I was reading an online finance article - one of these Q&A types - and someone asked, "What is the best way to invest $5?"
The answer went on to discuss micro-business ideas (like a lemonade stand) and even buying a lottery ticket. I thought each was misguided.
The best way to invest $5? Take a friend to coffee. Send your mom a card. Get a great used book.
The "return" on an amount of money doesn't have to be only measured in terms of more money. We can also measure the investment of time and money by way of memories made, connections strengthened, and knowledge gained.
If your day were a bank account, how would you spend it?