I always say that it's good to have your priorities in order when it comes to your finances.
This is especially true as we become older, and therefore also expectantly wiser. Knowing the value of money is important.
With age comes wisdom - For some of us at least…
Ten Dollars is Ten Dollars
George and his wife Bessie went to the country fair every year. This was their "big" event of the year. In fact, it was the closest thing they ever had to a vacation.
And each year George would say to Bessie, "I sure would like to ride in that there crop dusting, acrobatic airplane." And each year Bessie would say, "I know George, but that airplane ride costs ten dollars. And ten dollars is ten dollars."
After many years, George and Bessie went to the fair as usual, and George said, "Bessie, I'm 81 years old now. If I don't ride that airplane this year, I may never get another chance."
Bessie replied, "George, I know, but that airplane ride costs ten dollars. And ten dollars is ten dollars."
The pilot happened to overhear them and said, " I've seen you here year after year. I know you've wanted to ride in my airplane all that time. I also know that money is pretty important to you, and you don't part with it lightly."
"I’ll tell you what, let’s make you a deal. I'll take you both up for a ride. If you can both keep quiet for the entire ride, and not say one word, it will be free. But if you say even one word, it'll cost you ten dollars each."
George and Bessie quickly agreed.
They got in the plane and it took off. The pilot did all kinds of twists, turns and dives, but he didn't hear a peep from George or Bessie. Finally, he tried his fastest 360-degree roll and even after that it was still all quiet from the back.
When they landed, the pilot looked at George: "Well, I don't believe it George, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell, but you didn't."
George replied, "Well, I was going to say something when Bessie fell out of the airplane...."
"But, ten dollars is ten dollars."