We're just old-fashioned

My husband and I tend to agree with our grandparent's generation when it comes to certain things like finances, family, and what's important in life. If you talk to someone in their seventies or eighties, their advice will be to steer clear of mortgage lenders when you buy a home. Of course, most people today find it impossible to save up enough money to buy a home, but stay with me. If you do require a mortgage to purchase a home, at least try to pay it off as soon as possible. There are many payment acceleration programs offered, or you can just pay extra toward your principle on your own. The argument against paying off the mortgage tend to involve taxes. Well, I can tell you firsthand that the tax benefits are just a fraction of the amount you pay each year in interest, which you would not be paying at all if it were paid off.

We also believe, like our grandparents, that families should eat as many home cooked meals together as possible with no other distractions. We gave up television two years ago, which promotes reading, artwork projects, and imaginative game playing.

Vacations are viewed as a necessity in our family. Vacations promote bonding and learning for everyone and we believe families should take at least one vacation per year. And you can't use lack of money as an excuse - the togetherness is what counts, whether you are 1,000 miles from home or 100. Kids don't understand distance anyway, they just get bored with really long trips. So find something close to home to explore as a family, keep it simple, and everyone will be happy.