If time is truly more precious than money, then spending money to buy back your time is the wisest trade of all. Here’s an example of overcoming my frugality to live a better life.

Perhaps one of the main reasons I initially didn’t want to go on a family vacation to LegoLand and SeaWorld was because I knew it would cost thousands of dollars. As someone who enjoys investing more than spending, it’s hard for me to feel comfortable dropping ~$5,000 for just three days of vacation when I already feel like I’m on vacation at home as a semi-retiree.

However, as someone who’s been actively trying to spend more money since turning 45 (in 2022), I figured, let’s give this trip a go. Spending money on family is much easier than spending money on myself. Baby steps toward decumulation!

Spending Money On Saving Time Is The Best

Since this was our first time visiting LegoLand in Carlsbad, we didn’t quite know what to expect. We asked other parents and newsletter readers whether we should get the fast passes for $99/person to skip potentially long lines.

About 75% said there was no need because we were going on an off-peak Thursday in October. That sounded reasonable, so I took their advice. After all, we could always buy the fast passes later if the crowds were bad, that is, if the passes were still available.

At 10:10 a.m., we rolled up to the Coastersaurus ride, and the line was absurdly long! See the video for yourself. One of the ushers suggested we head toward the back of the park since it had just opened and the other rides were still relatively empty.

We followed her advice and moseyed over to Emmet’s Flying Adventure ride, a highly anticipated ride after our kids just watched the Lego movie. Unfortunately, another long line. That’s when I decided, screw it. I wasn’t about to spend 30–40 minutes per ride standing in line with a 5- and 8-year-old. Life’s too short. I bought the $396 worth of fast passes for the four of us.

At first, I felt guilty walking past everyone waiting patiently in line, especially the children. I even wondered if I was setting a bad example for my kids by not practicing patience. But then I remembered – $396 is a lot of money! – and got over it. It wasn’t like we lived in Southern California, had a season pass, and could easily get to LegoLand whenever we wanted.

The kids were thrilled to go on more rides, and as any parent knows, happy kids (and a happy spouse) make for a happier life.

Probably Didn’t Need The Most Expensive Fast Pass

Now that we’ve been to LegoLand once, I realize there’s no need to splurge on the $99-per-person Ultimate fast pass again during off-peak season. The Deluxe or even Regular fast pass would’ve been plenty since every ride only has two lines: the regular line and the fast pass line. The ushers don’t seem to differentiate between which tier you bought.

We also found that a couple of rides – Ninjago and Lost Kingdom Adventure – had no wait times at all. Toward the end of the day, I almost wished the lines were longer just so we could feel like we got more value from the upgrade.

So, I’ll chalk up that extra $196 to inexperience. At the time, we were worried about getting nickel-and-dimed by the park if we didn’t buy the top-tier pass. At least now we know, and now thousands of you who’ve never been know too.

Spending On Ubers Instead Of A Rental Car Was Great

Another decision to save time was to use Ubers instead of renting a car. An Uber ride from our house to SFO costs about $30 one way, while long-term parking costs $25/day, and we’d be gone for three days. Plus, it takes an extra 20 minutes to get from the parking lot to security. So taking an Uber was a no-brainer for both time and cost savings. We picked up our kids from school at 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday to catch a 5:30 p.m. flight.

We could’ve rented a midsize car in San Diego for about $70/day ($210 total), but I wanted to avoid the hassle of pickup, parking, and drop-off. In total, we spent about $300 on Uber rides. And frankly, it felt totally worth it, especially compared to the $396 we spent on fast passes.

There’s also something freeing about not being responsible for a large, expensive asset that could get dinged up or stolen. That mental relief alone made the vacation feel lighter. When you factor in the value of time and reduced stress, spending on rideshare services over rentals starts to look like a solid tradeoff.

No Time Saved Flying Business Or First, So We Didn’t

I still can’t justify paying a 50%–200% premium for Business or First Class on short domestic flights, especially when everyone arrives at the same time. If I was going to Hawaii by myself, then maybe.

