The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: 2527 on May 31, 2014, 11:10:21 AM
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When we go out to eat as a family, which is usually about once a week, we would let the kids (now 14 and 11) order a soda, which was the only time they drank soda because we don't keep it at home. I never really liked the idea because I think soda isn't healthy, but my wife had a point that making something off limits can make it an object of intense desire.
One day, in a flash, this occurred to me. I told the kids that when we go out, they can order a soda, or drink water and I'll give them $2. They almost always take the $2, and they really like it. Not only are they not consuming all that sugar, they are learning the economic concept of opportunity cost. In this case, if they don't drink a soda, they can do something else with the money.
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I love this!
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I often tried this with my parents. We never ordered drinks at restaurants, but I would point to a menu item I "would have" ordered and ask if I could skip dinner and earn $6 instead. It only ever earned a laugh.
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We joked about this too as the logical next step!
I often tried this with my parents. We never ordered drinks at restaurants, but I would point to a menu item I "would have" ordered and ask if I could skip dinner and earn $6 instead. It only ever earned a laugh.
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Brilliant and one of those obvious in hindsight things
I often tried this with my parents. We never ordered drinks at restaurants, but I would point to a menu item I "would have" ordered and ask if I could skip dinner and earn $6 instead. It only ever earned a laugh.
This also works well on first dates.
"Your treat? I was gonna get the lobster but I'll order salad for $20 cash. Win win!"
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When we go out to eat as a family, which is usually about once a week, we would let the kids (now 14 and 11) order a soda, which was the only time they drank soda because we don't keep it at home. I never really liked the idea because I think soda isn't healthy, but my wife had a point that making something off limits can make it an object of intense desire.
One day, in a flash, this occurred to me. I told the kids that when we go out, they can order a soda, or drink water and I'll give them $2. They almost always take the $2, and they really like it. Not only are they not consuming all that sugar, they are learning the economic concept of opportunity cost. In this case, if they don't drink a soda, they can do something else with the money.
Love it. Well played.