[my3681]

I remember as a child the first time understanding the gravitas of significant amounts of money. My parents had helped me save up with chores, birthday money, etc. to the point where I could now afford the thing I always wanted: a Nintendo 64.

I remember going to Toys R Us to buy it and when I got there, for the first time in my life, I wasn't so sure about spending the money. There was so much effort tied to it that, even as a child, it struck me that I was trading all of this time and effort for this one product. My mom made me count out each $20 bill, teaching me that money was not some nebulous idea (looking at you credit cards). Every $20 bill I counted made me think more about what I was doing.

I eventually bought it, but because all of the time spent saving up for it, I took good care of it and found it to be the most beloved console I ever owned. I feel that this experience definitely helped me understand the value of money relative to my efforts.

Oh, and my mother bought me Starfox 64 specifically to nail the point home. If you are reading this, mom, I love you.