As a six-year-old, I created a "rainy day" fund.

I would like to preface this blog by stating that my brothers and I never went without – we were well fed, well clothed, and well taken care of.

That said, even as a very small child, money was always an “object” to me. I had an astute understanding that money didn’t grow on trees, and that everything was assigned a cost. I made it my life mission to never ask for too much.

I opened my first savings account when I was six years old – always putting the entirety of my birthday and Christmas money in my “rainy-day” fund. What six-year-old has a rainy-day fund? This one did.

As an adult, I turned into the employee who is forced to take PTO, because I am capped out on hours.

I don’t know if I was born this way, or if I am a product of my circumstance, or a little of both, but Brad and I have had several conversations about money lately. He said something the other day that really resonated with me. Let me provide a little context first.

He is heading to Florida to visit his grandparents in March, and I have been entirely indecisive about whether I want to join him. Deep down, I really want to go, but I have been obsessing over “justifying” the $250 flight and taking three days of PTO. Right now, I “only” have 107 hours, I told him!

He said, “Lauren, PTO is meant to be used (same as money). Not saved for no reason. Saving a safe amount is smart, but any more than that, and you’re not living life to the fullest.”

It’s not my place to share details about Brad’s upbringing, but I would say his was similar to mine in terms of his family’s economic status – and because of that, we view money …. Pretty differently.

I remember telling him once, “Well, we didn’t have a ton of money growing up, so I feel most comfortable saving every dime I can.”

He countered, “And that’s exactly why I like to spend money. Because I have it.”

Brad and I are both relatively successful adults with great careers and probably fall into the same tax bracket. While neither of us have unlimited means, we are modestly comfortable.

While I have to CONVINCE myself it’s okay to take a few hundred dollars out of my savings to take an otherwise free trip to Florida with my boyfriend, Brad doesn’t blink an eye buying a new vacuum cleaner or sold-out concert tickets. He is also very generous with his money when it comes to charitable donations and gift giving. I am always exasperated when he claims, “If it’s the right gift, it’s the right gift. There is no threshold!”

If I am painting Brad to be a reckless spender, my narration needs some tidying up.

I have learned a lot from Brad.

My savings account since meeting him has not grown as steadily as it usually does, and my PTO is at an all-time low. An initial reaction might be, “Well, that’s not good! He’s a bad influence!”

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

My savings account is lower than it “should” be (based on my own very high standards) and my PTO isn’t capped out, sitting there uselessly, and here is why:

I booked that flight to Florida. I submitted a request for those three days off work.

In March, and April, and May, and June, and July – I have plans. Plans with my mom, and my coworkers, and my friends. All kinds of things. Concerts, and road trips, and drag brunches.

My money is now being used to create experiences and memories, and I think that’s pretty priceless.