Who can deny that one of Dad’s favorite activities is saving money? Your dad, my dad, the kids’ dad… it doesn’t matter — most of these guys really get jazzed about saving a buck or two. Any dad will tell you, too, that the surest way to save money is to take care of the stuff you already have. That way, you don’t have to shell out any dough to replace any stuff until it absolutely falls apart.
Enter my husband, who happens to be a dad, too. He’ll do anything to avoid replacing what he feels is still functional. His work boots are falling apart, but to him, “they have character.” His weed whacker is held together with duct tape and spit, and he argues for its extended life by telling me — “hey, it still works!” Luckily, the more expensive the tool, the better he cares for it. The lawn tractor is a good example.
After each use, my husband wipes down his prized lawn tractor with a towel and checks the oil and gas levels. He then makes sure to cover it with a
protective lawn tractor cover to keep dirt and dust from settling on any of the tractor’s surfaces and components. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sings it a gentle lullaby before tucking it away under its protective cover.
I may tease him, but I have to admit that all the care he puts into maintaining the lawn tractor, as well as our vehicles and other more expensive possessions, pays off when I see how much that extra care and attention prolongs their lives and saves us significant amounts of money over time. So, thanks to my husband, and thanks to all dads out there who do their darndest to save their families a buck. Happy Father’s Day!
