this when the going gets tough. Buying things just means you have more things but happiness isn't a thing – it's a feeling that comes from physical health, peace, knowledge, love, generosity, friendship, adventure, fun and kindness.

CONVERSATION STARTER:
What are your favorite things in life that money just can't buy?