My family of 4 went to Applebee's and spent $65. Our money would've gone further at several other chains.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Style
Author Terri Peters smiling in front of an Applebees at night
I went to Applebee's with my husband, son, and his girlfriend. Though our meal wasn't bad, we just weren't super impressed by the chain.

Terri Peters

My brother is 12 years older than I am, and he let me live with him after college. He's more of a father figure than a sibling.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author and his brother on a walk together.
The author, right, is 12 years younger than his brother.

Courtesy of Mick Jensen

My mom's ex-boyfriend and I are still in touch after 30 years. He paid off my student debt, we travel together, and I call him my 'second dad.'

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author and her mother's ex-boyfriend, Charles, in Scotland.
The author stayed close to her mother's ex-boyfriend.

Courtesy of Lauren Melnick

We tried Texas Roadhouse's $55 'family pack' deal. It was a wildly great value for the 4 of us.

Tech Insider : Business
Author Terri Peters smiling holding bag from Texas Roadhouse
My family was impressed by the food we ordered at Texas Roadhouse.

Terri Peters

My family of 4 moved to a small town to lower our cost of living. As our lifestyle slowed down, we got closer as a family.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
A family of four hiking in the mountains on a sunny day.
The author and his family (not pictured) moved for a lower cost of living but ended up spending more time together.

AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

My brother and I fight often because we live next door to each other. Everything changed when I introduced him to my partner.

Tech Insider : Business
Jamie Valentino and his brother
The author (left) used to fight with his brother (right) often.

Courtesy of Jamie Valentino

I almost got swept up in the excitement of throwing a birthday party for my 2-year-old. I'm so glad we skipped it.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her husband and son, in front of a lunch spread at a dining table.
The author decided not to have a large birthday party for her son and had family over for lunch instead.

Courtesy of Autumn Gavora

Growing up, I spent nearly every weekend with my grandmother. She made me see that I am smart and powerful.

Tech Insider : Business
The author on her wedding day with her grandmother.
TK

Courtesy of Leslie Mancillas.

I use my vacations to visit friends and family. My trips are easier, less expensive, and more meaningful.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her friend posing while on a hike in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado.
I love using my vacations to visit loved ones around the world.

Erin Greenawald

My sisters, mom, and I go to a new place every year in honor of my late dad's birthday. It's brought us closer together.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer, her mom, and her sisters on a Pink Jeep tour in Sedona.
caption TK

Danielle Bauter

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