Is It Really Priceless?

No matter what MasterCard executives want you to believe, those scenarios presented in their television advertisements are not priceless; in fact, they're quite expensive. The ads ask an array of appraisal questions all ending with the same answer - priceless. A dozen roses? Priceless. A seven course meal in a fine restaurant? Priceless. A night out with spouse? Priceless. I have a better question: who's believing that an $11 dessert of chocolate covered jalapenos is priceless? The person who isn't opening the bill at the end of the month, that's who.

Everything Has It's Price

The goal of these advertisements is to convince viewers that price is not a question. If you really want something, if it brings you great joy, then it's priceless. The problem is that this type of thinking causes many people to smother in a mountain of debt. Paying your mortgage on time? Priceless.

While that moment is worth treasuring, the bill for it is not. Imagine having a dozen "priceless" moments in one month. Can you afford a few extra hundred dollars a month?

Find What's Really Priceless

There has to be a limit to your "priceless moments." Yes, it's a precious moment to watch your child run across the calm waves on a Caribbean beach, but it's equally as precious to listen to his laughter as you play a board game together at the kitchen table. Yesterday at a Halloween parade, a piece of candy thrown from a float bonked me on the head and fell directly into my son's goody bag. Now that was priceless - literally.

There are many truly priceless moments that can be found. Visa isn't accepted at any of them.

• Watching the sun set - priceless.
• Dancing to those old records - priceless.
• Building a snowman - priceless.
• Looking at family photos together - priceless.
• Decorating for a holiday celebration - priceless.
• Helping others - priceless.
• Eating a simple meal at the table - priceless.
• Sleeping in on a weekend - priceless.
• Realizing your retirement dream because you saved your money wisely and avoided debt - priceless.