"...since 2003 the amount of time Americans spend either attending or hosting social events has declined by 30%... in 1970 the average American spent $850 on recreation each year, while today each person spends $2500... what this data suggests is that while we don’t recreate as often, when we do, we tend to choose more expensive activities to engage in." - Brett McKay
Have we lost the art of 'cheap recreation' as Brett McKay suggests? And, at what cost?
Being a single-income family living in a very expensive city, we have come to depend on--and enjoy--our ability to be cheaply entertained. It makes the times we do spend a little money so much more enjoyable, because it's special, and has also helped us realize that we don't need to really spend any money to have valuable, meaningful time together. Our time together becomes more beneficial the more we depend on ourselves for the experience, and in the end, we spend less and profit more.
Have we over-complicated our social interactions, and in the process stripped away it's intended benefits?
Brett raises some strong arguments for cheap entertainment:
- The cheaper the recreation, the more often you can do it.
- Cheap recreation can involve all of your friends, regardless of their financial status.
- Cheap recreation gives you the chance to improvise and create.
- Cheap recreation often provides more adventure/memories.
Let me challenge you with a few of questions:
- What is necessary to create the most valuable, meaningful experience?
- How much should we really invest in being entertained?
- What would your wife say to your suggesting saving money and investing in quality time for your family?
In the full post, I highlight how being cheaply entertained can impact your family, and 7 ideas to warm up your thinking about the time you spend together as a family and with friends.
Spend a Few More Minutes With: The Value of Being Cheaply Entertained