At 5’10” and ~168 pounds, I can still fit comfortably in Economy seats. My wife and kids fit easily, too since they are much smaller. If we get to sit together in a row of four, or two and two, then even better. My economy seat effectively expands by 25%–50% when I can snuggle next to my loved ones.

Our flight had a 3-and-3 configuration, so I was the one who drew the short straw and sat next to strangers both ways. The flight down was fine, but on the way back, I sat beside a fidgety 14-year-old who kept bumping me and waving his arm in front of my face to point out the window. Still, no big deal. I typed up my free weekly newsletter on the short 70-minute flight.

When we landed, our first Uber kept delaying pickup, so I canceled and called a Lyft, which arrived in two minutes. It felt great not having to wait for an airport shuttle or hunt down our car in long-term parking. Time saved once again.

Still Doesn’t Feel Great Spending $5,000

The investor in me still winces thinking about spending $5,000 on pleasure instead of investing it in the S&P 500 or a venture fund for my kids. I can’t help but run the numbers:

• In 13 years, when my daughter heads to college, that $5,000 could’ve grown to $17,000 if invested in the S&P 500 earning a 10% annual return.
• In 10 years, when my son heads to college, that same $5,000 could’ve compounded to $31,000 if invested in Fundrise Venture earning 20% a year. I’ve invested about $200,000 earmarked for both kids so far, which means I’ve got another $150,000 to go to save them from AI.
• Or, it could’ve paid for a weeklong music or sports camp that builds lasting skills and confidence.

As an investor, there’s always a risk when spending money on something new. You never know if it’ll be worth it until afterward. Of course, investors can also lose money too. But since we all had such a great time in San Diego, I’m at peace with it.

FIRE Is All About Reducing Time Spent on Suboptimal Experiences

After writing about FIRE since 2009, this lesson feels full circle. The whole point of achieving financial independence is to free up our time – to do less of what we don’t enjoy and more of what we love. The more we dislike our jobs or feel that our work lacks purpose, the stronger our desire to FIRE naturally becomes. The same goes for if we’re more sensitive on time’s passing.

The key is to use money as a tool to buy back time, by saving and investing aggressively until we reach our Minimum Investment Threshold. Once we hit that point, work becomes more optional and life becomes more intentional.

Buying back time can mean skipping long lines, avoiding parking headaches, or simply cutting out the small annoyances that drain our energy. Because once time is gone, we can’t buy it back. Now that I’m a parent, the return on all the “sacrifices” I made in my 20s and 30s to build passive income feels absolutely worth it.

When it comes to FIRE, giving up active income by not working is essentially the same as spending money to save time. They’re two sides of the same coin. Accepting this reality makes it much easier to spend once you’re retired.

After all, what’s $5,000 when you’ve already given up earning $50,000, $100,000, $500,000, or even $1+ million a year because you no longer want to trade time for money? In that context, $5,000 is insignificant.

Final Thoughts on Spending for Time Freedom

Spending money doesn’t have to feel bad, as long as it’s purposeful. Spending to save time, create memories, or reduce stress is money well spent. Just be careful that extreme frugality doesn’t lead to lifestyle deflation. It’s an easy trap to fall into after a lifetime of saving diligently.

Given time is more valuable than money, spending money to save time is the logical thing to do. You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. The trick is finding the balance between the investor in you who wants compounding returns, and the human in you who wants to enjoy life while you can.

So, the next time you hesitate to spend on convenience or experience, ask yourself: Will this purchase help me reclaim time or create lasting joy? If the answer is yes, then it’s probably worth it.

Readers, what are your thoughts on spending more money to save time? What are things to spend money on that could rival or surpass the value of saving time?

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Kristin Cavallari proved she has the ultimate bikini-style as she showed off her stunning figure in a gorgeous two-piece.

The Honestly Cavallari star, 38, looked tanned and toned as she shared selfies via her Instagram on Thursday, July 3.

In the post, Cavallari shared snippets of a vacation she has been enjoying with her kids, Camden, 12, Jaxon, 10, and Saylor, 9, as well as her longtime friends Justin Anderson and Austin Rhodes.

“Vacation mode with this Motley Crue,” she captioned the post.

