Mark Cuban's First Big Purchase Shows the Kind of Mindset that Leads to Happiness
When Mark Cuban first became a millionaire, his friends all wanted to know what he was going to spend his hard-earned money on.
"I told them I wanted a lifetime pass on [American Airlines] so I could go anywhere anytime," Cuban told CNBC Make It.
This was in 1990, right after the sale of Cuban's first business, MicroSolutions. It was the business move that turned Cuban into a millionaire, and it came after seven years of hard work and no vacations, according to CNBC.
How much did an American Airlines lifetime pass cost back then? $600,000 including a companion ticket -- quite a steep price tag! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' CPI Inflation Calculator, this would be the equivalent of $1,175,293.56 today. (And just in case you were wondering, American Airlines stopped selling these passes in 1994.)
"I guessed/calculated that my predicted cost per mile would be 12 cents," he says. "That was a good deal to me. So I bought it," said Cuban.
Invest in experiences, not things
So besides the fact that the famous entrepreneur showed his business-savvy approach to life by calculating whether the splurge would be a cost-effective solution in the long run, the purchase was also representative of another kind of mindset: invest in experiences, not things.
Cuban used the pass to go on countless trips, taking advantage of his wealth to experience some of the best things that life has to offer: the ability to step out of our comfort zone and witness different cultures, landscapes, cities, as well as connect with people across the world in a way that opens our minds and broadens our horizons.
Forget instant gratification
Research has shown that spending money on experiences instead of material things results in greater feelings of well-being. It makes sense: We often acquire superfluous things because we think they will make us happier even though we don't actually need them, but the instant gratification is fleeting. On the other hand, we can reap the rewards of life experiences forever.
Having the instinct to use that first chance to really splurge on an experience shows that Cuban has a mindset geared towards the things that truly matter in life. So take a cue from him and think twice before you splurge!
Oh, and keep in mind that a splurge is, by definition, an act of spending money freely or extravagantly. It's not about spending money you don't have or prioritizing dumb purchases over saving and investing. (Cuban also knows a thing or two about these concepts.)
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.