While growing up, my dad took me and my two sisters on a family vacation. At the beginning of the trip he handed us each $100 and told us we were free to spend the money as desired, but first we had to treat the family to a single meal.

I went first with a pizza lunch. When the waiter asked what we all wanted to drink, those $2 pops suddenly had a very real impact on my bottom line. Water would be fine for everyone!

My youngest sister opted for bagels the next morning, but it took a bit of convincing to get her to spring for cream cheese!

The other sister, being the sweetheart she is, sprang for a real meal and didn't give us too much grief.

Now we all look back and laugh at the experience, but it certainly had a very real impact in the value we place on a dollar.