The crew appeared to be having a blast, with one photo in the post’s carousel showing the kids sliding down a waterslide while another showed the adults posing in front of a pool. Another image featured Cavallari posing in front of a Grill Shack.

Celebrity hairstylist Anderson also shared footage from their vacation via his own Instagram including a humorous video of the group walking into a beachside restaurant.

 “It’s like the sound of music but dysfunctional,” Anderson captioned the post, adding, “Kidz are fun.”

The Hills alum shares her three kids with retired NFL star Jay Cutler, who she was married to from 2013 to 2020.

The reality TV star and podcast host is no stranger to flaunting her figure on social media and she has also been open about her breast augmentation journey.

“Something in me was telling me to redo my boobs,” she said in a May episode of her “Let’s Be Honest” podcast. “Particularly the right one was not [sitting right].”

Cavallari added that when she ultimately saw a doctor, she learned it was because her implants had ruptured.

“I thought maybe gravity over time had taken hold, but it just wasn’t how I wanted it. It just wasn’t ideal,” she explained. “My intuition was saying, ‘Redo your boobs. Go get your boobs checked out. At least get a consultation.’ And I can’t tell you why, but something in me was telling me to do it.”

Cavallari got even more specific about her breast augmentation surgery in June, sharing more details, including which size she opted for, via her Instagram Story.

“I was 340 cc before now I’m 400,” Cavallari revealed. “Everyone thinks I went a lot bigger but I’ve just pushed them up a couple times since getting them done. This is the new set a few days ago and they fit my frame.”

A year earlier, Cavallari confessed via her Instagram Story in June 2024 that she decided to get a breast lift and implants after welcoming three children.

“I did both after breast feeding,” she wrote. “Everyone acting like I lied about it when I never got asked specifically about implants themselves. I said in an interview YEARS ago that I had a lift (which, to me, felt like I was revealing more than I actually needed to) but I never once denied implants, ever.”

July began with the final stretch of our time in Greece — slow days in Spetses followed by our last few nights at Amanzoe. This trip has been such a gift, filled with so many quiet moments I’ll carry with me for a long time. After weeks of being away, we’re heading into a month that feels full — full of motion, transitions, and the beginnings of a few exciting new projects.

What We’re Doing

• Finishing our last week in Greece at Amanzoe, wrapping up over three weeks away.
• Returning home briefly before heading to Harbour Island with the girls — their first time visiting. We’ll be staying at Bahama House, where Thomas and I have stayed twice before.
• Spending just one week at home between trips, which means a lot of unpacking, laundry, and repacking.
• Preparing for another trip in early August — this time to the West Coast for a family getaway.
• Starting several exciting new partnerships this month — early development on a few product collaborations set to launch next year. I’m so excited to begin and even more excited to share what’s coming.

What I’m Wearing

What I’m Buying

What I’m Eyeing

Aboard a private yacht charter, luxury is tailor-made for you by your experienced charter broker. Time slows, horizons widen, and every detail – from the chilled Champagne awaiting you after a swim to the candlelit table set on a private beach – is curated with precision and care.

While some travellers are drawn to remote frontiers and untamed adventures, others find true joy in simply being together, soaking up the sun and each other’s company. The world offers no shortage of glittering coastlines and remote archipelagos, but one region continues to capture the imagination of families across generations: the Western Mediterranean. With its deep-rooted history, sun-drenched charm, and effortless elegance, this iconic yachting destination continues to offer experiences that are both grounding and glamorous. From France’s Côte d’Azur to Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the wild beauty of Sardinia, every corner of the Western Med tells a story. More importantly, it invites you to write your own.

Moments that matter in Sardinia

A charter broker recently recounted a particularly moving experience that captured the true spirit of yachting in Sardinia. A multi-generational family had booked a private charter to celebrate their patriarch’s 80th birthday. “We arranged for them to spend an afternoon on a secluded beach,” she said. “No over-the-top parties, just simple pleasures—swimming, beach games, laughter, and a casual picnic under the sun. They told me afterward it was one of the best days they’d ever spent together as a family.”

This is Sardinia at its finest – uncomplicated yet unforgettable. It remains one of the Western Mediterranean’s most cherished destinations, as chic as it is soulful. The glitz of Porto Cervo and the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda draw superyachts and international regattas each summer, yet the island’s true essence lies in its quieter corners. Inland, rugged mountains offer spectacular hiking, while nature reserves protect some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine coastlines. And of course, Sardinian cuisine – rooted in tradition and full of flavour – adds another layer of richness to any visit. Sardinia invites you to slow down and appreciate life’s simple luxuries.

Romance with depth on the Amalfi Coast

To mark a milestone anniversary, one couple returned to Italy for their third charter—this time seeking something that would feel especially personal. They embarked in Amalfi, their days unfolding like scenes from a dream: exploring cliffside towns, wandering through artisan boutiques, and enjoying long, leisurely lunches on shaded terraces.

But the highlight was a surprise curated by their broker. “We arranged a private evening at a local villa on Capri,” she said. “Sunset cocktails, a bespoke tasting menu, and panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. They arrived by vintage convertible, with their yacht anchored elegantly in Marina Piccola below. Like a scene from a movie, but totally personal.”

Children will love the gelato, the cliffside lemon groves, and the open-deck movie nights on board. Meanwhile, parents and grandparents can indulge in spa treatments and join private wine tastings at centuries-old vineyards. The only limitation is your imagination … just ask your charter broker for inspiration. Add in an alfresco dinner aboard the yacht under a blanket of stars, and it’s easy to see why so many guests return to this region time and again.

Understated luxury on the Côte d’Azur

One family’s first foray into yachting began along the celebrated shores of the French Riviera. While excited to experience iconic ports like Saint-Tropez and Cannes, they were equally curious about uncovering quieter, more authentic moments. Their broker, a Riviera native, was more than ready to deliver.

“They anchored off Cap d’Ail and tendered ashore for a private tour of Èze,” she shared. “Their guide led them through the cobblestone alleys of the medieval village, culminating in a walk through the exotic botanical gardens. As the sun dipped behind the cliffs, they toasted with Champagne overlooking the sea.”

That evening, they dined at a discreet, hilltop restaurant beloved by locals, where the chef had prepared a bespoke tasting menu. “What struck them most wasn’t just the food, but how it felt like they were discovering something no one else knew about. That’s the magic of yachting – you get access to moments that feel completely yours.”

While the French Riviera is synonymous with glamour, it also offers quiet corners full of history and beauty. For those who appreciate refinement over flash, exploring by yacht allows you to move seamlessly between the two. Anchor beneath the cliffs of Èze, wander the art galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or enjoy a lazy lunch at a private beach club near Antibes. With your charter yacht always nearby, the Riviera becomes your playground – and your sanctuary.

Crafting unforgettable memories, one detail at a time

Luxury isn’t just about the trappings, although private chefs, Jacuzzis with sea views, and crewed tenders certainly help. It’s about feeling like every element of your vacation has been designed just for you. That’s the value of working with an expert charter broker. They don’t simply book a yacht – they listen, interpret, and translate your family’s dreams into unforgettable experiences. They know where to anchor for the best sunset, which beach club is worth the detour, and which restaurant will greet you by name.

Their destination knowledge isn’t just practical—it’s deeply personal, often built from years of firsthand experience. Whether it’s a surprise birthday party on a hidden beach or a last-minute reservation at a fully booked vineyard, they know how to make magic happen.

The season awaits

The Western Mediterranean continues to surprise, delight and deliver in equal measure, whether it’s your first time or your fifth, with a season typically unfolding from late spring through to early autumn. June brings warm, gentle breezes and fewer crowds – ideal for families with younger children. July and August sizzle with energy and festivity, drawing superyachts and summer glamour. While September and early October are beloved for their golden light, balmy evenings, and a slower pace that feels quietly indulgent.

Whether you’re drawn to easy-going, family-friendly sailing catamarans or opulent motor yachts outfitted with water toys and full spa facilities, there’s a yacht and an itinerary perfectly suited to your needs. And with your charter broker as your guide, all you need to do is step aboard, breathe in the sea air, and let the adventure unfold.